GMAT vs GRE: Which Should I Take? (2025)

Deciding between GMAT vs GRE is one of the first decisions you’ll have to make on the way to business school. Though either test is a valid option in the admissions process, one of them may better showcase your strengths, abilities, and talents—that’s the exam you’ll want to pick.

So, should you take the GMAT or the GRE? Start with our decision guide below or read on for all the details to help you make the choice with confidence.

Decision Guide for GMAT vs GRE

Answer each statement in the table below to receive our recommendation for whether the GMAT or the GRE is a better fit for you. Making a selection reveals a score we have assigned that particular answer. Click on that score to jump to the relevant part of this article for more context.

Taking a practice test—whether for GRE or for GMAT or both—is the best way to assess your strengths and weaknesses for each exam.

Quick Checklist to Choose Between GMAT vs GRE

Ultimately, a couple key factors stand out above the rest to help you make a decision.

Choose the GRE if you:

• are considering graduate programs beyond business school and want a test accepted across disciplines.
• have strong verbal skills, especially in vocabulary and writing.
• value a test-taking experience with more flexibility, such as the ability to skip around, change answers, and use a calculator.

Choose the GMAT if you:

• are applying exclusively to business schools and want to showcase your data analysis skills.
• have a strong quantitative or analytical background, especially in math-heavy fields, and want to demonstrate those strengths.
• prefer a test that rewards strategy under pressure, with less flexibility but more time per question and a premium on decision-making.

Additionally, check out the comparison of both exams in this video:

GMAT or GRE for Acceptance into Business School

In 2025, almost every major business school in the world accepts either the GRE or the GMAT. Their admissions websites even explicitly state in writing that they have no preference for one test over the other. Thus, you truly can pick whichever test you’ll score the highest on.

Though the GMAT is only for business school, the GRE is also accepted by most graduate schools and even law schools. If you’re considering other graduate programs outside of business or dual programs, take the GRE. That test covers all your bases, and there’s no need to take both the GMAT and the GRE. Spend your limited time on one test—and your application!—and not on trying to juggle two different exams.

💡 Ask yourself: Is there any chance I would apply to a non-business program?

If you’re not 100% set on business school, the GRE is the clear choice.

GMAT vs GRE: Which is Easier?

Difficulty is ultimately subjective. Either the GMAT or the GRE could feel harder for you given that they test different strengths. The GRE favors flexible thinkers with a wider knowledge base and a broad vocabulary, whereas the GMAT suits analytically minded test-takers who thrive under more restrictive conditions. Choosing the right test comes down to your skills, academic background, and how you prefer to approach challenges.

GMAT vs GRE: Percentiles

Since the two exams test different skills in different manners, there is no way to directly compare the scores of GMAT takers vs GRE takers. This means that your score is assessed in relation to other takers of the same test using percentiles:

• GRE Scores and Percentiles
• GMAT Scores and Percentiles

Do the percentiles tell us anything about how hard each test is? By themselves, no. No surprise, fewer people achieve higher scores—and this is true for both exams. But when comparing the two tests, we see that the GMAT uses a more granular scale, which allows for further delineation among top scorers.

The GMAT’s Fine-Tuned Scoring Scale

Let’s look at the Quant Section as an example. On the GRE, getting a perfect score on GRE Quant (170) puts you in the top 8% of test takers for that section. However, on the GMAT, being in the top 8% means you’ve scored above an 86 out of 90. To achieve a perfect 90 on GMAT Quant, you’d need to be in the top 1% (or even less than that).

You can see this same effect of more granular scoring at the composite score level. Getting a 735 on the GMAT means that you’ve scored above 99.6% of other test takers, whereas a 745 means you scored above 99.7%.

Implications for You, Admissions, and Scholarships

Does this mean that the GMAT is the harder test? In the sense that the topmost scores go to even fewer people, yes. But getting into the top 8% of either test is a difficult and impressive feat.

And is a tenth of a percent really that important? Probably not. Admissions is a holistic process, and your test score is but one data point. Any time and effort you pour into squeezing out fractional increases in your percentile rank is time and effort that could be spent on strengthening the request of your application. Furthermore, you don’t even need to score that high to be admitted.

Note that the same is true for scholarship opportunities. Most schools do not publish a specific target for merit-based scholarships. Instead, they stress that awards are made after a whole-file review. Your score is a factor and scoring higher can help, but a top score is no guarantee that you’ll receive a scholarship.

Here’s a broad look at percentiles and scores for both GRE and GMAT:

GMAT vs GRE: Quantitative Reasoning Section

The GMAT and GRE both test high school-level math—especially algebra—but they differ in how they test you and the tools you’re allowed to use.

Key Highlights

• The GMAT gives you more time per question but requires all mental math or calculations by hand.
• The GRE requires knowledge of more topics (and formulas) and involves has more question types.

Calculator Access: GRE Gives It, GMAT Restricts It

If having a calculator at your fingertips is important to you, the GRE has the edge. It provides an on-screen calculator for all math questions, which can reduce stress when working with large numbers or complex calculations.

The GMAT, on the other hand, does not allow a calculator on its Quantitative section. You’ll need to rely on mental math, estimation, and paper-based calculations—skills.

💡 Ask yourself: Do you feel confident doing multi-step calculations by hand under time pressure? Or do you prefer the safety net of a calculator for every question?

If calculator access is a must-have, the GRE is a better fit.

Question Format: GMAT Stays Standard, GRE Mixes It Up

If you’re most comfortable with traditional multiple-choice questions, you’ll appreciate the GMAT’s Quant section, where every Quant problem uses this format. (Note that this is true of the GMAT’s Verbal Section as well. However, its Data Insights section is very unique.)

The GRE, on the other hand, includes more variety in question types (not too mention its wide array of verbal questions!):

• Quantitative Comparison asks you to evaluate the relationship between two values—not solve for a specific number.
• Numeric Entry requires you to type in your answer, leaving no room for process-of-elimination strategies.
• Multiple Answer questions may have more than one correct answer—adding an extra layer of uncertainty.

💡 Ask yourself: Do you like using elimination to narrow down choices? Do unusual question types throw you off?

If you prefer the predictability of standard multiple choice, the GMAT plays to your strengths throughout the majority of the exam.

For examples of all the different GRE Math question types, head to our GRE Math Practice Questions with Explanations. Likewise, you can see some sample GMAT Quant problems here.

GMAT vs GRE: Verbal Reasoning Section

While both the GRE and GMAT test reading and reasoning skills, the emphasis is different in each—especially when it comes to vocabulary.

Key Highlights

• The GMAT gives you more time per question but entails more reading overall.
• The GRE includes a greater mix of question types, with many focused on vocabulary.

Vocabulary Demands: GRE Is Heavily Vocab-Driven

If you have a strong vocabulary—or enjoy memorizing new words—the GRE may be your test. Nearly half of GRE Verbal is devoted to Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions, which test your ability to:

• Identify contextual clues
• Choose the right word(s) to complete a sentence
• Understand subtle differences in word meaning and tone
• Know and use advanced words, such as abstruse or pellucid

💡 Ask yourself: Are you already confident with challenging words in context? If not, do you have the time and interest to build up a strong vocabulary list?

If vocabulary is a strength—or you’re willing to make it one—the GRE rewards that investment.

Reasoning Skills: GMAT Focuses on Logic

Though both the GRE and the GMAT test Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension, the GMAT does so more heavily. On the GMAT, you’ll spend a lot of time on:

• Analyzing arguments, spotting assumptions, and evaluating conclusions
• Interpreting dense passages and drawing logical inferences

💡 Ask yourself: Are you better at breaking down arguments and spotting logical flaws? Do you struggle with memorizing lots of vocabulary?

If vocabulary isn’t your strong suit and analyzing arguments is, the GMAT is a better verbal match for you.

For examples of all the GRE Verbal question types, take a look at our GRE Verbal Practice Questions with Explanations. And check out GMAT’s emphasis on Critical Reasoning here.

GMAT Unique Section – Data Insights

Both the GRE and the GMAT have a section unique to themselves. First up, GMAT.

GMAT: Charts, Tables, and Graphs Galore

The GMAT’s Data Insights section consists of 20 questions, split across several unusual formats:

• Data Sufficiency: These test your ability to assess whether you have enough information to answer a question—not necessarily to solve it outright.
• Data Interpretation: Expect plenty of graphs, tables, and figures, all of which require you to synthesize info from multiple sources and perform quick, precise calculations or comparisons.

In practice, this section is like an extension of the Quant section—but one that’s tightly integrated with real-world business problem-solving. If you’re comfortable toggling between numbers and words, patterns and reasoning, the GMAT rewards those skills heavily.

Note that the GRE does test this as well, but only among a handful of Data Interpretation questions that make up a small percentage of its Quant section.

💡 Ask yourself: Does analyzing charts and extracting insights feel intuitive? Is your academic or professional background steeped in math, statistics, or data analysis?

If data analysis is a strength of yours, the GMAT has an entire section just for you.

The GMAT Overall Weights More Towards Math

The GRE consists of 27 math questions and 27 verbal questions. The GMAT, on the other hand, has 21 math questions, 23 verbal questions, and 20 Data Insights questions.

As discussed above, those 20 Data Insights questions involve a mix of skills. However, they are primarily geared more towards math topics and math-related skills. This means that in terms of total questions, the GMAT skews about 60% math, 40% verbal overall vs. the GRE’s 50/50 split.

💡 Ask yourself: Are my math skills better than my verbal skills? Does my math background give me an advantage when answering more math questions than verbal?

If you’re better at tackling quant questions, you’ll encounter a significantly larger number of them on the GMAT.

GRE Unique Section – Issue Essay

Only the GRE has an essay section built into the exam itself. You get 30 minutes to analyze a broad statement and construct your response in a clear and concise manner. It’s important to note that this Issue Essay is graded separately from the Math and Verbal sections. Your essay is scored from 0 to 6 and is independent from your overall scaled GRE score.

In most cases, business schools don’t place too much importance on this proctored essay. It mainly serves as a check that you can write at a graduate level and a way to flag any serious discrepancies between your test and application essays. With that said, as AI use continues to proliferate, more weight may be given to this essay since schools will know it’s produced by you and not a robot.

Though the GMAT Focus has no essay section itself, certain schools—namely Harvard—may require you to take the separate Business Writing Assessment exam once you reach the interview stage. In that case, similar to the GRE, you would get 30 minutes to analyze a provided argument and critique its reasoning.

💡 Ask yourself: How important is showcasing my writing ability through a proctored exam vs. my application essays?

Getting a high score on the GRE’s AWA essay may help you stand out in a world flush with AI-generated content.

For an example of a GRE Issue Essay prompt, check out GRE Issue Essay: Strategies + 8 Real Student Essays with Scores.

Differences in Strategy for GMAT vs GRE

Beyond content, one of the biggest differences between the GRE and GMAT is how they feel to take. From pacing to flexibility to test structure, each exam rewards a different set of strengths. Here’s how to know which one is better suited to your natural test-taking style.

Memorization vs. Critical Thinking and Time Per Question

If memorization comes naturally to you, the GRE may feel more intuitive. A solid GRE performance hinges in part on how well you can recall:

• Vocabulary definitions and nuanced word usage
• Math formulas and geometry rules (think: area of a trapezoids, Triangle Inequality Theorem)
• Various question types and their specific strategies

The GMAT, by contrast, leans harder on critical reasoning and adaptive thinking. You’ll face fewer direct recall tasks and more problems that test how you evaluate information and think on your feet.

The other factor at play here is how much time you get per question. The GMAT gives you more time per question than the GRE across all sections. But there’s a catch: GMAT questions are often more complex. That extra time isn’t generosity—it’s necessity. You’ll have to think through multiple layers of reasoning to successfully avoid trap answers.

If you use time well, this pacing lets you fully engage with the question. But if you’re prone to overthinking or second-guessing, that extra time can be a double-edged sword.

💡 Decision Point:

• If you prefer a faster-paced, high-recall format where you can use your memory to your advantage, choose the GRE.
• If you value deeper thinking time on tougher questions and can stay focused, choose the GMAT.

Pressure and Uncertainty: How Do You Perform When the Stakes Rise?

The GRE adapts at the section level: if you do well in the first Quant or Verbal section, the second one gets harder. That means you get a clear sense of how you’re doing based on how confident you feel.

The GMAT is more intense—it adapts question by question. As you go, it tries to fine-tune your score with every answer you submit:

• Questions can feel increasingly difficult
• It’s hard to tell how you’re doing in real time
• You can miss some questions and still score very high—but you won’t know that in the moment

This kind of test environment can feel relentless, but if you thrive under uncertainty and don’t let doubt slow you down, you may thrive on the GMAT.

💡 Decision Point:

• If pressure sharpens your focus and uncertainty doesn’t rattle you, choose the GMAT.
• If you prefer a more transparent and predictable testing experience, choose the GRE.

Flexibility: Do You Need to Skip Around?

Test flexibility is a major difference between these exams. On the GRE, you can freely move around within each section, enabling you to:

• Skip tough questions and come back later
• Tackle your favorite question types first
• Prioritize how you use your time

On the GMAT, however, you must answer each question in order. You only get the chance to review up to 3 answers at the end of a section. That means each decision you make is pretty much final—so time management and confidence are critical.

💡 Decision Point:

• If flexibility and strategic navigation are key to your test-taking style, choose the GRE.
• If you can answer confidently on first try and work linearly without second-guessing, choose the GMAT.

How to Study for the GMAT vs GRE

This depends greatly on what your starting point is and how far you are from your target goals. If you’re already familiar with the exam content and/or are already scoring well on practice tests, then you may only need a month or two to further refine your score. But if you’re just starting out and/or need to increase your score by a considerable amount, then you may choose to study for several months. The amount of time you have each day to study is also a consideration.

• How Long Should I Study for the GRE?
• How Long Should You Study for the GMAT?

And be sure to follow a GRE study schedule or a GMAT study schedule to stay on track!

Closing Thoughts

Now that you’ve explored the key differences between the GMAT and GRE—from structure and strategy to strengths and scoring—you’re in a much better position to make the right call for your goals. If you haven’t already, go back to our Decision Guide and retake it with this new perspective. Even a few revised answers can shift your recommendation and give you added confidence in your choice.

Still not 100% sure? That’s okay! Again, the best way to finalize your decision is to experience both exams firsthand. Take a free practice test for each and then compare how you feel during and after.

Remember, there’s no universally “better” or “easier” exam. The best test for you is the one that you perform the best on. Choose the test that highlights your strengths, matches your mindset, and sets you up for success on your business school journey. You’ve got this!

And no matter whether you decide to take the GMAT or GRE, Magoosh is here to help. Take a look at a Magoosh GRE Premium plan or a Magoosh GMAT Premium plan today!

FAQs About Both Exams