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GMAT FE or GRE?

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ariyanakhan
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At Crossroads About Whether I Should Take the GMAT or the GRE 19 Apr 2024, 13:36
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I took cold official mocks for both the GMAT and the GRE. Score breakdown is as follows: 
  • GMAT FE - 515 (Q83, V79, DI 65) 
  • GRE - 310 (Q158, V152)
I plan to apply for MiM/MiF programs for 2025 fall intake, hence looking to take the GMAT by July/August. I started preparing for the GMAT back in September last year (scored 590 in a mock of the classic GMAT). However, I couldn't study consistently since starting a new role in November last year. I resumed my prep just this month again. However, my GMAT score has me very disappointed. My target score is 685+ and I am afraid I may not have this target score by the time is application season. Additionally, I found the GRE to be slightly easier compared to GMAT. I did not struggle with time as much as I do with the GMAT. I have been using TTP to prepare. 
 
I have a 3.39/4.0 undergraduate CGPA (Econ major; math minor). I feel my academic performance is not the most competitive in light of my target schools. Hence, I figured a strong GMAT / GRE score is paramount in my situation.
  • As such, would it be wise to switch to the GRE, considering GMAT is more catered towards business school applications?
  • Between going from 515 to 685+ on GMAT FE and 310 to 330+ on GRE, which would you say is more realistically attainable, given I have roughly three months to prepare?


 
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At Crossroads About Whether I Should Take the GMAT or the GRE 30 Apr 2024, 03:07
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ariyanakhan
I took cold official mocks for both the GMAT and the GRE. Score breakdown is as follows: 


  • GMAT FE - 515 (Q83, V79, DI 65) 
  • GRE - 310 (Q158, V152)
I plan to apply for MiM/MiF programs for 2025 fall intake, hence looking to take the GMAT by July/August. I started preparing for the GMAT back in September last year (scored 590 in a mock of the classic GMAT). However, I couldn't study consistently since starting a new role in November last year. I resumed my prep just this month again. However, my GMAT score has me very disappointed. My target score is 685+ and I am afraid I may not have this target score by the time is application season. Additionally, I found the GRE to be slightly easier compared to GMAT. I did not struggle with time as much as I do with the GMAT. I have been using TTP to prepare. 
 
I have a 3.39/4.0 undergraduate CGPA (Econ major; math minor). I feel my academic performance is not the most competitive in light of my target schools. Hence, I figured a strong GMAT / GRE score is paramount in my situation.


  • As such, would it be wise to switch to the GRE, considering GMAT is more catered towards business school applications?
  • Between going from 515 to 685+ on GMAT FE and 310 to 330+ on GRE, which would you say is more realistically attainable, given I have roughly three months to prepare?




 
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­ariyanakhan
based on my previous clients' references, it is relatively easier to go from 310 to 330 on the GRE than it is to improve by more than 100 points on the GMAT in a single attempt (although I myself had a 150+ point jump on the GMAT in a single self-study attempt a few years ago). If you feel GRE is a better fit for you, focus on that and identify the areas that need the most attention. If you vacillate between the two any longer than you do now, you may not perform at your best.
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At Crossroads About Whether I Should Take the GMAT or the GRE 30 Apr 2024, 22:06
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ariyanakhan
I took cold official mocks for both the GMAT and the GRE. Score breakdown is as follows: 

  • GMAT FE - 515 (Q83, V79, DI 65) 
  • GRE - 310 (Q158, V152)
I plan to apply for MiM/MiF programs for 2025 fall intake, hence looking to take the GMAT by July/August. I started preparing for the GMAT back in September last year (scored 590 in a mock of the classic GMAT). However, I couldn't study consistently since starting a new role in November last year. I resumed my prep just this month again. However, my GMAT score has me very disappointed. My target score is 685+ and I am afraid I may not have this target score by the time is application season. Additionally, I found the GRE to be slightly easier compared to GMAT. I did not struggle with time as much as I do with the GMAT. I have been using TTP to prepare. 
 
I have a 3.39/4.0 undergraduate CGPA (Econ major; math minor). I feel my academic performance is not the most competitive in light of my target schools. Hence, I figured a strong GMAT / GRE score is paramount in my situation.

  • As such, would it be wise to switch to the GRE, considering GMAT is more catered towards business school applications?
  • Between going from 515 to 685+ on GMAT FE and 310 to 330+ on GRE, which would you say is more realistically attainable, given I have roughly three months to prepare?



 
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­Hi! Well it's easy, if you find GRE easier then gun for a 330+ on GRE. Most schools accept GRE and a GRE of 330+ will be considered in the same league of 685+ or 695+ on GMAT. While you are using TTP, I hope you are using official guides as well. I have seen a lot of aspirants skipping OG and then getting stuck towards the end. Hence, make OG your priority and I guess you will do well.

Also, keep taking official mocks to ensure that your preparation is aligned with your target score. A common thing I have seen with most aspirants is that they don't work on building a test-taking strategy and executing, eventually running short of time on the exam or skipping questions (leading to a lower score).

Keep these things in mind and you will be set for a high score. Feel free to reach out if you want to discuss in detail.

PS: People have improved GMAT score from 515 to 685+ within a span of 3 months (but if you are more comfortable with GRE then go with GRE).
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At Crossroads About Whether I Should Take the GMAT or the GRE 01 May 2024, 11:13
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The simple answer to your dilemma is that if you have a strong profile and the GMAT /GRE Is just a gate you need to pass and have a pass fail score type thing, then you can take the GRE.

However, if you are counting on your test score to push your profile further and make you stronger, you need a high GMAT score.

I’m not sure that this makes your journey easier but hopefully provides a clear answer.

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At Crossroads About Whether I Should Take the GMAT or the GRE 30 Sep 2025, 17:21
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The simple answer to your dilemma is that if you have a strong profile and the GMAT /GRE Is just a gate you need to pass and have a pass fail score type thing, then you can take the GRE.

However, if you are counting on your test score to push your profile further and make you stronger, you need a high GMAT score.

I’m not sure that this makes your journey easier but hopefully provides a clear answer.

Posted from my mobile device
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Can you elaborate more on why a high
GMAT score is better than a high GRE score to make a weak profile stronger?
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At Crossroads About Whether I Should Take the GMAT or the GRE 30 Sep 2025, 17:26
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Good question.

Primarily, business schools still consider GMAT as the toughest test and a greater predictor of ones fit for success in business school.

GRE was introduced to expand the number of applicants and make it easier for applicants to get into business school. Also, I’ve seen many cases where people struggle to get over 600 on the gym and scored 330 on the GRE - the test test different things and the quantitative portion is frankly much easier.

Schools know this so they continue to maintain GMAT, at least for now as the bragging rights, simply because there are plenty of high GRE applicants, which means it’s not a great data point. It’s nice that you have a high score but that doesn’t carry as much weight if it was the GMAT score.

That’s the best explanation I can think of definitely not the definitive one or ultimate by any means. This is primarily basin observations so don’t feel obligated to take it as absolute.
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At Crossroads About Whether I Should Take the GMAT or the GRE 30 Sep 2025, 17:45
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Good question.

Primarily, business schools still consider GMAT as the toughest test and a greater predictor of ones fit for success in business school.

GRE was introduced to expand the number of applicants and make it easier for applicants to get into business school. Also, I’ve seen many cases where people struggle to get over 600 on the gym and scored 330 on the GRE - the test test different things and the quantitative portion is frankly much easier.

Schools know this so they continue to maintain GMAT, at least for now as the bragging rights, simply because there are plenty of high GRE applicants, which means it’s not a great data point. It’s nice that you have a high score but that doesn’t carry as much weight if it was the GMAT score.

That’s the best explanation I can think of definitely not the definitive one or ultimate by any means. This is primarily basin observations so don’t feel obligated to take it as absolute.
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Thank you for answering so quickly and that makes sense. I have a none traditional profile and still have the audacity (lol) to aim for Wharton mba. Do you suggest I take the gmat over the gre then?
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At Crossroads About Whether I Should Take the GMAT or the GRE 01 Oct 2025, 00:26
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The GRE is easier on the math side because it is created for a wider range of Schools and fields of study: humanities, psychology, art, and so forth.

On the other hand, GMAT is SPECIFICALLY business school oriented which , of course, is more challenging.

Regarding the comparison that many people struggle with, scoring 600 on the GMAT and 330 on the GRE, we should analyze where they are weak on the GMAT and where they are strong on the GRE, as well as the types of questions they typically encounter.

I on a daily basis, see people struggle, the majority, even to reach 155/160
bb
Good question.

Primarily, business schools still consider GMAT as the toughest test and a greater predictor of ones fit for success in business school.

GRE was introduced to expand the number of applicants and make it easier for applicants to get into business school. Also, I’ve seen many cases where people struggle to get over 600 on the gym and scored 330 on the GRE - the test test different things and the quantitative portion is frankly much easier.

Schools know this so they continue to maintain GMAT, at least for now as the bragging rights, simply because there are plenty of high GRE applicants, which means it’s not a great data point. It’s nice that you have a high score but that doesn’t carry as much weight if it was the GMAT score.

That’s the best explanation I can think of definitely not the definitive one or ultimate by any means. This is primarily basin observations so don’t feel obligated to take it as absolute.
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At Crossroads About Whether I Should Take the GMAT or the GRE 01 Oct 2025, 08:05
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Hi. This is a tricky question.

1. If you can make yourself stand out with a higher than average class score (likely 705 and higher) with the GMAT, then definitely the stronger option
2. If you NEED the extra umph (generic profile) but sounds like you are non-traditional, so you may not need the extra help and if you have a strong enough profile, then applying with an average GRE is much better than applying with average GMAT. Because it seems the relationship works both ways - while high GRE may not help that much, the below average does not hurt that much either.

uri248


Thank you for answering so quickly and that makes sense. I have a none traditional profile and still have the audacity (lol) to aim for Wharton mba. Do you suggest I take the gmat over the gre then?
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At Crossroads About Whether I Should Take the GMAT or the GRE 01 Oct 2025, 08:33
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Hi. This is a tricky question.

1. If you can make yourself stand out with a higher than average class score (likely 705 and higher) with the GMAT, then definitely the stronger option
2. If you NEED the extra umph (generic profile) but sounds like you are non-traditional, so you may not need the extra help and if you have a strong enough profile, then applying with an average GRE is much better than applying with average GMAT. Because it seems the relationship works both ways - while high GRE may not help that much, the below average does not hurt that much either.

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I do think I’ll need the extra umph, since my profile isn’t that strong as far as I know. Also, I am aiming for IB or PE.
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At Crossroads About Whether I Should Take the GMAT or the GRE 01 Oct 2025, 20:00
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uri248


I do think I’ll need the extra umph, since my profile isn’t that strong as far as I know. Also, I am aiming for IB or PE.
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Got it. I don't know that IB or PE would care too much about the GMAT score but you could throw it up on the resume that you have a 98th or 99th percentile for example. Ultimately the GMAT is harder so it should be easier to switch to GRE and get a high score even if you decide to abort at the end.... but I would also look at the overall picture and what can make your profile the strongest - if it is a test score then sure.

P.S. A test score is less relevant if you have a strong UG GPA from a top undergrad university. Then it is just a secondary validation which is not really necessary.
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