Is the GMAT Harder than the GRE?

It's difficult to say whether the GMAT or GRE is harder since they are designed to measure different skills and have different formats. However, there are some key differences between the two tests that may make one more challenging than the other for some test-takers.

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized test that is used for admissions to business schools. It is designed to measure analytical writing and problem-solving abilities, as well as data analysis and critical reasoning skills. 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.

The GRE is used for a much wider array of graduate programs

On the other hand, the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test that is used for admissions to a wide range of graduate programs, including business schools, law schools, and other advanced degree programs. It is designed to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. The test is divided into six sections: two verbal reasoning sections, two quantitative reasoning sections, one analytical writing section, and one experimental or research section. The total test time is three hours and 45 minutes.

One key difference between the GMAT and GRE is the type of questions asked. The GMAT is known for its challenging quantitative section, which includes data sufficiency questions that require test-takers to determine whether the given information is sufficient to answer a problem. The verbal section also includes difficult questions that require critical reasoning and reading comprehension skills. In contrast, the GRE places more emphasis on vocabulary and reading comprehension, with a greater number of questions focused on verbal reasoning.

Another difference is the scoring system. The GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800, while the GRE score ranges from 130 to 170 for both verbal and quantitative sections. The GRE also includes a score for the analytical writing section, which ranges from 0 to 6. However, both tests use adaptive testing, meaning that the difficulty of the questions will adjust based on the test-taker's performance.

Is the GMAT Harder than the GRE? Conclusion

Ultimately, whether the GMAT or GRE is harder will depend on the individual test-taker's strengths and weaknesses. Some may find the GMAT more challenging due to its emphasis on quantitative reasoning, while others may struggle with the GRE's focus on vocabulary and reading comprehension. It's important to do your research and take practice tests for both exams to determine which one is the best fit for your skills and goals. It can also be extremely helpful to work with a GRE or GMAT tutor. 

In summary, both the GMAT and GRE are challenging standardized tests that require significant preparation and dedication to achieve a high score. While there are differences between the two exams, both are designed to measure skills that are essential for success in graduate-level studies. Ultimately, the decision of which test to take will depend on the specific requirements of the programs you are applying to, as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses.

Looking for More Info about the GMAT?

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.  We should also note that GMAC.org is launching a new version of the GMAT called GMAT Focus. This new version of the GMAT will have a different scoring scale, will be shorter, and will remove some questions and concepts, while placing more emphasis on others.

If you are looking for more excellent videos on key GMAT concepts and GMAT test-taking strategies, along with hundreds of practice questions, consider the self-paced GMAT prep course we built with Analyst Prep.