What Is the Difference in GMAT vs GRE Difficulty?

What Is the Difference in GMAT vs GRE Difficulty?

The GMAT and GRE tests each challenge different strengths. The GMAT focuses more on problem-solving and data interpretation, while the GRE emphasizes vocabulary and analytical writing. If you’re stronger in reasoning and analytical skills, the GMAT may suit you better. For those with a solid command of vocabulary and broader academic interests, the GRE could be the way to go. Read on to discover more about each exam’s structure and strategies.

What Is the GMAT?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam used primarily for admission to graduate business programs. It aims to evaluate analytical writing, quantitative, verbal, and integrated reasoning skills—abilities considered essential for success in business school and beyond. Generally, the GMAT attracts those aspiring to pursue an MBA or other related business degrees.

GMAT Format

The GMAT consists of four main sections:

• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): This section requires you to analyze an argument and articulate your thoughts in a coherent essay. The time limit is 30 minutes.
• Integrated Reasoning (IR): You will tackle 12 questions in 30 minutes, focusing on data interpretation and synthesis skills.
• Quantitative Reasoning: In 62 minutes, you’ll solve 31 questions, including problem-solving and data sufficiency. It’s important to note that calculators are not allowed.
• Verbal Reasoning: This section includes 36 questions to be completed in 65 minutes. It covers reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.

The GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800, with quant and verbal sections contributing heavily to the total score. Analytical writing is scored separately.

What Is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test used for admission to various graduate programs, including arts, sciences, and some business schools. The GRE evaluates analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning.

GRE Format

The GRE consists of five sections:

1. Analytical Writing: You must write two essays: one that constructs an argument and another that analyzes an issue. Each essay has a 30-minute time limit.
2. Verbal Reasoning (Two Sections): Each verbal section contains 20 questions to be completed in 30 minutes. These sections test reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence.
3. Quantitative Reasoning (Two Sections): Each quant section has 20 questions to be solved in 35 minutes. Unlike the GMAT, the GRE allows the use of a calculator.

GRE Scoring

The GRE scores range from 130 to 170 for both verbal and quantitative sections, in 1-point increments. Analytical writing is scored on a scale from 0 to 6, in half-point increments.

Structure and Content Differences

Section Breakdown

Both exams test similar skills but differ significantly in their structure and focus.

• GMAT:
  • Quantitative Reasoning consists of problem-solving and data sufficiency questions, without the use of a calculator.
  • Verbal Reasoning emphasizes critical reasoning and grammar corrections in addition to reading comprehension.
• GRE:
  • Quantitative Reasoning includes quantitative comparison, problem-solving, and data interpretation, allowing calculator use.
  • Verbal Reasoning relies heavily on vocabulary, with sections on text completion and sentence equivalence.

Exam Style

The GMAT follows an adaptive format, meaning the difficulty level of questions adjusts based on your performance as you progress through the exam. Conversely, the GRE allows you to skip and return to questions within each section, offering more flexibility.

Quantitative Section Comparison

GMAT Quantitative Section

The GMAT Quant section focuses on problem-solving and data sufficiency questions. The absence of a calculator means you must rely on your math skills and quick thinking. It requires a deep understanding of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Data sufficiency questions test your ability to analyze data and determine whether you have enough information to solve a problem.

GRE Quantitative Section

The GRE Quant section is generally perceived as less challenging than the GMAT’s. It includes quantitative comparison questions that ask you to determine the relationship between two quantities. The data interpretation questions often come with charts and graphs, making the use of a calculator helpful. The GRE also tests concepts in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis but at a slightly less intensive level.

Difficulty Level

Many test-takers find the GMAT Quantitative section more difficult. This perception arises because the GMAT assesses deeper problem-solving abilities and doesn’t allow the use of a calculator, which can be a relief during the GRE’s challenging questions. If math is not your strong suit, the GRE’s approach can make quantitative section preparation and execution somewhat easier.

Verbal Section Comparison

GMAT Verbal Section

The GMAT Verbal section measures your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction skills. It focuses heavily on reasoning and the logic behind arguments. Reading comprehension questions evaluate your ability to understand and analyze written material. Critical reasoning questions test your skill in making and evaluating arguments. Sentence correction questions assess your knowledge of grammar and common usage errors.

GRE Verbal Section

The GRE Verbal section places a significant emphasis on vocabulary, which can be daunting for non-native English speakers. Text completion and sentence equivalence questions challenge you to fill in blanks with appropriate words that fit the context. Reading comprehension questions are also a staple of the GRE and resemble those on the GMAT, focusing on understanding and analyzing passages.

Which Is Harder?

Determining which exam’s verbal section is harder depends on your strengths. If you have a strong grasp of advanced English vocabulary, you might find the GRE more manageable. However, if you excel in logical reasoning and grammar, the GMAT may be easier for you. Both sections test comprehension and analytical skills but cater to different academic proficiencies.

Analytical Writing and Critical Thinking

GMAT Analytical Writing

The GMAT’s Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section consists of a single task: analyze an argument. You have 30 minutes to evaluate a given argument and write an essay critiquing the logical soundness of the author’s claims. This section tests your ability to create coherent, persuasive essays that effectively communicate critical thinking skills.

Key Points:

• Argument analysis: The task involves breaking down the argument’s premises and evaluating its strengths and weaknesses.
• Clear articulation: Your response should clearly articulate your points and demonstrate a structured approach to criticism.
• Evaluation criteria: Essays are scored based on reasoning, organization, and language proficiency.

GRE Analytical Writing

The GRE includes two tasks in its Analytical Writing section: analyze an issue and analyze an argument. Each task gives you 30 minutes to respond, making the total time for this section 60 minutes.

Key Points:

• Issue task: You must analyze a topic of general interest and construct a well-reasoned argument in support of your perspective.
• Argument task: Similar to the GMAT, this task involves evaluating the logic of a given argument.
• Comprehensive evaluation: GRE assesses both your ability to make logical claims and critique existing arguments (source).

Comparing Analytical Writing

• GMAT focuses on critiquing arguments, which aligns well with evaluating business-related scenarios.
• GRE offers a broader assessment by evaluating your capability to construct and critique arguments on diverse topics.
• Overall, the GRE’s dual-task format makes its analytical writing section slightly more challenging than GMAT for those who are less versatile in writing.

Scoring Systems

GMAT Scoring System

The GMAT scoring range is between 200 and 800. This composite score includes contributions from the quantitative and verbal sections. The Analytical Writing Assessment and Integrated Reasoning sections are scored separately:

• AWA score: Ranges from 0 to 6 in half-point increments.
• Quant and Verbal scores: These scores combine for a total score between 200 and 800.
• Integrated Reasoning: Scored from 1 to 8.

GRE Scoring System

The GRE offers a different approach, with scores for each of its primary sections:

• Quantitative Reasoning: Scores between 130 and 170 in 1-point increments.
• Verbal Reasoning: Scores between 130 and 170 in 1-point increments.
• Analytical Writing: Scores from 0 to 6 in half-point increments (source).

Which Is More Predictive?

The GMAT’s scoring system provides a focused assessment of your readiness for business school, given its in-depth evaluation of quantitative and verbal reasoning tailored for business contexts. On the other hand, the GRE’s scoring system is broader and more versatile, allowing it to be accepted by a wider range of graduate programs.

Test-Taking Strategies

GMAT Strategies

Taking the GMAT requires a targeted approach:

• Focus on weak areas: Identify and concentrate on improving areas where you are weakest.
• Time management: The GMAT doesn’t allow you to skip questions, so practice pacing to ensure you can complete each section.
• Practice problem types: Regular practice with the question types used on the GMAT helps you become familiar with the exam format (source).

GRE Strategies

For the GRE, you have more flexibility:

• Utilize the ability to skip and return: This allows you to tackle easier questions first and return to more challenging ones.
• Enhance your vocabulary: Given the GRE’s emphasis on vocab, especially in the verbal section, investing time in improving your vocabulary can significantly improve your scores.
• Use the on-screen calculator: Make strategic use of the GRE’s calculator for quantitative questions, especially data interpretation.

General Tips

Both exams benefit from general test-taking strategies:

• Simulate test conditions: Practice taking full-length exams under realistic conditions to build stamina and better understand timing.
• Review thoroughly: After practice tests, review your mistakes to understand areas that need improvement.
• Manage stress: Developing stress management techniques like deep breathing can help you stay calm during the exam.

Which Exam Should You Take?

Considering Career Goals

Your career goals significantly influence which exam to choose:

• For business-focused careers: The GMAT is often favored by business schools and can demonstrate a focused commitment to pursuing a business degree.
• For a broader range of programs: The GRE is more versatile, accepted by a variety of graduate programs, and can open doors to both business and non-business graduate opportunities (source).

Personal Strengths and Weaknesses

Assessing your own academic strengths and preferences helps:

• Quantitative adeptness: If you excel in quantitative reasoning and problem-solving, the GMAT’s emphasis on these skills might be advantageous.
• Vocabulary and writing: Strong verbal skills and a good command of analytical writing may make the GRE a better fit for you.

School Requirements

Lastly, research the specific requirements of the programs you’re interested in:

• GMAT-preferred programs: While many business schools accept both exams, some have a preference for the GMAT, making it the better choice if these are your target schools.
• GRE-accepted programs: If you are considering a variety of graduate programs, the GRE’s acceptance across multiple disciplines might be more beneficial (source).

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: The GMAT Is Always Harder

Some believe the GMAT is universally harder, but difficulty is subjective and varies based on your skillset:

• Quantitative focus: If you find quantitative problem-solving challenging, the GMAT might seem harder.
• Verbal focus: If verbal reasoning and vocabulary are more difficult for you, you might find the GRE tougher.

Misconception: Only Business Schools Accept the GMAT

While it’s true that the GMAT is designed for business programs, many institutions now accept the GRE as well:

• GRE acceptance: Many business schools accept the GRE, allowing applicants the flexibility to choose based on their exam preferences.
• GMAT preference: Nonetheless, some competitive programs still exhibit a preference for GMAT scores, so it’s important to check each school’s specific requirements (source).

Misconception: Either Exam Guarantees Admission

Neither exam score guarantees admission:

• Holistic review: Both exams are only one part of a holistic admissions process that considers your whole profile, including work experience, academic records, and personal statements.
• Balanced preparation: Preparing for these exams is important, but balancing it with strengthening your overall application will yield the best results.

Conclusion

You’ve now gained a detailed comparison of the GMAT vs GRE difficulty. Whether the GMAT or GRE is the right choice depends on your personal strengths, career goals, and the specific requirements of your target programs. Well-informed, strategic preparation will enable you to perform at your best on either exam.