GRE or GMAT for Studying Abroad? A Full Comparison and Quick Guide

When preparing to apply to schools, many students hesitate over whether to take the GMAT or the GRE, especially when the goal is to study abroad and apply to business schools or graduate programs in English-speaking countries.

Here, the Boss Lady has gathered official information, YouTube videos and discussions from overseas study-abroad forums to compare the two tests for you, so you can find the choice that suits you best!

Before you start, you can first sort out the following 5 points

1. List the requirements of the schools you're applying to: Which test do your schools accept, the GMAT or the GRE? Some schools take either, but some may lean toward one, and that directly affects how you prepare.

2. Do your schools require a writing score? Are you good at writing in English? In the application process, some schools care a lot about writing ability, especially for students aiming at top MBA programs. Students focused on studying abroad should also keep this in mind, since both the TOEFL and IELTS test writing.

3. Are you sure about the field you're applying to? If you're still unsure about your target field or are choosing among several, the GRE may be the better choice, because it's accepted in a wider range of fields: not just business schools but also STEM, the humanities and more.

4. How are your math and calculation skills? The GMAT's quantitative section is relatively hard; if you're not very confident in math, you may find it challenging to prepare for. GRE math is more basic.

5. Big vocabulary or strong logical reasoning? The GRE demands a larger vocabulary, with more difficult words to master. The GMAT leans toward testing logical reasoning; if you're better at analytical reasoning, consider the GMAT.

GRE vs. GMAT: which fields and programs they suit

• GRE: More than 1,300 well-known business schools worldwide now accept the GRE, so besides STEM and the humanities, it also works for business school, law and other master's and doctoral degrees as well as MBA programs. For students preparing to study abroad, the GRE is more widely applicable. If you're aiming at graduate programs in different fields, the GRE gives you more flexibility.

• GMAT: Mainly for business school graduate programs, MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs and the like. The GMAT is mainly seen as one of the standards for business school admission, so if you're clearly applying to graduate programs in business, the GMAT is the better choice.

GRE vs. GMAT: test content compared

Other comparisons:

School selection and application advice

On points 1, 2 and 3 of the self-check: if the schools you want accept both the GRE and the GMAT, note that if you submit the GMAT, some schools may require an additional writing assessment (such as Harvard Business School).

If you're applying to business school, the GMAT is usually the more common choice; if you haven't settled on a direction yet, or want to apply in different fields at the same time, the GRE is more flexible.

Your abilities and choosing a test

• Math and calculation: GRE math is easier than the GMAT's and lets you use an on-screen calculator, which is friendlier for students weaker in math or calculation.

• Vocabulary and logical reasoning: The GRE demands a large vocabulary and suits students who are good at learning words. The GMAT leans more toward testing logical reasoning, so test takers can choose the test that best fits their strengths.

Prep advice: if you choose the GRE, how do you prepare effectively?

If you chose the GRE after comparing, here are some prep tips. They also apply to students preparing for the TOEFL, IELTS or other study-abroad tests.

1. Manage your time well; have a guessing strategy

   • The GRE has no penalty for wrong answers, so when you're unsure, you can use guessing techniques and flag the question to review later. Test takers can also use this to reduce stress, especially when answering quickly under time limits.

2. Practice under conditions as realistic as possible

   • Realistic practice is what the Boss Lady stresses most! Treat every practice session like the real test. It not only gets you used to the rhythm of the actual exam but also helps you stay focused at home and avoid distractions.

   • Beyond the GRE, the same goes for language tests like the TOEFL and IELTS. Make full use of mock test platforms, such as the official ETS GRE POWERPREP Online prep platform; these are all great prep tools.

Official GRE POWERPREP:

https://www.ets.org/gre/test-takers/general-test/prepare/powerprep.html

3. Don't rely too much on the calculator

   • Although the GRE quantitative section allows a calculator, if a problem can be solved in your head, it's better not to lean on the calculator too much. This builds your calculation skills and also saves time on the test. When preparing for the TOEFL and IELTS, time management is also crucial.

When preparing your study-abroad applications, choosing a test is a very important step. As for choosing the GRE or the GMAT, first find out what your target schools and programs require, then choose based on your abilities and strengths.

• Business school and MBA: The GMAT is usually the preferred choice. If you're set on an MBA or the business field, the GMAT will help you better show your abilities.

• Applying across fields: If your applications span several directions, or you're not fully decided yet, you can choose the GRE, because it applies to a wider range of programs and schools.

• How to prepare: For test takers, whether it's the GRE, TOEFL or IELTS, realistic practice and making good use of tools and resources are the keys to success.

YouTube videos referenced in this post

1. 5 things I wish I knew before studying for the GMAT Focus Exam Cameron Galbraith

https://reurl.cc/eyrL7W

2. 我適合考GMAT還是 GRE? 資深家教完整解析！哪個簡單？ 哪個出分快一次看懂｜Candice 先生 (Should I take the GMAT or GRE? A veteran tutor explains: which is easier, which gets scores faster)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwE7b-wFdws&t=2s

3. 2024 GRE vs GMAT Guide From a Wharton MBA Grad!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWgqHKdt0XY

4. GRE vs. GMAT: Which is Right For You? [2024 Edition]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uc3EnFoZk8

5. Should you take the GRE or GMAT?🤔 @MagooshGRE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy3yJgpzhNc

Websites referenced in this post:

1. GRE vs GMAT 比較整理：申請國外研究所要考GRE還是GMAT？洋碩美語 (GRE vs. GMAT compared: which should you take for graduate school abroad?)

https://www.ynso.com.tw/newExam/inside?str=204E9E7811B38CC25B92F75EAD4FD522

2. Prepare for the GRE General Test – ETS

https://www.ets.org/gre/test-takers/general-test/prepare.html

3. Top 8 GRE Tips to Ace the GRE – Kaplan Test Prep

https://www.kaptest.com/study/gre/top-8-tips-to-ace-the-gre/

4. 珍奶闆娘 IELTS and TOEFL resource pack

https://lightenglish666.com/%E7%95%99%E5%AD%B8%E8%80%83-gre-%E9%82%84%E6%98%AF-gmat-%E7%95%99%E5%AD%B8%E8%80%83%E8%A9%A6%E5%85%A8%E6%96%B9%E9%9D%A2%E6%AF%94%E8%BC%83%E5%8F%8A%E5%82%99%E8%80%83%E6%87%B6%E4%BA%BA%E5%8C%85/