Neither the GRE nor the GMAT is universally “harder” difficulty is highly subjective and depends on your academic strengths, target programs, and test-taking style. Many test-takers find the GRE’s vocabulary and reading passages more challenging, while the GMAT’s integrated reasoning and data-sufficiency questions feel trickier. Official data shows average GRE scores (Verbal 150, Quant 155, Writing 3.5) slightly lower than GMAT (Quant 46/60, Verbal 28/60), but direct comparison is imperfect due to different scales and self-selection bias.
Context and Detailed Breakdown
- Purpose and Audience The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is accepted by thousands of graduate programs worldwide, including arts, sciences, engineering, and some business schools. The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is designed specifically for MBA and master’s in management programs. If you’re applying to business school, most top programs now accept both, but the GMAT still signals “business readiness” to some admissions committees.
- Structure and Timing
- GRE: 1 hour 58 minutes (computer-adaptive by section). Sections: Analytical Writing (1 essay, 30 min), Verbal Reasoning (2×20 questions, 30 min total), Quantitative Reasoning (2×21 questions, 47 min total).
- GMAT Focus Edition (current version): 2 hours 15 minutes. Sections: Quantitative (21 questions, 45 min), Verbal (23 questions, 45 min), Data Insights (20 questions, 45 min). No essay. The GRE is shorter but includes an on-screen calculator for Quant; the GMAT bans calculators and emphasizes logic over computation.
- Section-by-Section Difficulty
- Quantitative: GRE math is high-school level (algebra, geometry, data analysis) but requires speed. GMAT Quant is conceptually deeper data sufficiency and word problems reward pattern recognition. Math majors often prefer GMAT; humanities majors lean GRE.
- Verbal: GRE stresses vocabulary (fill-in-the-blank, reading comp with dense academic texts). GMAT focuses on grammar, critical reasoning, and concise business-style passages. Non-native speakers often find GRE vocab harder; logical thinkers like GMAT’s sentence correction.
- Unique Sections: GRE’s Analytical Writing demands a structured argument essay. GMAT’s Data Insights integrates charts, multi-source reasoning, and two-part analysis many find this the toughest new hurdle.
- Scoring and Percentiles GRE: 130–170 per section (Verbal/Quant), 0–6 Writing. GMAT: 205–805 total (percentile-based). A 700 GMAT ≈ 165Q/160V GRE, but conversion tools (ETS’s official comparator) show variability. Business schools often convert GRE scores internally; check target schools’ median reported scores.
- Preparation and Strategy Both require 2–4 months of study. GRE prep leans on flashcards (5,000+ words) and ETS PowerPrep tests. GMAT prep emphasizes official guides and question-type mastery (e.g., Manhattan Prep, GMAT Club). Practice under timed conditionsGRE allows section skipping; GMAT is linear per section.
Bottom Line Take a diagnostic of each (free on mba.com and ets.org). If you score >80th percentile on one, stick with it admissions care about percentile rank, not the test name. Strong quant background? GMAT may play to your strengths. Love reading and writing? GRE could feel easier. Ultimately, the “harder” test is the one you prepare less effectively for.