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Is the Executive Assessment Exam Easier Than the GMAT?

The Executive Assessment exam is a relatively new standardized test that is designed specifically for Executive MBA (EMBA) programs. It is shorter in length and has fewer questions than the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), but whether it is easier or harder depends on various factors.

The Executive Assessment exam is designed to measure the same skills as the GMAT, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, and communication. However, it is specifically tailored for working professionals with significant work experience, who may not have recently taken a standardized test. The test is divided into three sections: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The total test time is 90 minutes.

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In contrast, the GMAT is designed for students applying to a wide range of graduate management programs, including MBA programs. The test is divided into four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal. The total test time is three and a half hours. Because they lack the real-life experience required for the Executive Assessment exam, students taking the GMAT would be well advised to consider hiring a GMAT tutor to optimize their performance. 

One key difference between the Executive Assessment and GMAT is the number of questions on the exam. The Executive Assessment has 40 questions, while the GMAT has over 90 questions. Additionally, the Executive Assessment has fewer question types, with the majority of the questions being multiple-choice. This means that the Executive Assessment may be less time-consuming and more straightforward for test-takers.

 

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Another difference is the scoring system. The Executive Assessment score ranges from 100 to 200, while the GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800. However, both tests use adaptive testing, meaning that the difficulty of the questions will adjust based on the test-taker’s performance.

It's important to note that the Executive Assessment is designed for a specific group of test-takers, namely experienced professionals who are pursuing an EMBA program. The test is designed to measure skills that are relevant to the EMBA curriculum and to the needs of working professionals. As such, the Executive Assessment may be a better fit for some test-takers than the GMAT, especially those who have significant work experience and may not have recently taken a standardized test. If necessary, an Executive Assessment tutor can help you improve your score.

However, it's important to remember that the difficulty of a test is subjective and varies based on individual strengths and weaknesses. The Executive Assessment may be easier or harder for different test-takers depending on their skill set and level of preparation. It's important for test-takers to thoroughly research and prepare for the exam that is required for their specific program, whether it is the Executive Assessment, the GMAT, or another standardized test.

In summary, the Executive Assessment and GMAT are both standardized tests that measure skills relevant to graduate management programs. While the Executive Assessment may be shorter and have fewer questions than the GMAT, whether it is easier or harder depends on individual strengths and weaknesses. With this in mind, it's important to research and prepare for the exam that is required for your specific program and to develop a study plan that addresses your individual needs. 

For further information about MyGuru's proven GMAT tutoring approach, visit the GMAT prep page on our website. To learn more about the GMAT and grad school admissions in general, visit our GMAT admissions blog. 

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