Graduate Record Exam (GRE) testing is for admission to non-business graduate schools, such as psychology, history, and engineering.

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) testing are for admission to business school MBA programs.

GMAT Exam

Who takes it?

Exclusively for MBA and some economics programs

Advantages

Shows business schools that you are serious about getting an MBA

Who should take it?

Students determined to get into a good business school.

Inside scoop

Investment banks and recruiters will review your GMAT scores for employment.

They generally don't view GRE scores seriously.

Business schools like the GMAT more (but they don't openly state this). The GMAT is the "gold standard."

It is not uncommon for GMAT students to spend hundreds of hours preparing.

Challenging sections

Sentence Correction (grammar)

Excruciatingly difficult math section where many students get close to perfect scores

Given adequate time and effort, the GMAT can be mastered, just don't expect to have a life.

The GMAT favors determined students.

GRE Exam

Accepted by graduate school and over 250 MBA programs

Perfect if you are applying to both MBA and graduate school programs.

The GRE is an easier test both in structure and content.

Generally easier for most students than the GMAT

The GRE has an easier grading curve. Getting into the 99th percentile on the GMAT is close to impossible.

You won't waste months in test preparation.

Challenging sections

Hard for international students to master vocabulary on a short term basis

Two writing sections mean a greater emphasis on writing