GMAT Focus Edition vs GRE: Which Should You Take in 2026?

Choosing between the GMAT Focus Edition and GRE is one of the most important decisions for MBA applicants. Both tests are accepted by virtually all top business schools, but they have significant differences.

Overview: What Changed?

GMAT Focus Edition (launched 2023)

Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes (down from 3.5 hours)

Sections: 3 (Quantitative, Verbal, Data Insights)

No more: Sentence Correction, Analytical Writing

New: Data Insights section

GRE General Test

Duration: 2 hours (shortened in 2023)

Sections: 3 (Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing)

Format: Adaptive by section

Section-by-Section Comparison

Quantitative Reasoning

AspectGMAT FocusGRE Time45 min, 21 questions47 min, 27 questions CalculatorNoYes DifficultyHigherMore straightforward TopicsPS, DSQC, PS, Data Analysis

Bottom Line: GMAT Quant is harder but calculator-free. GRE allows a calculator.

Verbal Reasoning

AspectGMAT FocusGRE Time45 min, 23 questions41 min, 27 questions Question TypesCR, RCRC, TC, SE VocabularyLess emphasisHeavy emphasis

Bottom Line: GMAT tests logic/reasoning; GRE tests vocabulary more.

Data Insights (GMAT Only)

This new section combines:

Data Sufficiency

Multi-Source Reasoning

Graphics Interpretation

Two-Part Analysis

Table Analysis

It tests your ability to analyze complex data—crucial for business!

Analytical Writing (GRE Only)

One 30-minute essay

"Analyze an Issue" task

Tests argumentation skills

Which Schools Prefer Which?

Slight GMAT Preference:

Harvard Business School

Stanford GSB

Wharton

Most traditional MBA programs

No Preference / GRE Equally Welcomed:

Yale SOM

Kellogg

MIT Sloan

Most schools in 2026

Reality Check:

99% of business schools accept both

Neither test gives you an admission advantage

Schools care about your percentile, not which test

Difficulty Comparison

GMAT Focus Might Be Better If You:

Excel at math without a calculator

Have strong logical reasoning skills

Prefer analyzing arguments over vocabulary

Are applying primarily to business programs

GRE Might Be Better If You:

Have a strong vocabulary

Prefer having a calculator for math

Are applying to multiple program types (MBA + other grad programs)

Find the GRE question formats more intuitive

Score Comparison

Schools use conversion tables, but roughly:

750+ GMAT ≈ 330+ GRE

700 GMAT ≈ 320 GRE

650 GMAT ≈ 310 GRE

Cost Comparison

TestCostScore Reports GMAT Focus$2755 free GRE$2204 free

How to Decide

Take Practice Tests

1. Take one official GRE practice test

2. Take one GMAT Focus practice test

3. Compare your performance honestly

Consider Your Background

Strong vocabulary, humanities background → GRE might be easier

Quant background, logical thinker → GMAT might suit you better

Consider Your Goals

Only MBA → Either works, slight edge to GMAT at some schools

MBA + other grad programs → GRE is more versatile

Final Recommendation

There's no universally "easier" test. The best test is the one that:

1. Plays to your strengths

2. You feel confident taking

3. You can adequately prepare for

Take practice tests of both, then commit fully to one. Splitting your prep time between two tests is usually a mistake.

Pro Tip: Most students who take both tests wish they had focused on just one from the start.