MBA entrance: GMAT Vs GRE

I want to pursue MBA but as I am weak in mathematics, I want to opt for GRE rather than GMAT entrance test. Do you think it will make any difference; do MBA programs have test preferences? Can you guide me with a few institutes in India that accept the GRE test scores, can you tell me about the score preferences option in GRE and tips to crack GRE? Also what is a good GRE score? -Rizwana, Kanajiguda

GRE or the Graduate Record Examinations is a standardised test conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Services). It has now become an eligibility criterion for admission to MBA programs in a number of B Schools and prospective MBA aspirants today have a choice of submitting their GRE scores and are not limited only to GMAT scores. Top-tier schools like Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, UC Berkley, Duke, MIT, NYU-Stern, Columbia, Yale and many more are accepting the GRE scores and the number might increase in the future.

Your doubt on choosing GRE over GMAT can be cleared if you can figure out your strengths and weaknesses. For example, if your grammar skills are stronger than your vocabulary then GRE could be right for you. Where math skills are concerned, you cannot avoid the subject by opting for GRE as GRE math also requires a sophisticated sense of numbers and an ability to solve problems. Comparatively, GMAT math questions require more sophisticated reasoning skills than GRE math questions, as the GMAT math section is more difficult both in terms of the level of questions that appear on the exam and the scoring scale.

The GRE general math test basically will measure your quantitative reasoning skills and will assess you in:

Basic mathematical skills, such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis Understanding of elementary mathematical concepts How to model and solve problems with quantitative methods

The GRE revised general test primarily uses the foundational high school mathematics concepts in testing the quantitative reasoning and does not include high level mathematics such as calculus or trigonometry.

Complementing the above is the freedom of using a basic calculator. The calculator has four functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) and a square root. For the computer-based test, the calculator is provided onscreen. For paper-delivered tests, calculators are provided at the test centre for use during the test.

Additional advantage in writing a GRE test is that you are allowed to skip questions and later return to them for solving unlike in GMAT wherein it is not permissible. To be more on a safer side you can take a practice test for both GMAT and GRE. Download the respective free GMAT and GRE prep software and see how you score. Regarding the test preference, according to a recent Kaplan survey, nearly eight out of 10 MBA programs have no test preference. In other words, most MBA programs view GRE and GMAT scores equally.

The total testing time for the computer-delivered test is around 3 hours 45 minutes, plus short breaks and the GRE scores are valid for five years after the testing year in which you have appeared.

For your test preparation visit the site https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare/powerprep2 you can download the free POWERPREP® II software offered by ETS available on this website. This is designed to help:

Understand what's being tested Gain familiarity with the various question types Become familiar with the testing tools, including the on-screen calculator

Understand scoring Practice taking the test under timed or untimed conditions Review scored Analytical Writing responses and reader commentary

It provides friendly design features for the test takers and includes:

Two length practice tests Sample questions for the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing sections

Test taking strategies and tips Practice book for the paper based GRE revised general test in a pdf form Instructional videos of Khan Academy that provides additional information regarding concepts covered in Math Review

For an in-depth preparation you can purchase official test preparation materials from ETS such as:

Test prep book, available in paperback and eBook formats. Guide containing 150 verbal reasoning questions with complete explanation and valuable hints and tips. This also includes new practice for the GRE Analytical Writing measure. Guide containing 150 quantitative reasoning questions with complete explanations and valuable hints and tips. This guide also includes a review of the math topics you need to know for the test.

Please refer the site: http://store.ets.org/store/ets/en_US/DisplayCategoryProductListPage/categoryID.3551800/pgm.84203100 for further information.

After putting in the effort to take up mock tests and testing out the various strategies, when the time comes to apply what you have learnt, remember these three most important points:

To keep working on your weaknesses as much as you can Keep reviewing your notes especially problems and concepts that you have struggled with Take a practice test 5 – 7 days before the actual exam so that you can practice your pacing and build up your stamina for the long test ahead. Make sure to include all the essays and an experimental section too.

The schools that accept GRE scores in India are

• Aegis School of Business and Telecommunication, Navi Mumbai
• Aryans Business School, Patiala
• Amrita School of Business (Coimbatore, Bengaluru, Kochi)
• Asia Graduate School of Business, Hyderabad
• Global School of Management, Hyderabad
• IIKM Business School, Chennai
• Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
• Institute of Management Technology
• International School of Management Excellence, Bengaluru
• JECRC University, Rajasthan
• Lovely Professional University, Punjab
• MYRA School of Business, Karnataka
• Universal Business School, Maharashtra
• Varanasi College of Management Science, UP
• Woxsen School of Business, Hyderabad

By:Shehre Banu Kagalwala Bsc, MA, PGDPC, psychologist and career counselling for ADHD and learning disabilities; e-mail queries to [email protected])