Choosing the right entrance exam is one of the most important steps when applying for a Master’s degree (MS) in the USA. If you’re wondering whether to take the GRE or the GMAT, you’re not alone. Thousands of international students face the same question every year.
In this detailed 2025 guide, we break down the key differences, program preferences, and strategic tips to help you decide:
👉 GRE or GMAT — which one is right for your MS journey in the USA?
🌍 Why Are GRE and GMAT Important for Studying MS in the USA?
U.S. universities use standardized tests like the GRE and GMAT to assess academic readiness and compare students from diverse educational backgrounds.
Both exams test your:
- Analytical and logical reasoning
- Verbal and quantitative abilities
- Writing and problem-solving skills
Your score, along with your GPA, essays, and recommendations, plays a critical role in the admissions process.
📘 Understanding the GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
The GRE is a versatile exam offered by ETS. It is accepted by the majority of STEM, humanities, and social science programs in the U.S., and increasingly by some business schools as well.
GRE Format:
- Analytical Writing: 2 essays (Analyze an Issue + Analyze an Argument)
- Verbal Reasoning: Vocabulary, reading comprehension, sentence equivalence
- Quantitative Reasoning: Basic math, algebra, geometry, data analysis
GRE Scoring:
- Verbal + Quant: 130–170 (each)
- Writing: 0–6
✅ Ideal for: MS in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, etc.
📊 Understanding the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The GMAT is designed specifically for business-related graduate programs. Administered by GMAC, it’s commonly used for MBA admissions but also accepted for MS in Finance, Business Analytics, and Management.
GMAT Format:
- Analytical Writing: 1 essay
- Integrated Reasoning: Charts, graphs, data interpretation
- Quantitative Reasoning: Problem-solving, data sufficiency
- Verbal Reasoning: Reading comprehension, critical reasoning, sentence correction
GMAT Scoring:
- Total Score: 200–800
✅ Ideal for: MBA, MS in Finance, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Marketing
🆚 GRE vs GMAT: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | GRE | GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Target Programs | MS (STEM, Social Sciences) | MBA & Business MS programs |
| Math Difficulty | Moderate | More logic-based, tougher |
| Verbal Focus | Vocabulary-heavy | Grammar and reasoning-focused |
| Integrated Reasoning | No | Yes |
| Test Duration | ~3 hrs 45 mins | ~3 hrs 30 mins |
| Cost (2025) | ~$220 | ~$275 |
| Score Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Number of Attempts | 5 times/year | 5 times/year |
| Flexibility | Widely accepted | Primarily for business schools |
🎯 Which Exam Should You Take for MS in the USA?
The answer depends entirely on your academic field and target program.
✅ Choose GRE if:
- You’re applying for a STEM or science-related MS program
- You want to apply to non-business fields like Public Policy, Psychology, or Environmental Science
- You value flexibility to apply to both academic and professional tracks
✅ Choose GMAT if:
- You’re aiming for an MBA or business-focused MS program
- Your career goals lie in management, finance, or corporate leadership
- You’re applying to top business schools that prioritize GMAT
🏛️ Top U.S. Universities & Their Exam Preferences (2025)
| University | GRE Preferred For | GMAT Preferred For |
|---|---|---|
| MIT | MS in Engineering, CS | MBA (Sloan School) |
| Stanford | Data Science, Engineering | MBA, Business Analytics |
| Harvard | MS in Health & Public Policy | MBA |
| UC Berkeley | Science, CS, and Engineering | MBA |
| Carnegie Mellon | Computer Science, Robotics | MSBA, MBA |
| NYU | Technology, Finance (Tandon) | Business programs (Stern) |
📌 Tip: Always confirm on the university’s program page — some accept both GRE and GMAT interchangeably.
🌎 What About UK Universities? GRE or GMAT?
In the UK:
- GRE is rarely required but accepted for competitive MS programs at places like Oxford, UCL, and Imperial College.
- GMAT is often required or highly recommended for MBA and MS Finance programs at schools like:
- London Business School
- Cambridge Judge
- Oxford Saïd
🧠 Which Test Is Easier: GRE or GMAT?
It depends on your strengths.
| If You’re Strong In… | Take… |
|---|---|
| Vocabulary, general math | GRE |
| Logic, data interpretation | GMAT |
| Science or technical writing | GRE |
| Business strategy & analytics | GMAT |
Try mock tests of both before making your final choice.
📅 When to Take GRE or GMAT for Fall 2026 Intake
Plan your exam 10–12 months before your intended intake.
For Fall 2026: Take the test between May–October 2025.
This gives you time for:
- Retakes (if necessary)
- Score submission
- Application writing
📚 Preparation Tips for GRE & GMAT
📘 GRE Study Tips:
- Practice academic vocabulary (Magoosh, Barron’s)
- Solve 10–20 quantitative questions daily
- Read dense passages from The Economist or Scientific American
- Use ETS PowerPrep software
📗 GMAT Study Tips:
- Focus on Integrated Reasoning with GMAT Club questions
- Use GMAT Official Guide (OG) to practice Data Sufficiency
- Work on critical reasoning & sentence correction techniques
- Take adaptive mock exams regularly
💰 GRE vs GMAT Cost Breakdown (2025)
| Cost Factor | GRE | GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Fee | ~$220 USD | ~$275 USD |
| Extra Score Reports | ~$30 each | ~$35 each |
| Rescheduling | $50–$100 | $60–$150 |
| Retake Eligibility | After 21 days | After 16 days |
❓ FAQs: GRE vs GMAT for MS
Q1. Is GRE required for all MS programs in the USA?
A: No. But it’s highly recommended (and often required) for most STEM and science-based MS programs.
Q2. Can I take the GMAT for an MS in Engineering?
A: Unlikely. Engineering programs almost always require the GRE.
Q3. Can I apply with either GRE or GMAT?
A: Many programs, especially in business schools, accept both. Always check university requirements.
Q4. Can I get a waiver for GRE/GMAT?
A: Some schools offer waivers based on GPA or work experience, but this is not common for top programs.
🏁 Final Verdict: GRE or GMAT for MS in USA?
- 🧪 For STEM and science-focused MS programs → Choose the GRE
- 💼 For MBA or business-related MS programs → Choose the GMAT
- 📚 Want flexibility across disciplines? → GRE is the safer bet
No matter which test you take, what matters most is preparing well, scoring competitively, and aligning your application with your career goals.
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