GMAT to GRE Score conversion: The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are two of the most popular exams for admission to graduate programs. GMAT is designed for business school candidates. Further, GRE is accepted by various graduate programs, including MBA, MS, and various specilised master’s degrees.
Nowadays, B-schools have started accepting both GMAT and GRE scores, which results in the need for a standardised GMAT to GRE score conversion system. Check the section below to know more about the GMAT to GRE score conversion:
GMAT and GRE score conversion refers to the process of converting scores from one standardised test to another, specifi
369cally between the GMAT and GRE. Generally, candidates applying to business schools who are also interested in pursuing a PhD may need to convert their GMAT scores to GRE scores. Opting for the GMAT focus exam is a good choice for candidates looking for admission to a renowned business school. However, if candidates are looking to pursue graduate courses or a Ph.D., the GRE is a more suitable option. Additionally, individuals pursuing an advanced degree in science must convert their GMAT scores into GRE scores.
Many colleges now accept both GMAT and GRE scores, expanding the number of candidates. Conversion tables are available that enable students to evaluate their GRE scores based on their GMAT scores. However, it is important to note that these tables may not be entirely accurate, so it's wise to allow for a margin of error when using them. Further, GRE scores are required for admission to graduate and Ph.D. programs. Therefore, if candidates have at least one of their scores available, candidates can use it to estimate the other score with the conversion tables.
When applying to graduate or business school, choosing between the GMAT and GRE is a crucial decision. Both tests estimate analytical, verbal, and quantitative skills. But, both are different in structure, purpose, scoring, and acceptance. Check the table below to know about the difference between GMAT and GRE:
Difference between GMAT and GRE |
||
---|---|---|
Feature |
GMAT |
GRE |
Full-Form |
Graduate Management Admission Test |
Graduate Record Examination |
Conducting Body |
GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) |
ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
Purpose |
Admission to MBA and business-related programs |
Admission to a wide range of graduate and PhD programs |
Test Format |
Computer Adaptive Test |
Computer-based or Paper-based |
Sections |
Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal |
Analytical Writing, Quantitative, Verbal |
Scoring Range |
205 - 805 |
130 - 170 (Quant + Verbal), 0-6 (Writing) |
Time Duration |
3 hours 7 minutes |
3 hours 45 minutes |
Acceptance |
Business schools worldwide |
Business, law, and graduate schools worldwide |
Candidates are looking to convert scores between GMAT and GRE for several reasons. Given below are some important factors:
1. Application Flexibility: Many applicants want to apply to both MBA and graduate programs. If they have both the scores, they can easily apply for any courses.
2. Retake Strategy: If candidates performed badly on one test. But they can opt for the other.
3. Admission Transparency: Universities often list score requirements in one format.
4. Scholarship Eligibility: Some scholarships require both GMAT or GRE score. So if candidates want to grab a scholarship opportunity, they must have both scores.
Understanding the scoring pattern of GMAT and GRE is important when preparing for the test for converting scores. Both exams evaluate verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills. But they differ significantly in how scores are calculated, scaled, and interpreted. Below is how each test is scored:
GMAT Scoring Pattern
GMAT vs GRE Scoring Pattern | |
---|---|
Section |
Score Range |
Quantitative Reasoning |
6-51 |
Verbal Reasoning |
6-51 |
Total Score |
205-805 |
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) |
0-6 (half point increments) |
Integrated Reasoning (IR) |
1-8 |
GRE Scoring Pattern
GRE Score Pattern |
|
---|---|
Section |
Score Range |
Quantitative Reasoning |
130 - 170 (1 point increments) |
Verbal Reasoning |
130- 170 (1 point increments) |
Total Score |
260-340 |
Analytical Writing (AWA) |
0-6 (half-point increments) |
Many universities accept both GMAT and GRE scores, but the scoring systems are different. Score conversion is helpful to compare them. Below is a widely accepted conversion table based on data from ETS (the GRE-conducting body) and GMAC (GMAT-conducting body):
GMAT to GRE Score Conversion |
|
GMAT Score |
GRE Score |
800 |
340 |
760 |
334 |
740 |
332 |
720 |
330 |
700 |
328 |
680 |
325 |
660 |
322 |
640 |
319 |
620 |
316 |
600 |
314 |
580 |
311 |
560 |
308 |
540 |
305 |
500 |
302 |
480 |
299 |
460 |
296 |
440 |
294 |
420 |
289 |
400 |
286 |
380 |
283 |
360 |
280 |
340 |
278 |
320 |
275 |
300 |
272 |
There is no official universal formula for conversion. ETS has released a comparison tool that uses predictive data analytics. However, for quick approximation, candidates can use below formula:
GMAT Formula
GMAT Score = (GRE Verbal + Quant - 210) / 0.45
Example:
If the GRE score is 320,
GMAT = (320 - 210) / 0.45 = 244.44, Round to 640–650
Note: This formula offers an estimate. Always validate with official tools.
GRE Formula
GRE Total = GMAT Score × 0.45 + 210
Example: If a candidate's GMAT score is 650.
GRE = 650 × 0.45) + 210 = 502.5
Note: This formula offers an estimate. Always validate with official tools.
Choosing between GMAT and GRE can be confusing for many students. Both tests are accepted by top universities, but they have different formats and focus areas. By using GMAT To GMAT to GRE score conversions and understanding what each test offers, students can decide which one suits them better. The following tip helps candidates choose between GMAT and GRE:
1. Know the Program Requirements: Some business schools prefer GMAT for MBA programs, while GRE is more all-around.
2. Choose based on strengths: If the candidate is strong in math, choosing CMAT is the best option. But if candidates are strong in vocabulary and reading, choosing the GRE is a better option.
3. Business School Preferences: Some top MBA programs like Wharton, Stanford, and Harvard accept both tests, but analyse data on accepted scores.
4. Use score conversion to estimate outcomes: If candidates have already taken one test, they can decide whether it's worth attempting the other by converting their score and comparing it to program cutoffs.