GMAT or GRE

Question

Hi,I’m planning to apply for an MBA intake next year and am currently deciding between the GMAT and GRE. I have five years of work experience and want to choose the test that aligns best with my strengths. I’ve heard that if someone is stronger in verbal reasoning and vocabulary-based questions rather than quant, the GRE might be a better option. Is that true? I’d love to get your insights on which test would be the right fit for me. 
 Looking forward to your advice!

carcass · Answer

Now, the GRE is widely accepted as a general test in different fields of study and in Business school environments.

and yes, your assumption about the verbal side is correct

here you have a plethora of FREE resources to study

https://gre.myprepclub.com/forum/free-m ... 18796.html

bb · Answer

Here is a chart we put together a year ago. Does it help illustrate the GMAT vs. GRE choice? https://gmatclub.com/forum/download/file.php?id=83565 GMAT-Club-Forum-e42n07jx.png

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi neharikamattoo,

I can't say whether it's the better option, but yes, the GRE quant section is comparatively easier, and a good vocabulary will definitely help in the verbal sections.

Just keep in mind that GRE average scores have been going up. At the top schools we're now looking at average scores  ~ 330 (out of 340).

carcass · Answer

Correct As shown in the table of the TOP 50 MBA 2025 the composite GRE score ranges from 330 (highest) to 311 (lowest) https://gmatclub.com/forum/average-gre- ... 41078.html

NextstopISB · Answer

I would say GMAT for Buisness school

MBAGuide · Answer

Hi neharikamattoo If you are applying to the top B-schools globally, the schools will look at the quant sections to determine your readiness for the finance-heavy courses specifically. Also, they compare your performance with that of your demographic's average to judge your potential. So irrespective of which exam you take, you should not lose focus from trying that your quant percentile is above average. For more competitive demographics, scores are considered balanced if the quant percentile is higher than the other sections. So, what I am trying to say, I guess, is that you should aim for a high percentile in quant and leverage your strong verbal skills to maximize your overall score, no matter which exam you take. Also, GRE is generally known to be easier on the quant.

Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alumna, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aanchal-sahni-83b00819/ |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/| Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

neharikamattoo

Hi,I’m planning to apply for an MBA intake next year and am currently deciding between the GMAT and GRE. I have five years of work experience and want to choose the test that aligns best with my strengths. I’ve heard that if someone is stronger in verbal reasoning and vocabulary-based questions rather than quant, the GRE might be a better option. Is that true? I’d love to get your insights on which test would be the right fit for me.
Looking forward to your advice!

BelronMajes · Answer

The GRE quant section is a bit easier than the GMAT’s, and you can use a calculator. It has more geometry, while GMAT focuses more on logical reasoning. On the verbal side, the GRE has tougher vocab, whereas the GMAT verbal is generally considered easier.

UniAdvise · Answer

Hello Neharika,

How to choose between GRE and GMAT?

1. Universities or recruiters have no bias between the two, no matter what the course is! 
2. ⁠The general rule of thumb is that if you’ve very bad vocabulary or very good quant- stick to GMAT. However, if quant is your weak spot and you are good/decent in English, go for GRE. Essentially because GMAT has a harder quant section while GRE has a harder verbal section.

Ideal scores:
1. A 655 for Masters and 675 for MBA in GMAT FE is ideal and opens doors to almost all universities.
2. ⁠A 323 for Masters and 327 for MBA is ideal and opens doors to almost all universities.

Time to Prepare:
1. It usually takes 1.5-2 months to cover up the syllabus and 1 month to give a healthy number of mocks. Do not base the number of months required for you to prepare based on other people’s experience. Some people take 1.5 months while some take 6 months. Give a mock after brushing up some initial concepts to get an approximate idea of how many months you might require!

When to book:
1. Unlike CFA or CAT, you can get a slot for these exams for even the next week if you were to book right now.
2. ⁠If you work better with a date in mind, book it in advance and plan the coming months accordingly.
3. ⁠If you’re conscious about the money being invested, only book it once you’ve consistently scored your ideal score in 2-3 mocks.

Hope this helps!

Regards,
Aanya Jain
London Business School Alumni and Interviewer

Cofounder, UniAdvise
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