The new versions of the GRE and GMAT have been in effect for some time now! Many 25/26 Fall applicants who haven't started preparing are still torn—should they take the GMAT or GRE after the reforms?!
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Today, the test prep experts will walk you through the differences between the new GRE and GMAT from various angles, incorporating real exam experiences, to help you make a better choice!
1️⃣ ReCognition of Both Tests
GRE: Compared to GMAT, the GRE is the most widely accepted graduate school entrance exam worldwide, suitable for virtually all fields of study. The vast majority of programs globally hold the GRE in high regard! For those who are not entirely sure about their future graduate study direction or wish to apply across disciplines, just close your eyes and choose GRE!!
GMAT: The GMAT is limited to business programs, with slightly narrower applicability.
2️⃣ Test Content and Format
GRE：
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Test duration: shortened to 1 hour 58 minutes
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Content: includes Quantitative Reasoning (Quant), Verbal Reasoning (Verbal), and Analytical Writing (Writing) sections
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Test delivery: You can choose test-center or at-home testing. Currently, there are 112 test centers across China for GRE, with 32 test dates throughout the year. Overseas locations and dates are even more flexible. Additionally, both domestic and international test-takers can opt for 24/7 at-home testing.
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Test frequency limit: Up to 5 times in any 12-month period; no lifetime limit on test attempts.
GMAT：
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Test duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
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Content: Mainly examines Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. However, unlike the GRE, the GMAT has removed the essay section.
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Test delivery: In mainland China, GMAT has only 32 test centers and does not offer at-home testing.
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Test fee: Both forms of GMAT registration are more expensive than the GRE registration fee.
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Test frequency limit: Up to 5 times in a 12-month period, and no more than 8 times in a lifetime.
3️⃣ Test Design
GRE：
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The GRE's Verbal and Quant sections both employ section-level adaptive difficulty, meaning your performance on one section directly affects the difficulty of the next.
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Difficulty fluctuations are moderate, reasonably testing your adaptability within a dynamic framework.
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Within the same section, you can freely navigate between questions, preview the test, and modify answers. The Quant section allows the use of a calculator, providing a valuable aid.
GMAT：
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The GMAT's Verbal and Quant sections both adopt question-level adaptive difficulty, meaning each question influences the difficulty of the next.
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Difficulty fluctuations are greater than on the GRE, requiring stronger adaptability and quick thinking.
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Within a section, you must answer questions in a prescribed order and cannot return to previous questions. The revised GMAT now allows you to bookmark uncertain questions, but you can change answers at most three times.
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In the new Data Insights section, a calculator is allowed, but it remains prohibited in the Math section.
4️⃣ Test-Taking Experience
GRE：
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"No more sitting in a 4-hour marathon exam!! The pre-test pressure isn’t as intense, and 2 hours is so comfortable!"
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"The short version of GRE is really, really awesome! Fewer questions, no long reading passages, and the test felt quite relaxed. My focus was totally on point!"
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"Quant seems tougher than before, and the margin for error has narrowed."
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"Removing one essay was a relief, and it's friendly for slow typers."
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"Memorizing words is just inhuman; you can’t remember them after one round, you need to go over them several times."
Summary: After condensing to 2 hours, the GRE reduces test stress, making the experience more relaxed, but the error tolerance decreases. Overall, getting a good GRE score is easier than GMAT.
Source: Xiaohongshu
GMAT：
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"GMAT basically has no definitive strategy; if you don't understand it, you really don't. The reform hasn't changed much."
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"Math was tougher than expected. Although they removed geometry, some questions involved enormous calculations!!"
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"I think Verbal is the hardest section in the new GMAT."
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"Personally, I think it's the hardest test ever, no contest."
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"Even after taking a prep class for half a month, I'm still clueless about all question types... I feel like I can't get a score in the short term at all."
Summary: Since the reform, both GMAT Math and Verbal have increased in difficulty at different levels. Compared to GRE, scoring well on GMAT is harder.
Source: Xiaohongshu
5️⃣ Score Reporting
GRE：
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Verbal and Quant scores are visible immediately after the test, and the full score report is available 8-10 days later!
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Test-takers can choose to send their best GRE score from the past 5 years to their target institutions, significantly reducing pressure.
GMAT：
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GMAT scores are available only after 7-20 business days.
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When applying to programs, the score report sent will display all test scores from the past 5 years.
We hope this dual-test guide gives you a clear direction for your preparation. Whether it's GRE or GMAT, it's essential to start early and begin preparing as soon as possible!! Wishing everyone a high score! May the 25 Fall application season go smoothly and lead straight to your dream school!!
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