Choose the GMAT if you are applying exclusively to business schools that prefer it — otherwise take the GRE, which is accepted by over 1,300 MBA programs and keeps your options open for non-business graduate programs at the same time.
Key Differences Between GRE and GMAT
The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a general-purpose graduate admissions test accepted by programs across all disciplines. The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is designed specifically for business school applicants and is owned by GMAC.
As of 2024, 90% of MBA programs accept the GRE, up from 60% in 2015. However, some elite programs (HBS, Stanford GSB) have historically shown slight preference for GMAT applicants in their class profiles, though both schools officially state no preference.
FactorGREGMATAccepted by1,300+ business schools + all other grad programsBusiness schools only (~7,700 programs)Cost$220$275Test length~2 hours~2 hours 15 minMath styleBroader (geometry, data analysis, algebra)More data sufficiency and critical reasoningVerbal styleVocabulary-heavy, reading comprehensionSentence correction, critical reasoningScore validity5 years5 yearsAdaptive formatSection-adaptiveQuestion-adaptive (Focus Edition)
When to Choose the GRE Over the GMAT
The GRE is the better choice if you are considering both business and non-business programs (e.g., MBA + public policy, MBA + data science), if you perform better on vocabulary-based verbal questions, or if you want to apply broadly without retaking a different test.
Students with strong verbal skills and weaker quantitative skills often score relatively higher on the GRE because its Verbal section rewards vocabulary depth, while the GMAT Verbal section focuses on grammar and logical reasoning.
- Take the GRE if applying to both MBA and non-business graduate programs
- Take the GRE if you excel at vocabulary and reading-heavy verbal questions
- Take the GMAT if applying exclusively to business schools and want to signal commitment
- Take the GMAT if you prefer data sufficiency and integrated reasoning over geometry
- Take a practice test of each — your relative performance is the best decision tool
Do Business Schools Prefer the GMAT?
Officially, most business schools state no preference. In practice, the median GMAT scores of admitted classes are more prominently published than GRE equivalents, leading to a perception of GMAT preference. GMAC's own survey found that 27% of admissions officers consider the GMAT a stronger signal of business school commitment.
For applicants to top-15 MBA programs with class GMAT medians above 730, submitting a GRE may slightly reduce transparency in how your score compares to peers — though the ETS concordance tool helps admissions committees translate between tests.
- 90%+ of MBA programs officially accept both tests with no stated preference
- 27% of admissions officers consider GMAT a stronger commitment signal (GMAC survey)
- ETS concordance tables allow schools to compare GRE and GMAT scores directly
- For top-15 programs, check the class profile — if median GMAT is published but GRE is not, consider submitting the GMAT
Key Takeaways
- GRE is accepted by 90%+ of MBA programs and all other graduate programs — it maximizes flexibility
- Choose GMAT only if applying exclusively to business schools that publish GMAT medians prominently
- Take a practice exam of each test — your relative score is the best decision factor
- GRE costs $55 less and keeps non-business graduate options open
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