GMAT Focus or GRE?

Question

I have been studying GMAT on/off for a few months but not very much in all honestly. I realise I needed to pick up the studying if I wanted to apply for R1 next year. I did a GMAT Focus exam and scored a 575 (DI78 - 73 percentile, Q77 - 46th percentile, V80 - 60th percentile so overall 62nd percentile) which I wasn't too happy with, so attempted the GRE in case that could be better for me. I scored a 154 verbal and 158 in quant (I didn't attempt the essay as it is not scored on the practice exam). Knowing this, which do you think is better for me? Do I go for GMAT Focus or GRE. I found the GRE exam a bit easier in terms of the quant, and feel I could have done better if I practiced the word lists.

Carcass · Answer

Who says that the GRE is easier than the GMAT? I reply yes. It's true, though, to some extent.

The GMAT is more difficult because it is specifically oriented toward BS. On the other hand, the GRE is more suitable for both BS and other orientations.

Moreover, people think is just a matter of vocabulary. This was true ten years ago. Now the sentences are really nasty and difficult.

Overall, I would definitely recommend the GRE. But also it depends on your goals and expectations.

Here a great comparison between the two exams

https://gre.myprepclub.com/forum/differ ... 32365.html

Carcass · Answer

No. overall the GRE is more doable

bb · Answer

There are a A few differences between GRE and GMAT focus.

Jerry quant is easier. People who used to get Q49, we’re getting 170 in the quant.

at the same time, GRE score is less impactful in terms of giving you opportunities and chances to impress the admissions. There’s an interesting loophole which basically comes down to if you have a strong profile and you’re struggling with a test score, take the GRE but if your profile is not super competitive, you will have better chances using the GMAT…. Both scenarios assume high GMAT or GRE scores

Posted from my mobile device

gb_LDN · Answer

Thanks all! The question I basically have - is it easier to go from a 312 GRE to 330 GRE, or from a 575 GMAT FE to 705 GMAT FE.

I am happy with the rest of my applications in terms of my GPA (4.0 equivalent), CFA Charterholder status, 5 years of good WE, happy with my referees, and think I have a strong story plus have visited almost all of the universities I attend to apply to (so feel comfortable with the why University X questions). The test is the last hurdle. My problem is I am super busy with work and hoping to apply in round 1 so time is a slight problem.

Quant is my weakest part so I am leaning towards GRE, plus my style of learning relies more on memorization so that could help with the verbal/quant side. Does it make sense to switch to GRE and move from 312 to 330, or stick with GMAT and try to get from 575 to 705.

Carcass · Answer

This kind of reasoning is tricky. It depends on 1) the way you study 2) your foundations 3) your weak points and strong points 4) Native speaker or not to some extent When you start to climb up, it becomes more difficult to gain points in your score. However, bb hits the nail on the head. If your profile is good enough, I would go for the GRE Take a look at the best mocks https://gmatclub.com/forum/shorter-gre- ... 27609.html and where you stand

gb_LDN · Answer

Thanks - my weak point is quant compared to verbal. I am a native English speaker too. The way I study is more memorization based. How would you class someone picking between GRE and GMAT on the 4 points you laid out?

Carcass · Answer

1) the way you study

Do you are one of those who think the more I study, the more I learn, or do you base your routine on a more subtle consistency?

For me for example consistency is when I study a specific area such as Algebra roots and I move on from that only when I know by heart everything

2) your foundations

People think attempting to answer the most difficult questions is the way to learn and improve. Instead, the best way to improve is to have rock-solid, bulletproof foundations. Then, attempt easy and medium-level questions and, from there, rise to the hard ones.

Believe me: you do not know how many time I picked easy ones because too much confident or because I overlooked a detail

3) your weak points and strong points

This can be assessed by practicing and having a mock for example every other week and using a very picky error log

4) Native speaker or not to some extent

Natives have an edge on this because they have a "hear" when reading a sentence and , consequently, grasp the meaning better. However, this is not a hard rule. Even for them, it is often difficult to go deep into the dichotomy of a sentence or a passage. Moreover, we always think all the above is a comfortable environment. a different world when you MUST deal under time conditions during the exam

gb_LDN · Answer

How would these relate to picking GMAT or GRE?

Carcass · Answer

No relation

The process to go through the two exams , the way to study is pretty much the same.

The fork in the road is where you want to dock, and , it turns out, the exam best in your portfolio!!

bb · Answer

if you’re trying to get to average or basically not trying to impress the Adcom, you can pick GRE. It seems it would be easier based on people switching from one test to another.

Average for most schools is around 163 so you just have to get to 326. As long as you can balance the sections.

Posted from my mobile device

MBAGuide · Answer

gb_LDN If you felt the GRE exam was a little easier, then you should take the GRE. I also have a feeling that with the new focus edition of the GMAT, there will be confusion for a while when it comes to correlating GMAC percentile scores with adcom perceptions. I expect this to continue for a while until B-schools have enough data points to evaluate performance on the Focus Edition. In comparison, I can say quite clearly that 330 on GRE or above can make you a very strong candidate if you are targeting top B-school programs. In the Quant section, you should try to maximize your score and get at least 165+. The higher, the better. Also, practice your GRE vocabulary thoroughly to reach your target score quickly. Get personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstances in the B School admissions process. Reapplying? Get a free ding analysis Best wishes Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alum, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer) Founder, MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

All things considered, I think you will have an easier time with the GRE.

Chirag2594 · Answer

Hi all,

My profile is as follows-

Nationality- Indian
10th standard- 82%
12th standard- 63%
Graduation- BA Hons in Humanities and Social Sciences (major in Journalism and Mass Communication)- 60%
Post Graduation- MBA in Communication Management (specialization in Brand Communication)- 5.38 CGPA out of 10
WE- 4.8 years of work experience in Advertising agencies

Extra Curriculars- I have been part of over 50 Model United Nations conferences and also won runner up in an inter institute debate competition

I am a little confused on which one to go for GMAT or GRE. My aim is to shift industry and function and I am looking for 1 year MBA courses in India and abroad

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi Chirag2594,

There's some overlap (quant concepts, RC, CR) between the two tests. Prep a bit and take a practice test for each exam to get a better idea about which one you prefer.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

If you are struggling to decide which exam to take, the best thing you can do now is take an official GMAT and official GRE (just as the OP did) and then, using that data, decide which test is better for you. Also, for some additional advice, here is a great article you can check out:

GMAT or GRE, which one should you take?

musaraza175 · Answer

Hi Would you suggest moving to GRE after 2 attempts of GMAT Focus?

1st GMAT Attempt 555 (80V,76Q,76DI) 
 2nd GMAT attempt 505 (78V,72Q,76DI)
 
 Since Quant & Data are limiting factors for me, although I practiced a lot for Quant and on a good day on a mock I was able to score around 80 or 81, I was never able to increase my score in DI since it felt impossible for me to manage time however hard I tried, i was just not able to process information as quickly as one of my friends would who scored a 665 in GMAT focus with a DI 81 & Q86. On my second attempt, while I was attempting my test I realized that I wasn't able to deliver my best in the verbal section that I did first followed by Quant as it felt that I lacked the flow of doing the exam as I didn't practice adequate mocks before the test. But when it came to the DI section, I was working most efficiently up until Question 16 where I did questions 16-20 wrong due to less time left and I had to rush through the exam which ruined my DI score.

Something I would like to point out is that my target score was at least a 605 on the 2nd attempt, and I was targeting this score for the Fall 2025 intake, so I had to appear for my exam in March irrespective. Now I am in no rush since the Fall intake application is over and I have decided to pursue a Master's from somewhere I already got admitted however I do want a good GRE or GMAT score within the next 2 years before the completion of my master's program so I can apply for MBA admissions.

Do you suggest keeping my situation and prior preparation in mind, would it be a good decision to switch to the GRE and improve my vocab over time and try for a 90th percentile score?

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

GMAT Focus or GRE?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards