GRE vs GMAT

[ronald7851]

Which test easier to take? Im going to study statistics and branch into operations management. I decided not to go for my MBA in management considering my undergrad major was management. I heard that the GRE is easier because the math is less difficult. It doesnt have those data suffiency questions. Also can this test be learned. Are you doomed for failure if you SATs werent that great. I assume you can score higher considering Im much older now and more mature. What books should I buy and which is the best GRE course to take?

thanks

[mickgreen58]

From my very brief research, the GMAT seems to be harder.

[ObfuscateOften]

You're certainly not doomed to do poorly on the GRE simply because you didn't do so well on the SAT. I think GRE math is roughly the same as SAT math, which IMO means the quant section of the GRE will be harder because of the inherent nature of the CAT, but as long as you begin to prepare for the test you can do well.

[biohazard]

GMAT quant seems harder, esp with data sufficiency and permutations/combinations. GRE geometry is not my favorite either, though.

GMAT verbal is easier, not so vocab focused.

So it depends on your strengths.

However, you can definitely learn how to take either test, GRE probably being the easier one to master. Learn GRE-taking techniques and bone up on your fundamentals and you'll see good improvements. Your SAT score definitely won't dictate what you can hope to achieve on the GRE.

For prep, download the free Powerprep tests from GRE: Graduate Record Examinations Information. Also get Cracking the GRE. It's a review book from Princeton Review and it has very good tips, a great vocab hit list, and practice CATs. The CATs have answer explanations, very helpful.

If you need extra vocab prep, I would recommend Word Smart for the GRE. I personally am not a fan of Barron's 3,500+ word list because only a tiny amount of those words show up on the real test, so it's not time well spent unless you really need to improve your vocab over all. You won't have much use for words like "obfuscate" unless you use them in your forum ID. ;-)

[ronald7851]

Thanks guys. I might be taking the GMAt instead b/c I can use statistics as a operations managment major and get my MBA. Im going to be a senior with a management major and I wanted to emulate my professor's path of her career. I was going to go right into statisics and take the gre but that wouldnt be wise considering Ive taken all these business courses. I just found out that NYU has this special program where you can major in operations management. there some statistics in it so its right up my alley. NYU requires a 700 which is way too high for me. Ill be happy if I can pull off a 600. I went to my library book sale and bought 4 GMAT books. A Gmat for dummies from 2000, a princetonreview from 1995, a GMAC test prep from 1997, and a 2007 kaplan prep book. I know these booka are outdated but they're still valuable. GMAT doesnt test your vocab, right? Im really good at grammar but I hate the DS questions. I have to spend more time studying those.

Thanks
Ron