The GMAT is defined as the most commonly administered exam by business schools to assess if a student is eligible for an MBA program. The test is 3.5 hours and acts as an entrance exam designed to evaluate critical business skills and an MBA candidate’s verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing ability.
The GMAT is often compared to the GRE. The major significant difference between the two tests is that the GMAT was designed primarily for business schools. The GRE was designed for use in a wider range of graduate programs.
The GRE General Test takes approximately three hours and 45 minutes to complete. There are six sections in total, one of which is unidentified/unscored. The section on analytical writing will always come first. The other portions, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and unidentified/unscored, may come in any sequence.
It’s rumored that certain sections are more difficult depending on the test. For example, there are more geometry questions on the GRE versus the GMAT. Some business schools will accept both tests or might prefer one test over the other from applicants. So make sure to check the requirements of your target business program.
Deciding To Take the GMAT
Those with business schools in mind should consider taking the GMAT because most business schools prefer it over the GRE. The GMAT is used to screen applications by over 2,100 institutions. If you are seriously considering changing careers and attending business school, you should take the GMAT exam.
If you take the GMAT, you show you’re serious about entering business school. The GMAT is a proven predictor of your success. It’s a reliable and valid predictor of academic performance in many business schools programs.
If you achieve a high GMAT score, you may also be eligible for scholarships. However, a prospective student at a top-tier university considers 700 to be the bare minimum for a ‘decent’ GMAT score. So it’s essential to take advantage of the best GMAT prep courses to get the highest possible GMAT score possible.
MBA programs can help you develop the necessary leadership skills to succeed in the field of business. Professionals with MBAs are more confident in their marketability. In addition, an advanced degree can help set you apart from your peers in the competitive job market.
GMAT exam takers who go on to business school and acquire an MBA are thought to earn more professionally. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), graduates with a master’s degree typically earn 50 to 200 percent more than those with bachelor’s degrees.
Deciding To Take the GRE
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test required for admission to many graduate institutions in the U.S., Canada, and several other countries. In addition, thousands of business, graduate, and law schools accept the GRE General Test.
It’s a widely accepted test in the U.S. and overseas by master’s programs and business schools. Admissions panels use your GRE results to support your letters of recommendation, undergraduate credentials, and other requirements for graduate-level studies. A good GRE score will boost any application to grad school.
You should set aside 4-6 months for GRE preparation with breaks in between. The GRE test can be taken once every 21 days, a maximum of five times within 12 months. Taking the GRE more than once will not harm your prospects of admission to graduate school. The most important consideration is to strive to score as high as possible on the GRE based on the entrance criteria of your desired graduate school.
Other Factors to Consider
Because admissions review processes change from year to year, it’s critical to stay updated on your program’s requirements. You should call the school’s admissions office or check their official website for the latest update.
Your resume will be one of the most crucial pieces of your admission application. Resumes are a quick and easy method for graduate schools to learn more about you and your accomplishments. To get admission to your selected institution, make sure to showcase your professional experience in the best possible way.
Your college GPA may also have a significant impact on your prospects of admission. It will depend on the criteria set by the graduate program for which you are applying. Additionally, take note of the minimum GPA requirement in the graduate program you are applying for, which can be found on the websites of many of these institutions.
Check whether the graduate program or business school you’re applying to requires GMAT, GRE or accepts any of the two standardized exams. Find out the other requirements for the graduate school program you are planning to apply to, such as a cover letter, resume, and a specific GPA. Set yourself up for the best chance to get into your dream program.