GMAT or GRE? If GMAT, then what sources to study?

Question

Hi prep providers, and GMAT experts.

I am new to this platform, and have my exam widnow withing first week of November. My aim is to target MSc. Finance and related MSc. programs from business schools in EU, Australia and Asia-Pacific. I am aiming for September 2026 intake, hence my stipulated timeline. I took a mock exam for GMAT FE, and my scores are 355 and second score went to 405. I am pretty much starting from basics. My target is 700 at minimum, keeping the ceiling high for myself. I can study full time, no pressure of job or career at the moment, hence keeping a tight timeline of 2.5 months for myself.

I was also advised to opt for GRE instead of GMAT, but upon some research I reached the conclusion that GMAT holds a priority in admissions to business & financial programs. Hence I need serious advice on the following:

1. Is this conclusion between GMAT vs GRE justified and should I proceed with GMAT FE? Or should I opt for GRE instead, and still expect to get admitted in desired programs from renowned universities, IF i get the desired score target in GRE?

2. If proceeding with GMAT FE, what prep providers are highly suggested to be able to nail the desired target score of 705+, maybe even 735 in 2.5 months pf stipulated time? Keeping in mind I am a full time student at the moment, and can dedicate my entire days to acaddemics and studies. Advise the same, if GRE is suggested.

Kindly offer guidance and advice. Kept strict deadlines for myself, as post my GMAT, would need to draft applications and pursue a couple of certifications as well. Looking forward to replies and guidance from the experts and accomplished test takers in the forum here.

Rashie1 · Answer

Hey, welcome to GMAT Club! Great that you’re starting early and already have a clear target in mind. Let me try to answer your points:

1. GMAT vs GRE 
 You are correct that GMAT is generally preferred for business and finance-related Master’s programs. 
 GMAT is more quant- and analytically heavy, while the GRE leans more toward vocabulary and reading.
 Since finance/business programs value strong quantitative ability, the GMAT tends to signal better preparation.
 However GRE is accepted in many schools too, so it’s worth checking the exact requirements of the programs you’re applying to – a few might have no preference at all.

2. Prep providers & plan 
  Quant:  Target Test Prep (TTP) – excellent for Quant. Manhattan Prep also has very strong strategy guides 
  Verbal:  e-GMAT (especially good for non-natives) or GMAT Ninja’s YouTube channel. Magoosh is a solid budget-friendly option if you want lots of practice questions with explanations.
  Official material:  GMAT Official Guide + 6 official mocks – these are must-haves. 
 GMAT Club’s Question Bank – it has all types of questions for all level from 505+ to 805 (easy, medium, hard), which makes it very helpful for targeted practice and improving step by step.
 1) First 2–3 weeks: build foundations with whichever provider you choose.
 2) Then start adding timed sets and 1 full mock per week. In the last month, focus on mixed sections, error logs, and refining timing strategy. 
 Good luck with your prep!

maliaamin27 · Answer

Hey, I am also new here and i just started my Gmat preparation. I find it hard too.I am also planning to give exam in October- November. So try your level best and you'll get a good score. You are not alone.we are all together in this Gmat journey. 
Good luck with your preparation.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Rohan390,

I think you’ll be in a good spot with either exam as long as you score well. From your post, though, it sounds like you’ve decided to move forward with the GMAT, so let me share some advice on how to structure your study plan.

I suggest you spend a day familiarizing yourself with the GMAT’s general structure and content, especially Data Sufficiency questions, which are unique to the GMAT. Then take an official practice test from mba.com to get your baseline score. Doing so will help you gauge the amount of work required to reach your target score.

In fact, this article will give you an idea about how many hours you’ll need to prepare:  How Many Hours Should I Study for the GMAT Focus?

Once you have a baseline score, adopt a prep strategy consisting of topical learning and practice. In other words, focus on just ONE topic at a time and practice that topic until you achieve mastery.

For instance, let's consider your study of Number Properties. First, immerse yourself in all aspects (formulas, properties, techniques and strategies) of this topic, and then, focus solely on Number Property questions. After each problem set, take the time to delve into your incorrect answers. This self-reflection is a powerful tool that allows you to understand your learning process and make significant improvements. For instance, if you made a mistake in a remainder question, ask yourself why. Was it a careless error? Did you not apply the remainder formula correctly? Was there a concept in the question that you didn't grasp?

By meticulously analyzing your mistakes, you will efficiently address your weaknesses and, consequently, enhance your GMAT quant skills. This process has been unequivocally proven to be effective. Number Properties is just one example; be sure to follow this process for all Quant, Verbal, and DI topics.

This article outlines the different phases of your prep:  The Phases of Preparing for the GMAT

Once you have mastered all of the content, you can begin taking official practice tests. With each test, carefully review your results to identify remaining gaps in your content knowledge and work on strengthening those areas until you fully understand them. Then (and only then) take another practice test. Repeat this process until you reach (or exceed!) your goal score.

Here’s an article on how to structure your prep:  GMAT Preparation Strategy

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

If you decide to take the GMAT, going through a few prep journey posts by people who've scored well or improved their scores could provide some helpful insight. You could see which resources they found success with, how they structured their prep, any tips they shared, etc. Fair to say including official questions (e.g. from the Official-Guide 2025-2026) and official mocks into a prep path would be a solid choice.

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