Differences Between the GRE & GMAT Exam Formats
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are commonly taken by individuals seeking to attend graduate school. The GRE is usually taken by individuals pursuing advanced degrees in the humanities and sciences, while the GMAT is usually taken by those seeking advanced business and management degrees. Not only do they test for different knowledge, but they are also formatted differently, although only slightly so.
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General Structure
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The GRE has two parts: a general test and a subject test that includes a verbal and reading comprehension section, a math section and an essay question section. In the U.S., the GRE can only be taken by computer. The GMAT too is computerized, and contains the same basic sections as the subject portion of the GRE.
Verbal/Written Section
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Both the GRE and the GMAT contain a verbal section, notes the GMAT CAT website. In the GRE, this section includes sentence completion questions; tests reading comprehension; and evaluates understanding of analogy and antonyms. Meanwhile, this section of the GMAT includes sentence correction exercises; and tests reading comprehension and critical reasoning skills. The GRE allows test takers 30 minutes to complete this section, while the GMAT allows test takers 75 minutes. Test takers can choose answers from multiple choices offered in both tests, notes Power Score on its website.
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Math Section
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In the GRE, the math portion of the exam includes problem solving and quantitative comparison exercises. Meanwhile, the GMAT tests problem solving and data sufficiency skills. The GRE allows test takers 45 minutes to complete this section, while the GMAT allows test takers 75 minutes. This section of both tests covers high school level arithmetic, algebra, geometry and word problems, with multiple choice answers, according to the Power Score website.
Essay Section
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No standardized test is ever complete without an essay section. In both exams, an essay section requires analysis of an argument and issue presented. This portion of the GRE allows test takers 75 minutes, while the GMAT allows test takers only 60 minutes. Both the GRE and the GMAT give test takers two prompts. One asks students to analyze an issue and the other asks them to take a position on an issue and present a well-written argument.
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References
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