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A recent trend in MBA programs is the acceptance of a GRE score instead of a GMAT score. While these tests are ostensibly similar as they both test higher-level math and verbal skills, they are different in many regards.
This article https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/gre-vs-gmat/ does a great in-depth review of the differences between the GRE and the GMAT.
At Ibis Prep, we do a free consultation with any prospective MBA candidate to decide if it is advantageous to take the GRE, the GMAT, or both. Like all aspects of our tutoring methods, this determination is done on a case by case basis. However, there are two main factors that are considered.
The first is that although the GRE is accepted at most schools, the GMAT is still somewhat preferred internally. The reason for this is that one of the most influential components of national ranking is average GMAT score of the incoming class. Most rankings do not include GRE scores in these rankings. This means that in the eyes of the business school, a perfect candidate has a great GMAT score. For this reason, we encourage students who are comfortable with GMAT material to first consider the GMAT over the GRE.
However, the second factor to consider favors the GRE. Between the two exams, the math tested on the GRE is much more straight forward. It is not more or less difficult in subject matter; it is just more numerical and less critical and analytical. The GMAT is notorious for its data sufficiency questions, which turn simple math problems into confusing, tricky nightmares. The math on both exams is challenging; however, the GMAT requires more critical reasoning skills, especially on data sufficient questions.
Overall, the GMAT and GRE are comparable in difficulty but the GMAT is generally recognized as more difficult because of the nuances of the quantitative section. However, the GMAT is likely preferred by Universities because of its impact on national and global rankings. If interested in a free consultation to discuss which test is best for you, fill out a contact form today!
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