GMAT or GRE: Which Exam Is Right for Engineers?

Last Updated on August 17, 2024 by Admin

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test for admissions at many graduate schools in the United States (USA) and Canada, including business and law schools. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is used exclusively for business school admissions. We have discussed the GRE or GMAT for engineers here.

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It is your comprehensive guide to standardized tests for business school. We’ll examine each exam and why you might take one test over the other to upgrade your application.

Table of Contents

Differences between the GRE and GMAT

The most noticeable difference between the GRE and GMAT is the test scope for admissions—the GRE is accepted for most graduate programs (including business and law schools). At the same time, the GMAT is more oriented toward business schools. Beyond that, each test has a different format with different types of questions, testing policies, and options for sending your scores to schools.

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What is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), is a standardized test used by thousands of graduate schools, including business and law programs, as part of their admissions process. The exam assesses your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills, which are crucial for success in graduate-level education.

Key Details:

Length: 3 hours and 45 minutes (with one optional 10-minute break)
Cost (US): $220 (includes free score delivery to up to four schools)
Location: Available online or at a testing center
Validity: Scores are valid for five years
Retake Policy: You can retake the GRE up to five times within any 12-month rolling period. If you retake the test, you can choose which scores to send to schools (using the ScoreSelect® option).

Test Format:

The GRE consists of three scored sections and may include an additional unscored or experimental section. The Analytical Writing section always appears first, but the order of the remaining sections and the presence of an unscored section will vary.

Analytical Writing: This section includes two tasks, each timed at 30 minutes. You will be required to construct an argument on an issue and evaluate someone else’s argument. Scores range from 0 to 6, in half-point increments.

Verbal Reasoning: The Verbal Reasoning section consists of two 30-minute sections, each containing 20 questions. The questions test reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. Scores range from 130 to 170, in one-point increments.

Quantitative Reasoning: This section tests basic math skills across two 35-minute sections, each containing 20 questions. Question types include multiple-choice, numeric entry, and quantitative comparison. Topics cover arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Scores range from 130 to 170, in one-point increments.

Special Features:

On-Screen Calculator: An on-screen calculator is available during the Quantitative Reasoning sections.
Flexible Navigation: You can navigate back and forth within each section, change your answers, and mark questions for review.

Fee Reduction Program:

If you are unemployed or can demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for a fee reduction on the GRE. This program also provides free access to select test preparation materials from ETS.

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The GRE remains a critical component of graduate admissions, offering flexibility in testing and score reporting to accommodate various applicant needs.

What is the GMAT?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), is a crucial entrance exam for admission to business schools and MBA programs worldwide. The exam assesses reasoning and critical thinking skills, providing a strong indication of your potential for success in graduate business education.

Key Details:

Length:

In-person: 3 hours and 30 minutes (with two optional 8-minute breaks)
Online: 3 hours (with one optional 5-minute break)

Cost (US):

In-person: $300 (includes free score delivery to up to five schools)
Online: $275 (includes unlimited score delivery)

Location: Available online or at a testing center

Validity: Scores are valid for five years

Retake Policy:

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In-person: You can retake the GMAT up to five times within any rolling 12-month period, with a lifetime limit of eight attempts.
Online: You are allowed to retest once.

Test Format:

The format of the GMAT varies slightly depending on whether you take it in person or online. The in-person version comprises four sections, with the flexibility to choose the order in which you complete them, catering to your strengths and testing preferences. The online version includes three sections in a fixed order.

Analytical Writing (In-person only): This section requires you to analyze and critique an argument in a single 30-minute writing task. Scores range from 0 to 6, in half-point increments.

Integrated Reasoning: Unique to the GMAT, this section tests your ability to interpret and analyze data from various sources, such as tables, graphs, and text. The section includes 12 questions, mostly multiple-choice, and lasts 30 minutes. Scores range from 1 to 8, in one-point increments.

Quantitative Reasoning: In this 62-minute section, you’ll face 31 multiple-choice questions. These include traditional quantitative problems as well as Data Sufficiency questions, where you’ll determine whether you have enough data to solve a problem. Scores range from 6 to 51, in one-point increments.

Verbal Reasoning: This section lasts 65 minutes and includes 36 questions designed to evaluate your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction skills. Scores range from 6 to 51, in one-point increments.

Special Features:

Calculator Use: A basic online calculator is provided only during the Integrated Reasoning section.
Tools for Problem-Solving: You can use a physical whiteboard and dry erase marker for working out problems in the Quantitative Reasoning section.
Fixed Navigation: Unlike the GRE, the GMAT does not allow you to skip and return to questions or change your answers once submitted.

The GMAT remains adaptive, meaning that the difficulty of each section adjusts based on your performance in the previous section. This adaptive nature is designed to provide a more precise measure of your abilities.

Whether you’re planning to pursue an MBA or another business-related graduate program, the GMAT is a vital step in the application process, offering both in-person and online options to accommodate your needs.

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Which is easier: the GMAT or the GRE?

Whether the GMAT or GRE is easier depends mainly on your academic strengths, testing preferences, and the specific skills each test emphasizes.

Quantitative Section:

GRE: The Quantitative section on the GRE is generally considered more accessible than the GMAT’s. The GRE allows using a calculator and typically includes more geometry questions. However, it may still challenge those less comfortable with math, particularly with questions that require understanding basic concepts.
GMAT: The Quantitative section of the GMAT is more rigorous, emphasizing logical reasoning and problem-solving. It includes Data Sufficiency questions, which require solving the problem and determining whether enough information is provided to solve it. Test-takers often find this section more challenging due to its complexity and lack of a calculator for most questions.

Verbal Section:

GRE: The Verbal section of the GRE is known for its challenging vocabulary. It requires strong reading comprehension and the ability to understand complex texts. Many test-takers find the GRE’s focus on vocabulary and sentence equivalence questions more difficult.
GMAT: While also challenging, the GMAT verbal section is often perceived as slightly easier than the GRE’s. It focuses more on grammar, sentence correction, critical reasoning, and reading comprehension, which some find more straightforward than the GRE’s vocabulary-heavy approach.

Test Structure and Flexibility:

GRE: The GRE offers more flexibility in answering questions within each section, allowing you to skip, return to, and change your answers. This can be an advantage if you prefer a more adaptive approach to test-taking.
GMAT: The GMAT is computer-adaptive, adjusting the difficulty of questions based on your performance. This can add pressure, as each question impacts the difficulty of subsequent ones. Additionally, you cannot skip or change answers, which some test-takers find more stressful.

Ultimately, which test is easier depends on your strengths:

The GRE may be the better choice if you excel in vocabulary and prefer a less challenging quantitative section.
The GMAT might suit your abilities if you have strong logical reasoning skills and find grammar easier to tackle than vocabulary.

Before deciding, consider taking practice tests for both exams to determine which best suits your strengths and testing style.

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Should I take the GMAT or GRE?

It’s becoming more common for business schools to accept GRE scores as part of their admissions requirements.

This means you can take the test that will best highlight your academic strengths. Here are some things to consider as you decide what’s right for you and learn about the GRE for engineering.

Academic goals: If you’re considering different graduate programs or want to keep your options open, the GRE is accepted in various degree programs. If you’re particular about business school, taking the GMAT is a way to demonstrate your commitment.

School requirements: Many schools accept either score, but it’s a good idea to verify admissions requirements ahead of time. If possible, speak to an admissions representative to ask whether they prefer the two tests.

Academic strengths: If your math skills tend to be stronger than your verbal skills, the GMAT might offer a better opportunity to show off those strengths. If you’re a strong writer, consider the GRE. Due to the vocabulary involved, the GRE can sometimes be more challenging for non-native English speakers.

Testing style: It’s normal to feel some nervousness before a test. If you like to skip around and review your answers, the GRE format allows you to do so. This might give some test takers a greater sense of confidence.

Practice exam performance: One excellent way to determine which test you’re best suited for is to take a practice test for each. Take them separately under the circumstances as close to the real thing as possible. Once you accept and score your exams, you’ll have a better idea of which you feel more comfortable with.

Score reporting: If you take the GRE more than once, you can choose which scores you send to prospective schools. Many programs only consider the highest score. For the GMAT, schools receive all your scores.

Career goals: Some companies, particularly investment and business consulting firms, ask for GMAT scores for the job application process. If you have certain target employers in mind, research these requirements beforehand. You are taking the GMAT before the business school can spare you from having to take it during your job search.

Executive Assessment: An alternative for working professionals

For working professionals looking to advance their careers through business school, the traditional GMAT may seem daunting due to the preparation time required. Recognizing this, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) introduced the Executive Assessment (EA) as a more flexible alternative, particularly designed for those with significant career experience. This exam is now widely accepted by many business schools, especially for Executive MBA (EMBA) programs.

Why Consider the Executive Assessment?

The Executive Assessment is specifically tailored for professionals who are balancing career and family responsibilities while seeking to enhance their qualifications. It’s designed to be shorter and requires less intensive preparation compared to the GMAT, making it an attractive option for busy professionals.

Key Details:

Length: 90 minutes
Cost (US): $350 (includes unlimited score delivery)
Location: Available online or at a testing center
Validity: Scores are valid for five years
Retake Policy: You can take the exam up to two times and choose which scores to send to schools.

Test Format:

The Executive Assessment is composed of three sections, focusing on key skills that are directly relevant to business management and decision-making:

Integrated Reasoning: 12 questions designed to measure your ability to analyze data presented in various formats, similar to the Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT.
Verbal Reasoning: 14 questions that assess your ability to read, understand, and evaluate written material, reflecting the types of critical reading and reasoning tasks you’ll encounter in a business environment.
Quantitative Reasoning: 14 questions testing your basic math skills and ability to analyze quantitative data, akin to the Quantitative section on the GMAT.

The question types in the Executive Assessment are similar to those found on the GMAT, but the exam is shorter and more focused, reducing the overall burden of preparation.

Advantages for Working Professionals:

Time-Efficient: With a 90-minute test duration, the Executive Assessment is significantly shorter than the GMAT, making it easier to fit into a busy schedule.
Less Preparation Required: The exam is designed with experienced professionals in mind, so it emphasizes practical skills over theoretical knowledge, requiring less intensive study time.
Flexible Score Reporting: You can choose which scores to send to schools, giving you control over how your results are presented.

The Executive Assessment is an ideal alternative for working professionals pursuing advanced business education without the extensive time commitment required by the GMAT. Its focus on practical skills and shorter format allow you to demonstrate your readiness for an executive-level program while managing your career and personal life.

Test-optional colleges: The new norm?

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic forced changes in the college admissions process, some colleges and universities started dropping standardized tests as a requirement. This trend has accelerated throughout 2020.

According to a Kaplan Test Prep survey of more than 100 business schools, 36 percent suspended the requirement for GMAT or GRE scores in the 2020- admission cycle. Some 17 percent of surveyed schools consider permanently removing these tests as an admission requirement.

To qualify for a test waiver, you may need to have a certain number of years of professional experience or meet a minimum GPA threshold. Each school has its requirements.

Even if you’re applying to a test-optional school, you may want to consider taking an entrance exam. High scores might help enhance your application. Should you choose to omit your GRE or GMAT scores, be sure to take extra care of the other elements of your application to make them shine.

How to Get Started?

Embarking to business school or pursuing advanced education while managing a professional career can be daunting. However, you can set yourself up for success with a clear plan and the right resources. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

1. Assess Your Goals and Priorities

Define Your Objectives: Before diving into test prep or applications, take time to clarify why you want to pursue further education. Are you looking to advance in your current career, switch industries, or acquire new skills?
Evaluate Time Commitment: Consider how much time you can realistically dedicate to studying and application processes, especially if you’re balancing work and family responsibilities.

2. Research Programs

Identify Potential Schools: Research business schools or graduate programs that align with your career goals. Pay attention to program formats (full-time, part-time, online, executive) and their specific admission requirements.
Understand Test Requirements: Determine whether the programs you’re interested in require the GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment. Some programs may also offer waivers based on work experience or academic performance.

3. Choose the Right Test

GMAT vs. GRE vs. Executive Assessment: Based on your research, decide which test best suits your strengths, schedule, and the requirements of your target schools. For working professionals, the Executive Assessment may be particularly appealing due to its shorter format and focus on practical skills.

4. Create a Study Plan

Set a Timeline: Establish a realistic study schedule that fits your work and personal life. Aim to start your preparation at least three to six months before your intended test date.
Gather Study Materials: Invest in quality test prep materials, whether it’s books, online courses, or tutoring. Make sure the resources are up-to-date for 2024 and tailored to the specific test you’re taking.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Regularly take practice tests to gauge your progress and identify areas where you need improvement. For tests like the GMAT or GRE, familiarizing yourself with the test format and timing is crucial.

5. Prepare Your Application

Gather Transcripts and Letters of Recommendation: Request transcripts from previous educational institutions and reach out to potential recommenders early. Choose recommenders who can speak to your professional achievements and potential for success in a graduate program.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement or essays are a key component of your application. Clearly articulate your career goals, why you’re pursuing this education, and why the program is a good fit for you.

6. Submit Your Application

Check Deadlines: Make sure you’re aware of application deadlines for each program and plan to submit your materials well in advance.
Double-Check Requirements: Ensure that all required documents, test scores, and application fees are submitted correctly.

7. Prepare for Interviews

Practice Common Questions: Many programs require an interview as part of the admission process. Prepare answers to common questions about your career, goals, and why you chose this particular program.
Showcase Your Experience: Highlight how your professional background and achievements make you a strong candidate for the program.

8. Stay Organized and Focused

Keep Track of Progress: Use a planner or digital tool to track application deadlines, test dates, and other important milestones.
Stay Balanced: While it’s important to focus on your studies and applications, don’t forget to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and time with family can help keep you grounded and reduce stress.

9. Seek Support

Join a Study Group or Forum: Connecting with others who are also preparing for tests or applying to business school can provide motivation and support.
Consider Professional Guidance: If you feel overwhelmed, consider hiring an admissions consultant or test prep tutor to guide you through the process.

10. Take the Leap

Apply with Confidence: Once you’ve completed your preparation and submitted your applications, trust in your hard work and take the next step toward achieving your educational and career goals.

Starting this journey can be challenging, but with a well-structured approach, you’ll be well on your way to success in your graduate education and beyond.

Final Reflections

Choosing between the GMAT and GRE as an engineer depends on your specific strengths, career goals, and the graduate program you wish to pursue. Both exams offer unique advantages, and your decision should be based on a thorough understanding of each test’s format and focus.

If your quantitative skills are strong and you feel comfortable with logical reasoning, the GMAT might be the better fit, especially if you’re aiming for a traditional MBA program. However, if you excel in vocabulary and prefer a test that allows more flexibility in answering questions, the GRE could be more suited to your abilities, particularly if you’re considering a broader range of graduate programs beyond business school.

For those with substantial professional experience, the Executive Assessment offers a practical alternative. It allows you to demonstrate your capabilities without the intensive preparation required for the GMAT or GRE.

Ultimately, the right choice comes down to understanding where your strengths lie and how each exam aligns with your long-term educational and career objectives. By carefully considering these factors and utilizing the tips provided, you’ll be well-prepared to make an informed decision that best supports your journey toward further education and professional success.

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