The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) has been the de-facto entrance exam to business schools for decades, but now would-be MBA students have multiple options for their standardized tests. One of the most popular is the Graduate Record Examination. So what is the GRE?
Administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The test assesses the readiness of applicants for graduate-level academic work and is divided into three main sections:
Verbal reasoning: This 30-minute section gauges your ability to evaluate written material, synthesize information, analyze relationships among components of sentences, and recognize relationships among words and concepts. It includes reading comprehension, text completion and sentence-equivalence questions.
Quantitative reasoning: This section tests problem-solving ability using basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis. It includes questions involving quantitative comparisons, multiple-choice questions, and numeric-entry questions. It’s split into two parts, the first 21 minutes long and the second having a duration of 26 minutes.
Analytical writing: This section measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, consisting of two tasks: an “issue” task, which asks test-takers to write an essay about a given topic, and an “argument” task, which requires them to critique an argument. The first task lasts 18 minutes and the second half takes 23 minutes to complete.
The overall testing time is about 3 hours and 45 minutes. There are six sections with a 10-minute break following the third section.
Test preparation strategies
Preparing for the GRE requires a strategic approach to ensure a comprehensive understanding and the ability to apply knowledge effectively.
Understanding the format of the GRE is crucial, experts say, so familiarize yourself with the test structure and the types of questions in each section. This knowledge can help reduce anxiety and improve time management during the test.
Once you understand the format, test experts say you should create a comprehensive study plan that covers all sections of the GRE – and allocate more time to areas where you feel less confident and ensure consistency in your study habits.
“Effective GRE prep involves practice, review and reflection. Get started by taking a practice test to determine your current ability in the quant and verbal sections,” says Craig Harman, the associate director of content and curriculum for business and graduate programs at Kaplan Test Prep.
“Next, research schools you’re interested in to see their score requirements,” he adds. “If you are far from your goal score, take a class or work with a tutor. If you are only a few points away, then continue taking practice tests and supplement your study with books and online workshops.”
After each test, Harman says, review your performance, read explanations of wrong answers and reflect on how you can improve.
How business schools view the GRE
Many business schools, including those with MBA programs, accept the GRE as an alternative to the GMAT.
“As an admissions team, we want to know if you’ll be successful in the quantitative portion of the classroom, so we're looking at your raw score, but with more of a focus on your percentile of quantitative skills,” explains Shelly Heinrich, associate dean for MBA admissions at Georgetown University McDonough School of Business in Washington D.C.
“Each school weighs these components differently, with some placing greater emphasis on GRE performance, particularly in the quantitative and verbal reasoning sections, to assess applicants’ ability to meet academic demands,” adds Paula Amorim, MBA admissions director at IESE Business School in Spain.
The acceptance of the GRE by business schools like IESE and Georgetown has increased the pool of applicants, allowing individuals from diverse academic backgrounds to apply. This flexibility is seen as a positive step towards inclusivity.
GMAT vs. GRE: Which one should you take?
While the GMAT is specifically designed for business school applicants, the GRE is more general. Business schools often compare GRE scores to GMAT scores using a conversion tool provided by ETS to ensure a fair assessment.
For some applicants, taking the GRE can be a strategic advantage. For instance, if an applicant performs better on the GRE than the GMAT, submitting GRE scores can enhance their application.
But it’s important to note that business schools consider GRE and GMAT scores as part of a holistic admissions process. Along with test scores, they evaluate other factors such as work experience, academic performance, essays and interviews.
“While GRE scores are significant, they are just one aspect of a thorough evaluation process,” notes IESE’s Amorim. So don’t neglect the other aspects if you want to secure a spot on a top MBA program.
