GRE vs. GMAT which one is the right study abroad test for you?

From the day Business schools have started accepting GRE scores in addition to the GMAT scores for admission purpose, more and more students are getting confused in deciding which test to appear for. Being an owner of one of the best GRE Classes in ahmedabad let me help you in (making it simple to) take the right decision on which one is the most suitable test for you.

Let’s start with some background and historical developments.

It all started back in 2006 when GMAT which is owned by GMAC (Graduate Management Admissions Council) which had partnered with ETS (Educational Testing Service) which till then managed their tests decided to discontinue with ETS and instead made a new contract with ACT-Pearson as reported on The New York Times.

ETS the organization which has been conducting the GRE, the started persuading business schools about accepting the GRE score on the grounds that they would be able to widen and diversify their applicant pool. In fact a change was made in the GRE test format in August 2011 for making it relevant for the business schools.

On similar lines, changes where made in the GMAT in June 2012 by introducing a new section, the Integrated Reasoning to make the test more b school friendly. The competition between the GMAT and the GRE is getting tougher as more and more business schools are starting to accept GRE scores.

Point no. 1

If you are planning to give GRE then check whether the university you are planning to take admission in is accepting the GRE score. As all the universities will accept GMAT but not all accept the GRE score.

Point no. 2

If you are a science stream student and are caught between whether to opt for masters or MBA, GRE is a better option.

Point no. 3

If you look at the cost GRE fees is $205 and GMAT fees is $250.

Point no. 4

If you are seeking a dual degree, such as a MBA/Master of Public Policy degree, the GRE is your best choice since you will have to take one only test. 

Point no. 5

GMAT is question adaptive test while GRE is a section adaptive test.

Point no. 6

GMAT tends to be tougher to appear for compared to GRE

Point no. 7

Some recruiters from the industry take into account the GMAT scores. A good score on GMAT would be a plus for the applicants wishing to move into investment banking and management consulting.

For more information please visit dedicated page on GMAT coaching

6 Tips for a Perfect GRE Issue Essay

WRITE AT LEAST THREE PRACTICE ESSAYS.

Practice makes perfect! You can study for the GRE Exam Preparation online by looking up the AWA prompts and writing several of them within the 30 minute guideline. The only way to get comfortable with the time constraints is to practice them, so set up test-like conditions and get to work.

DON’T WAFFLE.

Choose one side of the issue only, and don’t try to “have it both ways.” If you take a middle-of-the-road approach you won’t sound as confident or clear. Remember, according to ETS, the “readers are evaluating the skill with which you address the specific instructions and articulate and develop an argument to support your evaluation of the issue.” What exactly you say (what side you choose to defend) is less important than how you defend it!

CHOOSE VERY SPECIFIC REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES.

Don’t be general! Every reader would like to see more specific examples: Mitt Romney, the War of 1812, Keynesian economic theory, the mating rituals of octopii, an anecdote about your Uncle Ralph the compulsive gambler, etc. You can have some fun with it, and your examples don’t have to be the most scholarly. What are you an expert on?

BUT, MAKE SURE YOUR EXAMPLES ARE RELEVANT TO THE TOPIC.

You can absolutely choose examples from a wide range of subjects: personal experience, pop culture, history, sports, literature, current events, politics, etc. But make sure you explain HOW your example clearly supports your thesis.

AVOID FIRST-PERSON AND SELF-REFERENCE.

“I think” or “I believe” are obvious. You are the person writing this essay! First-person pronouns should ONLY appear in a body paragraph if you are using personal experience as an example, and telling a story from your own life to support your thesis. Never use “I” in your introductory or concluding paragraph.  

MAKE STRONG, DECLARATIVE STATEMENTS.

Look for ways to add charged adjectives, adverbs and “because” clauses to make your sentences sound more confident. For eg. “The president shouldn’t allow Congress to pass the law.” Or, “It is unacceptable for the president to permit Congress to pass the law because it unconstitutionally overextends Congress’ powers.” Posted by GRE classes in ahmedabad