Are you planning to study abroad as a postgraduate international student? While applying, you may be asked to submit standardized test scores. Two of the most popular options are the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). Both of these tests gauge how well applicants will do in advanced study programs. They are particularly popular for postgraduate programs in business and management, but other program applications may request scores from one or the other.
We’ll look at what each of these tests are like, and when you’ll want to take them, below.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The GRE is a standardized test measuring a student’s readiness for graduate school or business school. When taking a GRE, you can choose between taking a General Test and a Subject Test. Which is right for you? Read on to learn more.
GRE General Test
The GRE General Test is available as a paper-based test at a testing centre, or as an at-home, computer-based test. It looks at your:
- Critical thinking skills
- Verbal reasoning
- Quantitative reasoning
- Analytical writing skills
In short? GRE assesses how well you analyze data, solve basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry questions, and write with a college-level vocabulary. The GRE General is adaptive, which means how well you do in early questions will impact how hard later questions are.
Doing well on the GRE can have other benefits: a 2014 Kaplan survey found 66% of graduate school admission officers agreed that it could help master’s and doctoral students receive scholarships or teaching assistant positions.
GRE Subject Test
GRE Subject Tests are meant for students with an extensive background or undergraduate major in a specific STEM discipline. Students have up to two hours and 50 minutes to complete the test. All GRE Subject Tests are paper-based, and are offered up to three times every year in September, October, and/or April. Testing times vary, so check with your nearby test centres early to reserve your seat!
Subject tests may be written for the following subjects:
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Math
- Psychology
Taking a GRE Subject Test can help you stand out from other postgraduate candidates when applying to a competitive program. Wondering how the tests are structured, and how to practice? Get more details and try practice questions on the GRE Subject Tests’ Content & Structure page.
GRE Scoring
There are two parts to your GRE score. First, your raw test score (how many questions you answered correctly) is converted to a scaled score. Remember how we noted above how the GRE is adaptive? This scaling process is where the slight differences in test difficulty are balanced out. Scaled scores are generally between 130 and 170 for the GRE General. For GRE Subject tests, the usual range is between 320 and 990. The other part of your score is your percentile rank, which tells your target schools how well you did compared to other test takers.
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Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
The GMAT is a standardized test for Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) applicants. It evaluates skills like problem-solving, logic, critical reasoning, and writing; all skills that contribute to your success in business programs. Like the GRE General, the GMAT is adaptive, so it selects future questions based on how you do early in the test. This helps measure each test taker’s ability more precisely.
Some business schools also accept GRE scores, but if you’re considering a future as a consultant, or in management or logistics, the GMAT is likely a better match. Business schools see GMAT scores as a gauge of how well future MBA students will do. As Vineet Chhabra at the Graduate Management Admission Council notes:
It’s not just about knowing stuff; it’s about what you can do with your knowledge and how you can apply that in a thoughtful way during business school. [The GMAT] hits closer to what businesspeople do on a daily basis.
You can take a GMAT online or on computers at GMAT test centres. Students have up to 3 hours and 7 minutes to complete the test. The GMAT’s four sections test the following skills:
- Analytical Writing: critical thinking and communication
- Integrated Reasoning: data analysis and information interpretation
- Quantitative Reasoning: numerical literacy and math
- Verbal Reasoning: editing and reading comprehension
GMAT Scoring
Test takers receive five scores. These include section scores for each of the four sections above, plus a total score. GMAT administrators base the total score on how well you did on the verbal and quantitative sections. Total GMAT scores range from 200–800, and are reported in 10-point intervals (310, 320, 330…). Two-thirds of test-takers score between 400 and 800.
Each of your scores also includes a percentile ranking, which tells you how well you scored compared to others. (Got an 80? You did better than 80% of students, and 20% did as well or better than you.) Note that because GMAT test scores are valid for multiple years, your percentile may change over time, as rankings are recalculated every year.
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Whether you choose the GRE or GMAT, we recommend taking the admissions test 12 to 15 months before your chosen program’s intake date. An early test date makes it easier to retake a test if you need to, especially if it’s a GRE Subject exam. Both the GRE and GMAT may be re-taken, but each attempt costs an exam fee. As you prepare, use free online practice tests and resources so you can go into the test with confidence!
These tests are just one component of your application. Colleges and universities will also consider your previous academic performance and work experience. However, research each program you’re applying to so you can understand their priorities. Some programs may care more about specific scores within your overall result, so you’ll know where you need to focus extra attention. More competitive programs may weigh all scores equally, making every number count.
As you assemble your application, be sure to check out the rest of our Application Deep-Dive blogs on requesting transcripts, proof of financial support, and study gap statements.
Now that you know what to expect, it’s time to ace your test. Best of luck!
Ready to start your study abroad journey? Contact the team at ApplyBoard! We’re here to help.
