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GRE vs. GMAT: What MBA applicants need to know about newer, shorter tests

Graduate admissions tests have changed significantly in the past few years. The GRE is now shorter, and the GMAT Focus Edition introduced new sections and removed others. Both exams are designed to test practical reasoning and analytical ability rather than endurance.

For MBA applicants, this shift means preparation strategies and even test selection may look different from what they did just a few years ago. Understanding the differences between the GRE and GMAT can help you choose the right exam and build an effective study plan.

This guide explains what’s changed, how the tests compare, and how to prepare for success.

Key takeaways

• Student feedback has driven major changes in standardized testing formats.
• The GMAT emphasizes data analysis, with about one-third of the exam assessing these skills.
• The GRE offers a more balanced verbal and quantitative structure, often appealing to applicants with stronger language skills.
• Success on the GMAT now depends heavily on strategy, pacing, and data interpretation.
• Business school admissions are increasingly global and merit-based, with no single background offering a guaranteed advantage.

GRE vs. GMAT: Quick comparison

Before diving deeper, here is a quick overview of how the exams differ.

Most business schools now accept either test, so the best option depends on your strengths and comfort with the exam format.

Why standardized tests are changing

Standardized admissions tests have evolved rapidly in response to student feedback and changes in higher education.

For years, MBA applicants assumed the GMAT was the only option. Today, however, nearly all top business schools accept both the GRE and GMAT. At the same time, test providers have shortened exams and redesigned question types.

These updates reflect a broader trend: students increasingly prefer shorter, more relevant exams that better reflect real-world problem solving.

Even before 2020, participation in traditional testing formats was declining, a trend that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the number of SAT test takers fell from roughly 2.2 million in 2019 to about 1.5 million in 2021, with many students citing fatigue and logistical challenges.

In response, testing organizations introduced major updates:

• The digital SAT, which is shorter and adaptive
• The shorter GRE, now under two hours
• The GMAT Focus Edition, redesigned to emphasize analytical reasoning

Shorter tests can reduce fatigue and help candidates perform closer to their true ability. However, adaptive testing formats also require new preparation strategies and stronger time management.

What changed in the new GMAT

Launched in 2023, the GMAT Focus Edition significantly redesigned the traditional GMAT format.

Several major changes affect how candidates should prepare.

New emphasis on data analysis

Data interpretation is now at the center of the GMAT.

The new Data Insights section combines elements of the former Integrated Reasoning section with additional data interpretation tasks. Test takers must analyze charts, tables, and multiple sources of information to answer questions.

Altogether, roughly one-third of the exam measures data analysis skills.

This reflects what business schools value most: candidates who can interpret complex information and make sound decisions quickly.

To prepare effectively, students should practice:

• Interpreting charts and tables
• Evaluating multi-source data
• Solving Data Sufficiency questions efficiently

The removal of sentence correction

One of the biggest structural changes is the removal of Sentence Correction from the verbal section.

Instead, the verbal portion now focuses on:

• Critical reasoning
• Reading comprehension

These question types evaluate your ability to analyze arguments, understand logical relationships, and extract meaning from complex passages, skills more closely aligned with business decision-making.

As a result, students should spend less time memorizing grammar rules and more time developing analytical reading and logical reasoning skills.

How to adjust your GMAT preparation strategy

Preparing for the new GMAT requires a slightly different approach than the classic version.

Effective study strategies include:

• Practicing Data Sufficiency questions daily
• Reviewing complex charts and tables
• Building strong logical reasoning skills
• Practicing with timed question sets

Start by working through questions untimed to understand concepts. Then transition to timed practice to simulate real exam pressure.

Using official GMAT materials is especially important for becoming familiar with the new question formats.

GRE vs. GMAT: Which test is better for MBA admissions?

Because most business schools accept either test, choosing between the GRE and GMAT is largely a strategic decision.

Both exams measure verbal and quantitative reasoning, but they emphasize different skills.

The GMAT generally benefits applicants who:

• Have strong quantitative backgrounds
• Are comfortable interpreting complex data
• Enjoy analytical reasoning

The GRE, on the other hand, often suits candidates who:

• Excel in reading comprehension
• Have strong vocabulary skills
• Come from humanities or communication-heavy fields

The best way to decide is simple: take a practice test for each exam.

Compare:

• Your percentile scores
• Comfort with the question types
• How manageable the timing feels

Choose the exam that highlights your strengths.

The importance of mindset and pacing on the GMAT

Technical knowledge alone is not enough to succeed on the GMAT. Your mindset and pacing strategy can have a major impact on performance.

Managing test anxiety

Test anxiety can interfere with concentration, memory, and problem-solving ability.

Adopting a growth mindset can help reduce stress and improve performance. Instead of viewing mistakes as failures, treat them as opportunities to identify weaknesses and improve.

Consistent practice and familiarity with the exam format also help build confidence.

Navigating new GMAT features

The GMAT now allows test takers to review and change previous answers within a section.

While this flexibility can be helpful, it also introduces new pacing challenges.

A good strategy is to:

• Flag uncertain questions
• Continue moving forward
• Revisit flagged items only if time allows

Avoid overthinking answers or repeatedly changing them.

Building strong pacing skills

Time management is critical on both the GRE and GMAT.

Because the exams are shorter and adaptive, each question carries more weight. Letting the clock run out can significantly affect your score.

Improve pacing by:

• Practicing full-time sections
• Simulating real testing conditions
• Reviewing how long you spend per question

With enough practice, you can develop a steady rhythm that keeps you on track throughout the exam.

Admissions competition and preparation trends

MBA admissions have also become more global and competitive.

Business schools increasingly value diverse perspectives and experiences. Applicants now come from a wide range of industries and regions, including growing candidate pools from Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

At the same time, shorter exams do not necessarily mean easier ones.

With fewer questions and adaptive scoring systems, each mistake has a greater impact. Focused preparation is therefore more important than ever.

Effective preparation strategies include:

• Short, targeted study sessions
• Regular timed practice tests
• Reviewing mistakes carefully
• Staying informed about exam updates

Choosing schools that align with your goals, not just rankings, can also strengthen your overall application strategy.

What the new GRE and GMAT changes mean for applicants

The shorter GRE and the GMAT represent a broader shift in graduate admissions testing.

These exams are designed to measure analytical thinking, data interpretation, and real-world reasoning rather than memorization or endurance.

For applicants, the key steps are:

• Choose the exam that matches your strengths
• Build a structured study plan
• Practice under realistic time constraints
• Maintain a confident, growth-focused mindset

With thoughtful preparation and a clear understanding of the new formats, you can approach the GRE or GMAT with confidence and maximize your chances of success.