Decoding the GMAT Labyrinth: Your Blueprint for Business School Success with GMAT Tutor NYC.

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The GMAT looms like a mythical sphinx, guarding the gates of your dream business school. Equations dance, verbal riddles abound, and time becomes your most precious currency. But fear not, intrepid scholar, for this post is your Rosetta Stone, unlocking the secrets of the GMAT and guiding you towards success with GMAT Tutor NYC!

First things first, what is the GMAT? In simple terms, it’s a standardized test that assesses your readiness for graduate management programs like MBAs. Think of it as your intellectual passport to business school glory. It’s composed of four distinct sections, each a portal to a different realm of your analytical prowess:

Quantitative Reasoning: Brace yourself for a number odyssey! This section tests your mathematical mettle, from algebra and geometry to data analysis and problem-solving. Don’t worry if equations aren’t your forte, GMAT Tutor NYC tailors a study plan that transforms number crunching into your superpower.
Verbal Reasoning: Get ready to flex your reading comprehension and critical thinking muscles. This section throws curveballs like dense passages with tricky questions, analytical reasoning puzzles, and sentence correction challenges. GMAT Tutor NYC equips you with ninja-level reading strategies and critical thinking frameworks to dissect even the most perplexing prose.
Integrated Reasoning: Time to put your data sleuthing skills to the test! This section throws you into a world of graphs, tables, and charts, demanding you to connect the dots and draw insightful conclusions. GMAT Tutor NYC’s interactive practice modules and expert tips turn you into a data detective, ready to uncover hidden meanings within.
Analytical Writing Assessment: Showcase your analytical and persuasive writing prowess with this essay section. You’ll be presented with an argument to dissect and then tasked with constructing a well-structured essay of your own. GMAT Tutor NYC’s writing workshops and personalized feedback hone your writing skills, transforming your thoughts into impactful prose.
But why choose GMAT Tutor NYC? We’re more than just GMAT robots. We’re your academic Sherpas, navigating the treacherous slopes of the GMAT with personalized learning plans, adaptive practice questions, and expert instructors who’ve not only aced the GMAT, but can guide you through its intricacies like a seasoned explorer. We demystify the test, giving you the tools and confidence to conquer your fears and achieve your academic goals.

So, ditch the cryptic text and join GMAT Tutor NYC on your GMAT adventure! We’ll be your map, compass, and trusty guide, helping you traverse the intellectual terrain and emerge victorious. Remember, the GMAT is not a monster to be slain, but a puzzle to be solved. With the right approach and GMAT Tutor NYC by your side, you’ll crack the code and unleash your full potential.

Start your GMAT journey today! Head over to GMAT Tutor NYC and explore our comprehensive resources, personalized study plans, and expert guidance. Let’s turn that GMAT into your stepping stone to your dream business school!

Remember, the score is just a number. Your potential is limitless. GMAT Tutor NYC will help you unleash it!

Keywords: GMAT, GMAT Tutor NYC, graduate management programs, MBA, test prep, personalized learning, expert instructors, study plans

GMAT vs GRE – Which Is Right for Me?

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A picture of textbooks.
A picture of textbooks.

In this article, we will go over the differences between the GMAT and GRE and which one is likely the best fit for you. Specifically, we will examine the difficulties and perceptions of each exam and what would be considered a good score by admissions offices.

It all boils down to two questions:

  • Do you test significantly better on the GMAT vs GRE, or vice versa?
  • Are you also interested in applying to non-business school programs?

What Are the Differences Between the GMAT and GRE?

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is administered by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC). The GMAT is a computer-adaptive exam scored between 200-800 points using a 10-point increment. The entire exam has a duration of 3 hours and 7 minutes.

The GMAT covers four sections:

  • Quant Section (6-51 points) – 31 questions in 62 minutes
  • Verbal Section (6-51 points) – 36 questions in 65 minutes
  • Integrated Reasoning (1-8 points) – 12 questions in 30 minutes
  • Analytical Writing (0-6 points) – 1 question in 30 minutes

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is provided by the Education Testing Service (ETS). The GRE is also a computer-adaptive exam scored between 260-340 using a 1-point increment. The duration of the exam is 3 hours and 45 minutes.

The GRE consists of three sections:

  • Quant Section (130-170 points) – Two sections of 20 questions each for 35 minutes
  • Verbal Section ((130-170 points) – Two sections of 20 questions each for 30 minutes
  • Analytical Writing (0-6 points) – Two essays to complete in 60 minutes

GMAT or GRE: Which Exam Is More Popular – And Why?

In 2019, graduate school candidates took 395,280 GRE exams. By comparison, prospective MBA candidates sat for 82,844 GMAT exams in the U.S. We are referencing 2019 because of a shift in the testing landscape resulting from COVID. In response to COVID, many graduate programs waived testing. Therefore, the testing data beyond 2019 looks starkly different. It is unclear how many schools will reinstate the testing requirement. However, even with the waiver in effect, a strong GRE/GMAT score can work in your favor when there is a lack of similar data available for other candidates.

The data above shows us that the GRE is more popular than the GMAT. The reason is that the GRE is the test standard for graduate programs (exempting the MCAT and LSAT) outside of business. In contrast, the GMAT is exclusively used for MBA programs. Most business schools, although not all, accept the GRE as an alternative. Therefore, part of choosing between the tests depends on what type of program you wish to pursue. If you are certain that you want to pursue your MBA, then you should choose the GMAT. The only exception is if you test significantly better on the GRE. While if you wish to apply to multiple programs, including a business one, you face a trickier decision.

Exam Perceptions – Is the GRE easier than the GMAT?

There is a debate about whether the GMAT or the GRE is easier. Both exams have similarities but vary in their purpose. The GMAT has a robust quantitative section which is why MBA programs have traditionally focused on it. From the perspective of an MBA program, you want to be sure that the candidate is strong quantitatively. It is generally agreed that the GMAT quantitative section is more rigorous than the GRE. Conversely, the verbal section of the GRE is considered by many to be more difficult. The GMAT is riddled with logic, whereas many perceive the GRE as a more straightforward application of skills.

GMAT Versus GRE – What Do Admissions Think?

Most MBA programs say that they weigh the GMAT and GRE equally. However, it is important to know that nearly 90% of MBA candidates submit a GMAT score, meaning that admissions departments have more experience with the GMAT and possibly an implicit preference for it. That said, the GRE continues to grow in popularity each year, and a strong GRE score will certainly not be ignored.

What is a Good GMAT Score?

According to GMAC, the average GMAT score is 568.21 with a standard deviation of 114.73, based on data from 2018 to 2020. In other words, following a normal distribution, 68% of GMAT test-takers scored between 450 and 680 (rounding for 10-point increments). Yet, amongst the top 20 MBA programs, based on the US News rankings, the average GMAT score was 720 (rounding for 10-point increments). We cannot say that a certain GMAT score will gain you entry, only that it will increase your odds. Understand that MBA rankings such as US News or the Financial Times rely heavily on GMAT scores, and the universities know this. You should at least aim to be within the range of accepted scores. More realistically, you will want to aim at or above the average GMAT score for your target school.

Please see the chart below for a more detailed breakdown including score ranges.

MBA ProgramGMAT Score RangeGMAT MeanGMAT Median
University of Chicago (Booth)590-790732740
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)733740
Northwestern (Kellogg)630-780727
Stanford University610-790738
Harvard University590-790730
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)*690-760730
Yale University*690-760730
Columbia University540-780729
University of California – Berkeley (Haas)690-760726730
University of Michigan (Ross)690-760722
Dartmouth College (Tuck)600-780724
Duke University (Fuqua)*670-750
New York University (Stern)620-770729
University of Virginia (Darden)715
Cornell University (Johnson)710
Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)*640-740691700
University of California – Los Angeles (Anderson)*660-760711
University of Texas – Austin (McCombs)*650-740708
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler)696
University of Southern California (Marshall)716
*Indicates 80% or 90% score range.

What is a Good GRE Score?

According to ETS, the average GRE verbal reasoning score was 150.37 with a standard deviation of 8.59. The average GRE quantitative reasoning score was 153.66, with a standard deviation of 9.44. However, amongst the top 20 MBA programs, as per the US News rankings, the average GRE verbal score was 161.6. Meanwhile, the average GRE quant score was 162.8.

Similar to our GMAT advice above, no specific GRE score will gain you entry into a top MBA program. However, a higher score will significantly increase your chances. You should, at minimum, aim to be within the GRE score range for the program you are targeting. Ideally, aim to hit the average or above.

You can find out more information about average GRE scores for the top MBA programs in the table below.

MBA ProgramGRE Verbal RangeGRE Verbal AverageGRE Quant RangeGRE Quant Average
University of Chicago (Booth)149-170162153-170163
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)162162
Northwestern (Kellogg)154-170162151-170165
Stanford University149-170165154-170165
Harvard University147-170163146-170164
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)*157-168158-169
Yale University*160-170166160-170165
Columbia University161167
University of California – Berkeley (Haas)155-168161155-168162
University of Michigan (Ross)160160
Dartmouth College (Tuck)149-170162152-170162
Duke University (Fuqua)*
New York University (Stern)149-170162154-170162
University of Virginia (Darden)
Cornell University (Johnson)
Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)*
University of California – Los Angeles (Anderson)*
University of Texas – Austin (McCombs)*154-165159154-168160
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler)
University of Southern California (Marshall)
*Indicates 80% or 90% score range.
Harvard, Yale, and Berkeley median figures used.

GMAT or GRE – Which Should I Choose?

The short answer is that it depends on what programs you wish to attend. If you want to apply to non-MBA programs as well, then taking the GRE is the likely answer. If you are certain about business school, then take the GMAT. The only caveat is if you test significantly better on the GRE. All things equal, you want to put your best foot forwards, so whichever exam you can test better on should be the one you submit.

Boosting your GMAT or GRE score is difficult, but we can help. Shortcuts and answer choice tricks will only get you so far. The only way to beat these exams is to master the material. We teach our students everything from complex math to breaking down GMAT logic. Our students practice exclusively on real test problems catalogued in our database. Reach out today for a free consultation!