You’ve decided to go to business school. Great.
Now comes the first real boss fight: GMAT or GRE? Both tests claim to be your golden ticket to top B schools. And both have their diehard fans. Some swear by the GMAT’s quant rigor; others call the GRE the flexible all rounder. But how do you decide? Because honestly, it’s not just about the test, it’s about how it fits your story. The choice you make says something about how you think and how you plan.
Let’s break it down.
Why This Decision Actually Matters
A few years ago, when I was helping a student pick between the two, he asked, “Does it really make a difference? Won’t the school just look at my essays?”
I laughed. Then paused. Because it’s not a silly question at all. Business schools are data driven places, they love a good number. Your test score doesn’t define you, but it absolutely shapes how admissions officers read your essays, recommendations, and resume. It’s context. It’s a signal.
So yeah, this choice matters.If you’re aiming for top-tier schools (think Harvard, Wharton, or INSEAD), you’ll notice something interesting: most students still take the GMAT. But that’s slowly changing.
According to GMAC’s 2024 report, nearly 30% of business school applicants now submit GRE scores. In India, that number is climbing even faster among students from non engineering backgrounds.
If you want to dive deeper into test prep insights, check out Rostrum’s latest articles on admission trends and exam strategies.
GMAT vs GRE: The Big Picture
At first glance, both tests look similar – quant, verbal, and reasoning sections.
But under the hood? They test very different skills.
- GMAT: Built for business thinking – logic heavy, data driven, and focused on decision making under pressure.
- GRE: Broader and more academic, testing analytical writing, vocabulary depth, and critical reasoning.
If numbers make sense to you, GMAT feels like home. If you love words, patterns, and essays, GRE might be your zone.Think of it this way: GMAT speaks in Excel formulas. GRE speaks in metaphors.
If you want to compare them directly, here are their official resources:
The Pros of Taking the GMAT
Why do so many MBA applicants still lean GMAT? Let’s decode that.
- It’s tailor-made for business schools: The GMAT was literally created for business schools. Admissions committees trust it because it’s aligned with what MBA coursework demands – analytical writing, data analysis, and problem solving.
- It sends a strong signal: Scoring well on GMAT’s quant section is like saying, “I can handle finance, operations, and data analysis.” It’s proof of your business readiness.
- Scholarships often prefer it: According to Poets & Quants, over 60% of MBA scholarships at top programs reference GMAT scores.
- Corporate recognition: Many consulting and finance firms (McKinsey, BCG, Goldman Sachs) still ask for GMAT scores during recruitment, even post MBA.
So yeah, GMAT says: “I speak business fluently.”
The Cons of Taking the GMAT
Now for the not so glamorous parts.
- Quant can be brutal: If math isn’t your best friend, GMAT’s logic based quant can feel punishing. It’s less about formulas and more about traps.
- You can’t skip questions: Unlike the GRE, GMAT locks you in. That means time management becomes an art form.
- Prep fatigue is real: GMAT prep often feels like marathon training. You’ll improve but slowly.
I once told a student, “You’ll learn more about patience than algebra.”
He didn’t believe me. A month later, he texted: “You were right. I’ve learned inner peace.” That’s the GMAT for you, humbling but strangely rewarding.
The Pros of Taking the GRE
And now, the underdog that’s been quietly taking over MBA admissions.
- Flexibility: GRE scores work for multiple programs, not just business school. Economics, public policy, psychology – you can apply to all with one score. It’s perfect for students still exploring career options.
- Verbal advantage: If words, reading comprehension, and writing come easily, GRE gives you a clear edge.
- Familiarity: Indian students who’ve prepared for exams like CAT or SAT often find GRE logic more natural.
- Psychological comfort: GRE’s interface feels more student-friendly. Small thing, big difference when you’re three hours deep into test mode.
The Cons of Taking the GRE
- Silent bias still exists: Let’s be honest, some top schools still prefer the GMAT, even if they don’t say it outright. Data from 2023 showed that average GMAT scores dominate MBA class reports at schools like Booth, Kellogg, and Columbia.
- Quant is simpler: That’s not always good. If your quant section looks “too easy,” it might fail to show you can handle MBA level analytics.
- Scholarship advantage is weaker: Some merit-based scholarships still weigh GMAT more heavily, especially for finance focused programs.
So yes, GRE is more flexible, but GMAT might signal stronger readiness for MBA rigor.
How Top B-Schools View Each
Here’s the truth: most top schools now accept both.
Harvard, Stanford, INSEAD, LBS, Oxford, Cambridge – you name it. All test agnostic on paper.
But look closely at the data. When you check class profiles, GMAT averages still dominate, sometimes by 80-90%.
At Rostrum, we often show students how these trends work in real time. One student, Mehak, aimed for London Business School. Her GRE verbal was stellar, but her quant lagged slightly. We worked on storytelling and quantitative coursework in her essays. She got in.
The point? A slightly unconventional score can work, if your story fills the gaps.
You can read more such real journeys on Rostrum Education’s blog.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not About the Test, It’s About You
Here’s the part most guides skip: the exam is just a tool.
It won’t guarantee a seat, and it won’t ruin your chances.
What will? Lack of clarity.
Self-awareness is the underrated superpower in admissions. Once you understand how you think, choosing between GMAT and GRE becomes simple.So before you buy another prep book or take a mock test, pause.
Ask yourself:“Which test tells my story better?”Once you’ve got that answer, you’ll know exactly where to start.
Still unsure which test fits your goals?
FAQ
Q.1: Do top business schools prefer GMAT over GRE?
Not officially. But some schools still report more GMAT averages, especially for finance heavy programs.
Q.2: Is the GRE easier than the GMAT?
In quant, yes. But the GRE verbal section is no joke – it’s a vocabulary jungle.
Q.3: Can I switch from GRE to GMAT later?
Absolutely. Just know that the question style and pacing are totally different. It’s like switching from cricket to baseball related, but not the same game.
Q.4: What score should I aim for?
Always check each school’s middle 80% range. Don’t just chase the highest number; focus on a balanced profile that fits your story.
