GMAT vs. GRE: Is it a Big Deal?

The list of MBA programs that accept the GRE continues to grow. While most top business schools now allow applicants to submit a GRE score in place of the GMAT, candidates’ concern about doing so has only grown. Candidates worry about how their applications will be considered and whether schools really prefer the GMAT over the GRE.

My friends at Bell Curves recently wrote a blog about the GMAT v. GRE debate, encouraging candidates to consider the history of the tests and the information available about them within the business school context. While I’ve never taken the GRE, I will take their word for it that the “GRE generally has harder verbal because it’s tougher to improve vocabulary in a short span, and the GMAT generally has harder math.”

So should you take the GMAT or the GRE? That is the question.

These days every school will tell you “it’s your choice on whether to take the GMAT or the GRE; the school does not have a preference.”

Nicole’s translation:

a. You are not going to get dinged if you take the GRE. It’s not that big of a deal.

b. Of course, we prefer the GMAT. It’s what we know. It’s what we’ve used for years. But we are getting used to the GRE and it’s really not that big of a deal.

c. [I’m projecting here, but if I was still working in admissions…] If you aren’t a great test taker, we wouldn’t mind not having to include your score in our GMAT average so we can live with you taking the GRE.

Please know that even with point “c” in mind, I am not suggesting that you take the GRE. I actually think it too easily let’s candidates off the hook to look at the GMAT vs. GRE decision solely from the school’s point of view. For any candidate who is trying to figure out how to proceed, I want you to turn the mirror squarely at yourself and ask:

“Why do I want to take the GRE?”

Clearly we don’t have to ask “why do I want to take the GMAT”. This debate is really only about alternatives to the GMAT, right?

These are someone of the reasons that I’ve gotten in asking that question:

1. “I’ve heard the GRE is easier than the GMAT.” So the math might be a little easier and the verbal is a little harder so it’s about even. But let’s be honest, both tests are going to kick your butt and if you can do well on one, you can do well on the other. With that said, if you have confidence that you can perform much better on the GRE and you have a plan to do so, then you will likely score better. Mind over matter!

2. “I’m applying for joint degrees and the other program requires the GRE.” Perfect! This is the main reason that business schools started accepting the GRE – they wanted to capture candidates who were interested in graduate school, but might not have originally considered business school. Where candidates scored well on the GRE to get into another graduate program at the university, the business school was more than happy to accept that same GRE score. Go forth and conquer!

3. “I’ve taken the GMAT and didn’t do well.” Ok. So you have studied for the GMAT, arguably made some progress and you are going to scrap that and start over with a new test? Just checking. While in fact, this might be the appropriate plan, before you launch into GRE study, consider what your challenges were on the GMAT – what did you do well? What did you struggle with? What could you change in your study approach to achieve better results? Don’t give up on the GMAT too quickly, particularly before analyzing the issues. Otherwise, you might find yourself in the same position with the GRE in a few months.

4. “The GRE costs less than the GMAT.” That is true. The GRE costs $175 per test and the GMAT is $250. In the whole scheme of things if the $75 differential is going to break you, we need to have a completely different conversation – not about graduate school but about money management.

Schools will fully consider your candidacy without any significant bias around your decision to take the GRE over the GMAT. Thus the decision rests on you. Look inward to determine why you are leaning toward the GRE if you are inclined to take that test. At the end of the day, which test you take isn’t a big deal, but your reasoning and your confidence in your ability to be successful is a huge deal.