GMAT vs GRE performance

Question

Hi all! I'm an undergraduate student hoping to apply to a ~T10 deferred program next year. I'm pretty new to anything related to MBA admissions, but I've looked into the pros and cons of taking the GMAT vs. the GRE and vice versa. I've taken diagnostic tests for both, and am having a hard time figuring out which test to take because I've noticed that the average GRE score of a top school, when converted into to the GMAT equivalent, is typically lower than its average GMAT score. For example, HBS's median GMAT is 730, but its average GRE is 163 for both Verbal and Quant. This converted to the GMAT is 690, which is substantially lower.

When converted to the GMAT equivalent, my GRE score matches my GMAT score, which is below average in regards to top schools. However, my GRE score hits the average at the same schools. Because of this, I'm not sure which test I should choose, as I achieve the same GMAT score when my GRE is converted, but my GRE percentile is substantially higher (than my GMAT's standing) in regards to accepted applicants.

Other factors I'm considering include how banking and consulting recruiters may ask for my GMAT score when I recruit during/post MBA, as well as the fact that the GRE is more versatile and can be used to get me into other grad schools, while the GMAT can only be used for business schools (I'm not 100% set on going to b-school), but these are both not as important to me as my performance on either test.

I don't know where to start and would appreciate any input!

BabuMoshaaai · Answer

I had appeared for the GRE in 2019 from India. Here is my debrief. https://bit.ly/2XxIC9S Please do let me know if I can be of any help.

Russ19 · Answer

Given the description above, it seems to me that GRE would be the best option for you as you want more options, so you have to pick one. 
 
Best wishes!

fa89 · Answer

I’ve studied for both the exams and I can give you some insights. I decided to go for GMAT at the end, but it’s your personal decision.

Firstly, GMAT is only for management and business (MBA, MiM, etc). If you’re not sure about your degree and looking for something other than these degrees, then don’t go for GMAT and just go for GRE. However, make this decision first.

Secondly, major distinctions in syllabus are: GMAT quant is slightly harder and goes more in depth. You’re also expected to score higher in GMAT quant. 
GRE verbal is focused more on vocabulary whereas GMAT verbal is based on grammar and logic.

I found GMAT verbal to be easier for me as I suck at memorizing vocab and I settled for the gmat quant as it was easier for me to improve my quant than verbal. I ended up scoring 700 Q49 V36. I really didn’t get a chance to study for verbal and regret that but overall I’m content with it.

Essentially I would suggest you read up more on this (many blogs available comparing the 2). See where you stand on verbal and quant and which section will be easier for you to improve. Either ways I believe anyone can improve their scores to 700+ or 325+ with the right amount of efforts.

Also, I do not think many of these conversions are very accurate so take it with a pinch of salt.

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