Is GMAT More Difficult Than GRE?

The real answer to the question is GMAT is harder than GRE because taking both the test is the same and can be compared side-by-side. The main reason that it is harder than GRE is because it is a multiple choice exam and the format of it makes it different from other entrance tests. The GMAT is a combination of both verbal and non-verbal cues and analyzing the information contained in these two types of cues is what makes it easier or harder. When I say combination, I mean there are literally thousands of combinations that can be entered into the test.

First, you have verbal questions. These questions ask you to analyze and interpret verbal information. They are very common and most applicants will have an easy time answering them. The type of questions that are most common is probably about grammar, but there are literally thousands of others. For example, one type of question is “What is the meaning of it?” You can get more specific and complex answers depending on the style of the test.

Second, there is the non-verbal format. This requires you to not only understand the sentence structure, but also how you are responding and giving signs. This is a much more difficult to format than the preceding section of the test. It requires a good amount of intro-writing skills. The GMAT test is very structured and they want to see a clear understanding of the materials they have presented to you.

Third, there is the testing of memory skills. Just as with the verbal section, the verbal portion of the GMAT test is asking you to analyze and interpret the content of text. However, unlike the verbal section, the non-verbal section requires you to apply your knowledge through reading and listening. One element of this section is being able to translate what you have read or heard into an actionable idea or argument. Being able to translate the material is part of what makes the verbal section so difficult.

The fourth format is Quantitative reasoning. In the quant section, you are given a series of statements and you are asked to analyze each of them using mathematical formulae. This section will test your critical thinking and reasoning skills. The reasoning section is far harder than it looks. The reason is that the quantifiers must be true in order for you to make a correct response.

The last format we will discuss is Quantitative analysis. In this format, you will be given an essay and will need to analyze the data or arguments presented within the essay. Again, the difficulty of this format is much harder than the other sections, which is why it ranks as the top 3 hardest formats.

As you can see, taking the GMAT is much easier than most people perceive it to be. The types of questions asked, as well as the formats they follow, will have little effect on your score. What you should focus on is the time it takes to answer each question correctly. If you can spend just fifteen minutes per question, then you are well on your way to answering question #1. Once you have the test in hand, take a few minutes to review the format and practice your skills.

When taking the GMAT, you will want to focus on two things. First, get as many practice tests under your belt as possible before you even take the real test. Second, spend as much time practicing with a friend as possible before the test. This will greatly reduce your level of anxiety when taking your actual test. Following these steps will ensure that you succeed when it comes to the GMAT test.