Convert Your GRE Score to GMAT in 2024: Full Chart Inside

As the contours of global MBA admissions continue to evolve, 2024 stands as a pivotal year where lines between traditional evaluation tools are increasingly blurred. The question of whether to submit a GRE or GMAT score is more nuanced than ever, no longer a matter of test availability or convenience, but a strategic decision rooted in analytics, perception, and conversion metrics. With more applicants presenting GRE scores to gain entry into historically GMAT-oriented programs, understanding the dynamic between these two exams is not only relevant but essential.

This first article in our three-part series aims to equip readers with foundational knowledge: the origin and structure of both tests, how they are viewed by admissions committees today, and why knowing how to convert between them has become critical in a competitive admissions landscape.

The Evolving Business School Testing Ecosystem

A decade ago, the GMAT reigned supreme as the singularly accepted standardized test for business school applications. Designed exclusively for graduate management education, the GMAT was long considered the benchmark for assessing quant-heavy aptitude and reasoning skills necessary for success in a rigorous MBA curriculum.

However, the last several years have witnessed a significant shift. Increasingly, schools have started accepting the GRE General Test as an alternative. This test, originally intended for graduate programs across a variety of disciplines, has gained traction among MBA applicants due to its flexibility and widespread acceptance.

As of 2024, over 90 percent of accredited MBA programs globally now accept both the GRE and GMAT interchangeably. This democratization of standardized testing has transformed how candidates approach business school applications. It has also ushered in a new dilemma: how do you accurately compare scores from two very different exams?

Key Motivations Behind the Shift Toward GRE

Applicants are gravitating toward the GRE for several reasons. First, its structure and content are considered by some to be more approachable. While the verbal section leans heavily on vocabulary, the quantitative section tends to be less complex than that of the GMAT. Second, the GRE appeals to candidates who are applying to a variety of graduate programs, not just business schools. It offers greater flexibility for students pursuing dual degrees or keeping their options open across disciplines.

Another factor is test accessibility and cost. The GRE is often perceived as easier to schedule and slightly more affordable. The ability to cancel or reschedule GRE test dates with fewer restrictions than the GMAT adds to its logistical appeal.

However, this broader applicability has resulted in increasing ambiguity. Despite both tests being widely accepted, applicants remain unsure how their GRE score stacks up against peers submitting GMAT scores. Consequently, GRE to GMAT score conversion has become a common and necessary part of the MBA application process.

Understanding the Core Structure of Each Test

A comparison of the content and scoring methodologies of both exams is essential to understand why a conversion formula is needed in the first place.

GMAT Test Structure (2024)

The GMAT assesses core competencies through a compact, modular format. As of 2024, the GMAT includes the following sections:

• Quantitative Reasoning: Focuses on data sufficiency and problem-solving skills, emphasizing logic and analytical thinking.
  
  
• Verbal Reasoning: Includes reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.
  
  
• Integrated Reasoning: Designed to evaluate data interpretation across different formats (tables, graphs, multi-source data).
  
  
• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): A single essay analyzing an argument, scored separately.

The total GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800, but this score only reflects performance on the Quantitative and Verbal sections. AWA and Integrated Reasoning scores are reported independently and do not impact the overall score.

GRE General Test Structure (2024)

The GRE features a more generalist approach, divided into:

• Verbal Reasoning: Tests reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence.
  
  
• Quantitative Reasoning: Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
  
  
• Analytical Writing: Comprises two separately timed tasks—one analyzing an issue, the other an argument.

The GRE assigns individual section scores from 130 to 170 for both Verbal and Quant, resulting in a combined maximum score of 340. The AWA score ranges from 0 to 6, similar to the GMAT’s writing component.

Unlike the GMAT, which is adaptive by question, the GRE is adaptive by section. This subtle difference means the GRE adapts the difficulty level of a subsequent section based on performance in the preceding one, while the GMAT adjusts question-by-question, adding a layer of complexity to its scoring algorithm.

Divergent Scoring Philosophies

One of the most confounding aspects for applicants is the variation in scoring philosophy between the two exams. While both tests cover comparable skills, the numerical scales and underlying algorithms are distinct. For instance, a 170 in GRE Quant may place a student in the 94th percentile, whereas a 51 on GMAT Quant places them in the 97th percentile. Thus, relying solely on raw scores to make a comparison is misleading.

Moreover, percentile rankings between the two exams are not perfectly aligned. For example, scoring in the top 10 percent on the GRE might correspond to a slightly lower percentile on the GMAT depending on the section. This further underscores the need for a standardized method of comparison.

The Rise of Score Conversion Tools

Given the demand for comparative clarity, institutions and testing bodies have responded by providing GRE to GMAT conversion charts. The Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the GRE, collaborated with GMAC to create a concordance table several years ago. This chart allows users to estimate a GMAT-equivalent score based on combined GRE Verbal and Quantitative scores.

While not officially endorsed for admissions decisions, these tables offer valuable guidance to applicants, admissions officers, and scholarship committees alike. The conversion chart is especially useful when an applicant’s GRE score needs to be contextualized within a school’s GMAT-heavy applicant pool.

School Preferences in a Dual-Test Environment

Although most business schools claim to be agnostic regarding test choice, some nuances remain. Programs with a quant-intensive curriculum may implicitly favor GMAT takers due to the test’s emphasis on logical structuring and complex problem solving. For instance, candidates applying to finance-focused tracks or programs with rigorous analytics may be perceived as more prepared if they present a strong GMAT Quant score.

Additionally, some employers in high-stakes industries like consulting or private equity still inquire about GMAT performance, viewing it as a proxy for analytical capability. While not a requirement, this unofficial bias can influence candidates to favor the GMAT over the GRE if they are targeting certain career outcomes.

That said, an increasing number of top-tier programs now provide public GRE score ranges alongside GMAT scores in their class profiles. This increased transparency is helping to level the playing field and provides more data points for applicants evaluating which test to pursue.

Self-Selection and Demographic Trends

Recent data show that certain demographic groups are more inclined to choose the GRE. International students, particularly those applying to interdisciplinary programs or graduate schools beyond business, often prefer the GRE for its versatility. Conversely, domestic applicants focused exclusively on MBA programs still lean toward the GMAT, viewing it as the more targeted assessment.

Moreover, GRE takers often come from non-traditional academic backgrounds. Applicants with undergraduate degrees in humanities, social sciences, or fine arts may find the GRE’s structure more accessible, especially given the allowance of an on-screen calculator during quantitative sections—a feature absent from the GMAT’s core math sections.

Strategic Implications for Applicants

Choosing between the GRE and GMAT is not merely a matter of convenience but one of strategic alignment. The decision should be based on an honest appraisal of one’s strengths, intended career path, and target schools’ preferences.

If an applicant consistently scores higher on GRE practice tests and is not pursuing a finance-heavy MBA track, the GRE might be the better choice. On the other hand, if a candidate is aiming for top-tier consulting firms or quantitative-heavy MBA programs, the GMAT may provide a more favorable signal.

Beyond that, score interpretation is crucial. An applicant with a 325 on the GRE might mistakenly assume they are competitive at a program where the average GMAT is 710, not realizing the converted GRE equivalent is closer to a 650. Such discrepancies can significantly influence admissions outcomes.

Laying the Groundwork for Score Conversion

To make well-informed decisions, applicants must understand how to convert GRE scores to GMAT equivalents using established tools. These conversions take into account section-by-section performance and weigh them against historical percentile data. By doing so, they provide a clearer picture of an applicant’s relative standing.

In Part 2 of this series, we will delve into the conversion process in greater detail. We’ll present the official GRE-to-GMAT score conversion chart, explain how the mapping works, and analyze real-world scenarios where applicants used conversion data to make pivotal admissions decisions.

Understanding these mechanics can help applicants strategically present their scores, make informed decisions about test selection, and ensure their applications reflect their strongest academic profile.

Test Choice as a Strategic Asset

In 2024, test choice is no longer about which exam is easier or more convenient. Instead, it is a strategic asset in the MBA admissions toolkit. Whether you choose the GRE or GMAT, your success depends on understanding how each score will be perceived, interpreted, and benchmarked.

Before you submit your application, take the time to learn how schools compare scores, review conversion charts, and evaluate your test results through both lenses. Doing so will empower you to present the most competitive version of yourself and navigate the admissions landscape with confidence.

we break down the actual conversion methodologies and present a detailed GRE-to-GMAT score chart along with expert analysis.

The Science Behind GRE to GMAT Conversion (Chart & Analysis)

In the previous installment, we explored the shifting landscape of standardized testing for MBA admissions, examining why GRE scores are now widely accepted alongside GMAT scores. While this inclusivity broadens access, it has also introduced a layer of complexity for applicants, especially those trying to interpret how their GRE results compare to the more traditional GMAT benchmarks.

This second part of the series focuses on the technical side of GRE to GMAT conversion. We will explain the methodology behind official conversion charts, walk through the mathematics of score mapping, present the 2024 conversion table, and analyze its implications through case scenarios. By the end of this article, you will have a concrete understanding of how to evaluate GRE scores in the context of GMAT expectations.

Why GRE to GMAT Score Conversion Exists

Admissions committees often rely on GMAT scores as a baseline when reviewing applicants. For schools that have collected years of data around GMAT scores, percentile rankings, and post-graduation outcomes, the GMAT continues to serve as a key predictive indicator. But with GRE submissions on the rise, there needed to be a method of comparing these two fundamentally different scoring systems.

This is where GRE to GMAT conversion enters the picture. It offers admissions teams a way to map GRE scores onto a GMAT-equivalent scale, providing continuity in how applicants are evaluated across different test formats. For candidates, it means understanding where they stand in relation to program averages, scholarships, and peer competitiveness.

The Statistical Foundation of Conversion Charts

Conversion charts are not arbitrary. They are based on statistical equating, which involves mapping one score distribution onto another using matched percentile ranks. For instance, if a GRE score of 325 places a test-taker in the 85th percentile, the equivalent GMAT score would be the score that also lands in the 85th percentile.

The Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the GRE, and the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which oversees the GMAT, released a concordance tool based on sample data and historical score performance. This tool uses regression models and percentile matching to create a crosswalk between GRE composite scores (Verbal + Quant) and GMAT composite scores.

Keep in mind that analytical writing scores are typically not included in the conversion. The chart focuses on the core components used in computing the GMAT’s total score: verbal and quantitative reasoning.

GRE to GMAT Score Conversion Chart (2024)

Below is the most widely used conversion chart, updated for 2024, which provides approximate GMAT equivalents based on your combined GRE Verbal and Quantitative scores:

This table helps candidates and admissions officers translate scores across systems. It provides a broad estimate, and while not perfect, it serves as a valuable guide for interpreting where GRE applicants stand in GMAT-dominated admissions pools.

Limitations of the Conversion Chart

While helpful, the chart has several limitations that are worth noting:

Score Compression at the Top

The GMAT scale maxes out at 800, while the GRE has a maximum of 340. At the upper end, multiple GRE scores convert to the same GMAT equivalent. For instance, GRE scores of 338, 339, and 340 all convert to a GMAT 800. This creates a compression effect that can obscure distinctions among high scorers.

Quantitative Weight Not Explicit

The GMAT is often considered more rigorous in quant due to the nature of its adaptive algorithm and question types. A GRE score of 170 in Quant might not always carry the same weight as a GMAT Quant 51 in the eyes of an admissions officer, especially for quant-intensive programs. While the chart flattens these distinctions, schools may dig deeper into sub-section performance.

Percentile Misalignment

Percentile ranks differ between the two exams due to the composition of test-taker populations. GRE test-takers span a wide range of disciplines, not just business, whereas GMAT test-takers are specifically targeting management programs. As such, a 90th percentile score in GRE Quant may not be equivalent in rigor to the 90th percentile in GMAT Quant, due to different scoring distributions.

How Schools Use the Conversion

Business schools don’t always reveal how they interpret GRE scores internally, but many do use these conversions for statistical reporting and class profiling. When average GMAT scores are published in MBA class data, GRE scores are often converted using charts like the one above so that all test-takers can be included in a standardized format.

Admissions officers may also use conversions for:

• Comparing applicants with GRE and GMAT scores in the same cycle
  
  
• Making scholarship decisions based on academic performance metrics
  
  
• Creating bell curves of academic profiles for internal benchmarking

Some schools even offer GRE-to-GMAT conversion calculators on their admissions websites, highlighting how mainstream this tool has become.

Case Scenarios in Score Conversion

Let’s look at three example scenarios that show how conversion data influences real applicant strategies.

Scenario 1: Targeting a Top-10 MBA with a 325 GRE

Elena scored 325 on her GRE: 163 in Verbal, 162 in Quant. She’s applying to top-tier MBA programs where the average GMAT is 730. According to the conversion chart, her GRE maps to a GMAT score of approximately 680.

That’s 50 points below the average. Even if her GRE Quant score of 162 is strong, the converted value indicates that she may be below the academic median. With this in mind, she opts to retake the GRE to aim for a 328+, or consider taking the GMAT directly if she believes she can cross the 700 threshold.

Scenario 2: Strong Verbal, Weak Quant

Josh earned 165 in GRE Verbal but only 155 in Quant, totaling 320. That converts to a GMAT score of around 630. Despite a stellar writing sample and a background in English literature, he is applying to an MBA in Finance.

Even though his GRE is decent overall, the low Quant score (roughly 60th percentile) raises concerns about his ability to handle the program’s analytical coursework. Here, the GMAT might actually help, especially if he can balance his verbal strength with a Quant 47+. This underscores that conversion should not be viewed in isolation from sectional scores.

Scenario 3: GRE for a Dual-Degree Applicant

Priya is applying to a joint MBA/MPH program and chooses the GRE since it’s accepted by both the business and public health schools. Her GRE total is 330, which converts to a GMAT 730.

Because this lands squarely within the GMAT average at her target schools, she doesn’t need to switch to the GMAT. In this case, the GRE not only offers flexibility but, with a high score, positions her competitively without any disadvantage.

Strategic Takeaways

Understanding how your GRE score converts to GMAT format is more than academic curiosity; it’s a critical decision-making tool for every serious MBA applicant. Here are a few key insights to remember:

• Know Your Target Scores: Research average GMAT scores at your preferred schools, then use the conversion chart to ensure your GRE performance is competitive.
  

• Consider Your Strengths: If you’re stronger in vocabulary and verbal reasoning, the GRE may better showcase your skills. If you’re confident in abstract logic and mental math, the GMAT might amplify your strengths.
  

• Don’t Ignore Subscores: Especially for quantitative-heavy programs, section-specific scores can matter more than total scores.
  

• Retake Strategically: If your converted GMAT score falls below your target school’s median, consider retaking the GRE or attempting the GMAT.
  

• Contextualize Scores in Applications: Use essays or optional statements to explain your choice of test if needed, particularly if your background suggests a different aptitude than your test score implies.

Now that we’ve explored the technical mechanics and strategic applications of GRE to GMAT score conversion, the final part of our series will take a broader view. In Part 3, we will discuss how to decide between the GRE and GMAT based on career aspirations, scholarship opportunities, and school-specific expectations. We’ll also share expert perspectives and applicant experiences to guide your test choice with greater clarity.

Choosing Between GRE and GMAT in 2024 (Insights & Advice)

As we’ve discovered throughout this series, GRE and GMAT are no longer mutually exclusive pathways into business school. Both are widely accepted, and both can serve as compelling representations of a candidate’s aptitude. In Part 1, we examined why GRE adoption has soared in MBA admissions. In Part 2, we dissected how GRE scores are statistically mapped to GMAT equivalents and provided a detailed 2024 conversion chart. Now in Part 3, we’ll turn our attention to the decision-making process.

Which test is right for you? How should your academic profile, career goals, or dream schools influence your choice? What role do scholarships and program expectations play in choosing one test over the other? This final part will address these questions through a strategic lens, leveraging real-world insights, expert analysis, and candid guidance to help you make the most informed decision.

Understanding What Each Test Measures

Although both the GRE and GMAT assess verbal and quantitative reasoning, their structure and focus diverge in subtle but meaningful ways.

GRE Verbal Reasoning emphasizes vocabulary, reading comprehension, and text completion. It often rewards a wide-ranging familiarity with language and an ability to parse dense academic passages.

GMAT Verbal places a stronger emphasis on critical reasoning and grammar, particularly sentence correction, which involves logic-based reading more than memorized vocabulary.

GRE Quantitative Reasoning leans slightly toward straightforward arithmetic and algebra, while GMAT Quant tends to prioritize data sufficiency and problem-solving that’s heavily logic-oriented, even with simple numbers.

This means that your strengths, preferences, and even your undergraduate background may influence which test suits you better.

Decision Matrix: Should You Take the GRE or GMAT?

To bring structure to the decision, consider this matrix. It outlines when you might lean toward one test over the other based on common applicant profiles:

This framework is not absolute. A 330+ GRE with strong Quant can still outperform a middling GMAT. Similarly, if your GMAT Quant is 50 or above, you might bypass concerns about your GRE’s math representation.

Insights from Admissions Officers

To supplement this strategic lens, let’s look at how admissions officers are currently interpreting GRE vs. GMAT scores.

1. “We convert GRE scores to GMAT for internal benchmarks.”
   Many business schools use the GRE to GMAT conversion chart (like the one in Part 2) to align applicants with internal scoring ranges. So, even if a program is test-agnostic, the decision matrix used to evaluate you often relies on GMAT equivalency.
2. “The GMAT still carries more weight for certain scholarship thresholds.”
   This is especially true at programs where historical data tied scholarships to GMAT scores. Some candidates with borderline GRE scores miss out on funding because their scores convert slightly lower on the GMAT scale.
3. “We encourage applicants to choose the test that reflects their best self.”
   The GRE can be more forgiving for those anxious about adaptive formats or time pressure. Programs are aware of these factors and suggest choosing the test that optimizes overall performance—not just conforming to norms.

Career Implications: Post-MBA Recruiting Considerations

Standardized test scores don’t disappear after you enter the MBA classroom. They resurface in another high-stakes context: post-MBA employment.

Top consulting firms, such as McKinsey, Bain, and BCG, and certain investment banks, still ask for GMAT scores as part of their recruiting pipelines. While GRE scores are often accepted, GMAT is considered more familiar, especially among recruiters who may not be well-versed in conversion metrics.

This is particularly relevant if you’re gunning for ultra-competitive roles in finance, private equity, or strategy consulting. In these domains, submitting a GMAT score—even if a school accepts the GRE—could better position you for recruiter scrutiny.

That said, the tide is slowly turning. Tech firms, startups, and general management roles at Fortune 500 companies are increasingly indifferent to which test you submit. They’re more focused on leadership, data fluency, and strategic thinking rather than your percentile rank in a test you took years ago.

School-Specific Test Preferences (Even When Not Publicized)

Many schools are officially test-agnostic, but behind the scenes, certain programs retain nuanced preferences. Based on recent applicant experiences and institutional habits, here’s how a few top MBA programs tend to interpret GRE vs. GMAT submissions:

• Harvard Business School: Accepts both, but GMAT tends to be more common among admits. High GRE scores with strong Quant are still competitive.
  
  
• Stanford GSB: Highly holistic; GRE is accepted broadly. Still, elite scores are expected in either format.
  
  
• Wharton: Heavily quant-driven; GMAT slightly favored unless GRE Quant is 165+.
  
  
• INSEAD and LBS: GMAT remains more prevalent. European programs often weigh Quant scores strongly.
  
  
• Chicago Booth and MIT Sloan: GRE welcomed, especially with high math scores. GMAT may help in securing merit-based awards.

Always check the most recent admissions blogs or FAQs of your target programs. Some even disclose median GRE scores, a growing sign of parity between the two exams.

Choosing Based on Test Experience

The best test is often the one that feels most intuitive to you. Here are some first-hand experiential differences candidates frequently cite:

Why people prefer the GRE:

• Easier to register, more test centers available
  
  
• More generous with time per question
  
  
• Allows use of a calculator in Quant
  
  
• Less pressure due to its non-adaptive-by-question format
  
  
• Feels less “trick-based” than GMAT

Why others favor the GMAT:

• Tighter, more predictable question structures
  
  
• Rewarded for high-level critical reasoning
  
  
• Considered more “pure” in assessing business thinking
  
  
• Strong performance is highly regarded in elite admissions circles

Myths About GRE and GMAT

Let’s demystify a few misconceptions still floating around:

Myth 1: A GRE score is always viewed as inferior.
Not true. When properly converted, and if the Quant section is competitive, GRE scores can carry the same weight.

Myth 2: You can’t get a scholarship with a GRE.
Also false. Many applicants have received generous funding based on GRE scores, provided their academic and leadership profiles are strong.

Myth 3: Only non-traditional applicants take the GRE.
While once a pattern, GRE usage has grown even among finance professionals and engineers. Its flexibility and availability have broadened its appeal.

Myth 4: You must retake the test if your GMAT conversion is low.
Not necessarily. If you can demonstrate your analytical skills through GPA, professional certifications, or work experience, a slightly lower score may be offset by other strengths.

Final Recommendation: Choosing Strategically

When it comes to GRE vs. GMAT in 2024, your choice should not be driven solely by tradition or hearsay. It should be a personal and strategic decision rooted in:

• Your own testing style and cognitive strengths
  
  
• The expectations and historical trends of your target schools
  
  
• The professional trajectories you envision after your MBA

If possible, take a diagnostic test for both formats and compare not only your raw scores but your comfort with each test’s mechanics. If your GRE performance yields a GMAT conversion that places you within range of your dream program’s average score, it may make little sense to pivot.

On the other hand, if you’re aiming for roles where a GMAT is still king, or your GRE Quant is too low for a quant-heavy program, shifting gears could be worth the investment.

Conclusion:

The MBA journey is filled with pivotal decisions, and your choice of standardized test is one of the first. Fortunately, today’s admissions landscape allows for flexibility without penalizing ambition. Whether you choose the GRE or GMAT, the key lies in presenting the strongest, most authentic version of yourself—through scores, essays, recommendations, and interviews.

By understanding how these tests compare, how schools evaluate them, and how they may influence your post-MBA goals, you now hold the strategic knowledge to navigate this path with clarity.

So test smart, plan boldly, and let your score reflect your potential—not your limitations.