Every student aspiring to pursue higher studies in the United States has likely heard of GRE and GMAT. These standardized tests are key components of the admission process for most postgraduate programs in the US.
Both exams are conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service), a US-based non-profit organization with testing centers around the world. ETS designs these exams to assess the readiness, analytical skills, and academic aptitude of graduate students.
Understanding GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is accepted by almost all US universities for admission to postgraduate programs in science, engineering, arts, and social sciences. A strong GRE score, combined with good academic records, significantly increases the chances of admission to reputed universities.
Structure of GRE:
The GRE consists of three main sections:
- Verbal Reasoning – Score range: 130–170
- Quantitative Reasoning – Score range: 130–170
- Analytical Writing – Score range: 0–6
The test duration is approximately 4 hours, with a total of 12 minutes of optional breaks allowed. Students are advised to arrive early and be well-prepared.
An important feature of the GRE is that you can take the test multiple times, and ETS allows universities to view your best scores through its ScoreSelect option.
Understanding GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is specifically designed for students seeking admission to MBA and management programs in the USA and other countries.
This computer-adaptive test evaluates analytical writing, problem-solving, and logical reasoning skills required for management studies.
Key Details of GMAT:
- Duration: 3 hours and 7 minutes
- Total Score: 800
- Number of Attempts: Up to 3 times
Top business schools in the US heavily rely on GMAT scores during their selection process. Interestingly, only three people in history have ever scored a perfect 800, one of whom was a B.Com student from Mumbai.
Several countries, including India, also accept GMAT scores for admission to executive management programs, such as those offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
In summary, both GRE and GMAT serve as gateways to prestigious academic institutions worldwide. Choosing between them depends on your field of study — GRE for general postgraduate courses and GMAT for management programs — but excelling in either opens doors to world-class educational opportunities.
by Vishram Mansabdar
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