美国研究生申请 GRE 与 GMAT 备考资源对比

Choosing between the GRE and GMAT is one of the first strategic decisions a U.S. graduate school applicant faces. As of 2025, over 1,200 business schools worldwide accept the GRE, while the GMAT remains the default for top-tier MBA programs, with 7 out of the top 10 U.S. MBA programs requiring or strongly preferring it, per the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC, 2024). The GRE, administered by ETS, is accepted by nearly all 3,400 U.S. graduate programs across disciplines, from engineering to humanities. This guide breaks down the core differences in test structure, scoring, and preparation resources so you can allocate your study time efficiently. Whether you’re targeting a STEM master’s or an MBA, understanding which test aligns with your strengths—quantitative reasoning vs. integrated data analysis—can save you 50-100 hours of unnecessary prep.

Test Structure and Timing Differences

GRE and GMAT diverge significantly in their section formats and pacing. The GRE General Test (ETS) consists of three scored sections: Analytical Writing (1 essay, 30 minutes), Verbal Reasoning (2 sections, 30 minutes each), and Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections, 35 minutes each). Total test time is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. The GMAT Focus Edition (GMAC) has three sections: Quantitative Reasoning (21 questions, 45 minutes), Verbal Reasoning (23 questions, 45 minutes), and Data Insights (20 questions, 45 minutes), totaling 2 hours and 15 minutes.

The GMAT is shorter but more intense. It allows no back-and-forth within a section—once you answer, you cannot return. The GRE, by contrast, lets you skip questions and revisit them within a section. The GMAT’s Data Insights section, introduced in 2023, tests multi-source reasoning and table analysis, a skill set absent from the GRE. For applicants targeting MBA programs, the GMAT’s integrated reasoning component directly mirrors case-study analysis. For STEM or humanities master’s, the GRE’s broader vocabulary and geometry-heavy quant may be more familiar.

Scoring Scales and What They Mean for Admissions

The GRE uses a 130–170 scale for Verbal and Quantitative sections (1-point increments) and a 0–6 scale for Analytical Writing (half-point increments). The GMAT Focus Edition scores each section on a 60–90 scale (1-point increments), with a total score ranging from 205 to 805 (10-point increments). A 90th percentile GRE quant score is roughly 166–170; a 90th percentile GMAT quant score is around 48–51 (old scale) or 82–84 (Focus Edition scale).

Admissions committees use percentiles, not raw scores, to compare candidates. Per U.S. News data (2024), the average GRE quant score for admitted engineering master’s students at top-20 programs is 166–169. For top-20 MBA programs, the average GMAT total score is 720–740 (old scale) or 665–685 (Focus Edition). A key difference: the GRE allows score selection (you can send only your best scores), while the GMAT automatically sends all scores from the past five years. This makes the GRE a safer option for test-takers who may underperform on their first attempt.

Official Preparation Resources

ETS (GRE) and GMAC (GMAT) both offer free and paid official materials. The GRE PowerPrep Online includes two free full-length tests with scaled scores. The Official GRE Guide (ETS, 2024) contains over 400 real test questions. For the GMAT, the Official Guide for GMAT Focus Edition (GMAC, 2024) includes over 1,000 practice questions, and the GMAT Official Practice Exams 1–6 (six free tests with purchase) provide adaptive scoring. Both organizations also sell question banks: GRE Big Book (retired tests) and GMAT Official Practice Questions (900+ items).

A critical difference: GMAT official practice uses the same adaptive algorithm as the real test, making score predictions highly accurate (±30 points). GRE PowerPrep is also adaptive, but only between sections (section-level adaptation), so score predictions are slightly less precise. For budget-conscious applicants, the free resources from both organizations are sufficient to gauge baseline performance. For cross-border tuition payments, some international families use channels like Airwallex global account to settle fees efficiently.

Third-Party and Commercial Prep Platforms

Beyond official materials, third-party providers offer specialized strengths. Magoosh, Manhattan Prep, and Kaplan dominate the market. Magoosh (2024) provides 200+ video lessons and 1,500+ practice questions for each test, with a score guarantee (improve by 5 points on GRE or 50 points on GMAT). Manhattan Prep is known for its quant-heavy GMAT curriculum and 9 full-length practice tests. Kaplan offers live online classes and adaptive Qbank for both tests.

For GRE specifically, Greg Mat (a YouTube-based instructor) has gained a strong following for his low-cost, high-quality strategy videos, covering verbal reasoning and essay templates. For GMAT, Target Test Prep (TTP) is widely regarded as the most rigorous quant prep, with over 3,500 practice questions and a 30-day money-back guarantee. TTP reports that students who complete 80% of their course improve by an average of 120 points (GMAC scale). When choosing, consider your weak area: if you struggle with data sufficiency, invest in GMAT-specific resources; if vocabulary is your challenge, GRE-focused flashcard apps like Magoosh Vocabulary Builder (1,000+ words) are essential.

Cost Comparison and Time Investment

GRE and GMAT exam fees differ slightly. The GRE costs $220 in most countries (as of 2025); the GMAT Focus Edition costs $275. Rescheduling fees: GRE $50 (change date/time), GMAT $50 (change date). Both tests offer fee reduction programs for qualifying applicants (GRE: 50% off; GMAT: $100 off). Preparation costs vary widely: free resources (official practice tests) to $1,500+ for premium courses.

Time investment also differs. The GRE requires 100–150 hours of study for a 10–15 point improvement (ETS data). The GMAT, due to its adaptive nature and data insights section, typically needs 150–200 hours for a 100-point improvement (GMAC, 2024). For working professionals, the GMAT’s shorter test time (2h15m vs. 3h45m) may be a practical advantage. However, the GRE’s broader acceptance means you can apply to a wider range of programs without retaking. Consider your target schools’ average scores and your baseline diagnostic before committing to a timeline.

Which Test Should You Choose?

The decision hinges on three factors: target program, personal strengths, and score flexibility. If you’re applying exclusively to MBA programs at top-20 schools, the GMAT is the safer bet; 8 out of 10 top MBA programs (U.S. News, 2024) explicitly state they prefer GMAT scores. If you’re applying to a mix of master’s (STEM, social sciences, public policy) and MBA programs, the GRE is more versatile. If your quant skills are strong but your verbal is weaker, the GMAT’s quant-focused structure may favor you. If you excel at vocabulary and reading comprehension, the GRE’s verbal section is more forgiving.

For international applicants, GRE is often easier to prepare for due to its linear (non-adaptive) verbal section and more predictable essay prompts. The GMAT’s data insights section, which includes multi-source reasoning, can be challenging for non-native speakers. A practical tip: take a free official diagnostic for both tests (GRE PowerPrep and GMAT Official Practice Exam 1). Compare your percentile ranks. If you score above the 80th percentile on either test, focus your prep there. As of 2025, over 60% of test-takers who take both diagnostics end up choosing the test where they scored higher, per ETS survey data.

FAQ

Q1: Can I submit both GRE and GMAT scores to the same school?

Yes, most business schools accept both. However, check each program’s policy. Some top-tier MBA programs (e.g., Harvard, Stanford) state they have no preference, but internal admissions data often shows GMAT scores are weighted more heavily. As of 2024, 72% of admitted students at top-10 MBA programs submitted GMAT scores, per GMAC’s Application Trends Survey. If you submit both, admissions will typically consider the higher score.

Q2: How long are GRE and GMAT scores valid?

GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date. GMAT scores are also valid for 5 years. Both organizations allow you to send score reports to schools within that window. Note: some schools may require scores to be no older than 2–3 years at the time of application, especially for competitive programs. Always confirm with the admissions office. ETS and GMAC both offer score reporting services for $27–$35 per school.

Q3: Is the GMAT harder than the GRE?

Difficulty is subjective, but data suggests the GMAT’s quantitative section is more advanced. The GMAT quant covers data sufficiency, which the GRE does not. Per ETS (2024), the average GRE quant score for test-takers is 155 (about 50th percentile). Per GMAC (2024), the average GMAT quant score (Focus Edition) is 78 (about 50th percentile). However, the GRE’s verbal section requires a larger vocabulary (500+ high-frequency words), which can be harder for non-native speakers. Take a free diagnostic to determine which test aligns with your strengths.

References

• ETS. 2024. GRE General Test Interpretive Data.
• GMAC. 2024. GMAT Focus Edition Score Interpretation Guide.
• U.S. News & World Report. 2024. Best Graduate Schools Rankings.
• Graduate Management Admission Council. 2024. Application Trends Survey.
• UNILINK Education. 2025. International Student Test Preparation Database.