A Lot of advice, a plethora of options, and a sea of probabilities can burn your brain. Each one you come across; let it be relatives, friends, or neighbors, will have something to tell you.

The same thing occurs many times. Aspirants considering GMAT or GRE fall into the whirlpool of the dilemma when unasked guidance fills his or her thoughts. All the statements are based on those people’s perspectives. It may not be suitable for you.  

Don’t become the scapegoat depending on someone else’s presumptions!

‘Yes, I know. But, I don’t know which one to choose, GMAT or GRE.’

If this is your concern, then this article would be of great help to you. The detailed article elaborating the key difference between GMAT and GRE, as well as, career opportunities post successful completion would be useful.

What is the GRE or Graduate Record Examination?

GRE is a common test conducted by ETS or Educational Testing Services to evaluate the candidates for admission for graduation, master graduation courses, and entry to business schools. The generic nature is the basic difference between GRE and GMAT. You would understand it better when we discuss the key differences further. The grades scored in the GRE exam will decide whether you are eligible for admission or not. The average scoring scale in GRE is 300 to 340.

What is GMAT or Graduate Management Admission Test?

GMAT is a definite exam focussed on admission to international business schools. No, the test doesn’t offer admission to either graduation or master graduation courses. Graduate Management Admission Council is the body that conducts GMAT. The average scoring for admission to international business schools is 650 to 690.

Key Differences – GRE v/s GMAT

You may be surprised to know that both the examinations have similar subjects. GRE consists of Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Whereas, GMAT has Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Integrated Reasoning. Yes, GMAT has one additional segment, Integrated Reasoning. Nonetheless, that is not the only difference, the pattern of questions and hence intended objectives are different.

Let’s see the differences one by one.

Quantitative Reasoning – The basic difference between GRE and GMAT in this subject is that candidates are allowed to use a calculator for GRE, but it is not allowed in GMAT.

Questions in Quantitative Reasoning of GRE would focus on the analytical aptitude of students. They would be asked to use the given formulae and implement analytical skills to arrive at the answer.

GMAT QR questions would determine the capability of students in the application of formulae in the given problems. The speed, accuracy, and mathematical acumen of the student would be assessed in this case.

Verbal Reasoning – The difficulty level of Verbal Reasoning in GRE and GMAT would depend on the language proficiency of students. Therefore, you cannot form a common opinion in this regard.

Verbal Reasoning in GRE would necessitate the candidate to have strong word power or vocabulary. It might turn difficult for the student who is weak in this field. On the other hand, the GMAT intends to evaluate grammatical knowledge. Hence, the test has more grammar-based questions. 

What are the Career Opportunities of GRE and GMAT?

To put it straight, both GRE and GMAT offer great career opportunities. An excellent score in GMAT and GRE will help you in gaining admission to the best business school or the graduation/ master graduation program at an elite institution.

Nonetheless, the GMAT is more advisable if you aim to pursue a career in business. The GMAT exam has been designed to assess and identify aspirants with business skills. Therefore, the candidates pose a better possibility of jobs in the business management sector.

GRE is basically to examine the students to admit them to graduation and master graduation programs at top educational institutions. Since it is not solely for business management, the career opportunities for the same are different.  The students are on the right path if they achieve exceptional grades during the GRE and subsequent graduation or master graduation program. The job opportunities are also very high.

The Brief

GRE and GMAT possess several key differences. You may talk to our expert counselors for further guidance on the tests and choose the one that suits you.