Both GRE and GMAT are standardised exams, the scores you obtain in each exam help you to gain admissions to different programs. For example, with the GRE scores you can pursue an MS degree at universities overseas and with the GMAT scores you can pursue an MBA at renowned B-schools. However, many B-schools have now started accepting GRE scores for MBA school admissions to increase their applicant diversity. There is a tool available on ETS which allows you to convert your GRE scores for admissions to these B-schools. In this article, we will look at the GRE to GMAT conversion in detail.
GRE and GMAT Exams
The differences between GMAT and GRE are similar in nature. Both have Quantitative and Verbal sections, use adaptive testing methods (your performance in the previous section determines the difficulty level of the next section) and have a timed format. A basic difference between the two is related to the way they are scored. In the GMAT exam you are provided with a cumulative score (both your quant and verbal sections) once you complete the exam. On the other hand, in the GRE exam, the scores of both Quantitative and Verbal sections are reported separately.
GRE to GMAT Conversion
These days many B-schools are accepting GRE scores for MBA admissions, however, it is still relatively new. Since most business schools admission committees are familiar with the GMAT, they prefer GMAT scores. But as mentioned earlier, this is changing, as more and more business schools are taking GRE scores into consideration. Many b-schools these days use GRE to GMAT conversion tools to calculate GMAT scores on the basis of your Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal scores in the GRE exam. Having said that, it is not possible to convert percentile scores from GRE to GMAT. This is because fundamentally the applicant pool of candidates who take each test are varied.
While we do see GRE to GMAT converted scores being accepted, many business schools still prefer GMAT scores. This is because the GMAT is designed specifically to test skills that are mandatory for MBA programs.
Now that you know the GMAT is a much preferred entrance exam for your MBA admissions, let’s tell you how to prepare for the exam.
How to Prepare for GMAT
If you have decided to attempt the GMAT, then you have to start preparing for the exam consistently. You will initially have to chalk out a study plan according to your time and the subjects you need to cover. It is ideally recommended that you allot three months to prepare for the GMAT. Doing so will give you sufficient time to complete studying all the topics and practicing sample GMAT papers periodically. The study plan also ensures that you don’t miss out on any important topics.
Another important aspect of the GMAT preparation is that you need to choose your study materials carefully as there are plenty of options available on the internet but not all of them are good. Therefore, you must be cautious while selecting the books and study materials. Download study material only from verified sources like the GMAC (the official creators of the GMAT exam).
Preparing for the GMAT with Practice Papers and Mock Tests
Solving GMAT practice papers on a regular basis will help you get acquainted with the pattern and the difficulty level of the exam. You should also practice solving questions that have visual representation like charts, symbols and tables. These are the questions that are frequently asked on the GMAT.
Besides practice papers, you should take up mock tests. Mock exams help you to understand your strengths and weaknesses and also gives you an idea of how much more preparation is required. On taking up these tests, you also roughly get to know the score you might achieve with the preparation done. Based on these estimated scores, you can alter your preparations. Additionally, you also get to work on your time management skills. So, if you are wondering how to prepare for the GMAT, we suggest you start with these mock tests for the reasons mentioned above.
All the best for your preparation and the GMAT exam!
