It’s a big step to select the best standardized test that will help you in your graduate studies as well as your career. You will be able to make informed decisions if you understand the differences between MCAT and GRE.

GRE (Graduate Record Examinations), a more general standardized test, is accepted for many types master’s degree programs. Educational Testing Service is responsible for administering the GRE General Test. The test tests the ability of students to communicate verbally, quantitatively, and in analytical writing.

The Medical College Admission Test, also known as the MCAT, is the most important test for getting into almost all U.S. medical schools. The Association of American Medical Colleges, or AAMC, administers the MCAT. They test students’ knowledge of topics in the biological, social, and analytical sciences.

The MCAT and GRE are both able to test the same areas of content, but they have important differences. This article will cover the main characteristics and components of each exam.

The Great Differences Between MCAT And GRE

Here are the main differences in the exam format, cost and purpose.

	Graduate Record Exam (GRE)	Medical College Admission Test
Intent	Admission to graduate school, including master’s degrees programs and doctoral programmes, primarily from North America	Admission to medical schools in North America and Australia.
Design	Computer-based testing	Computer-based testing
Dimension	It takes approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to complete, with a 10-minute rest.	About 7 hours 30 minutes
Expense	Roughly two hundred and five dollars.	Around three hundred and ten dollars
Scores	Maximum score of 340 is the maximum, each section being worth 170 points. Analytical writing section is scored separately starting at 0-6	118-132 for each section; total score 472-528
Testing Dates	There is a computer-based test available all year. There is a paper-based test that is offered three times yearly in October, November, or February.	Each year offered from January to September, usually 25 times
Divisions	Analytical writing; Verbal Reasoning; Quantitative Reasoning	Biological, Biochemical, and Physical Foundations of Living Systems; Chemical, Physical and Psychological Foundations of Biological Systems. Critical Analytical and Reasoning Skills.

The GRE and MCAT have the largest differences in content. The former tests aptitude and skill, while MCAT tests content understanding.

The MCAT requires students to study concepts in subjects such as biology, psychology, anatomy, physics and math. They will be required to apply their background knowledge to solve questions during the test.

GRE, by contrast, is more like SAT or ACT. It measures reasoning skills and cognitive aptitude, not background knowledge. GRE has a writing section, where test-takers must write two essays. This exam is for students who are interested in writing GRE-style essays.

The MCAT takes twice as long to complete as the GRE. This could make it more challenging for those who have trouble focusing or maintaining cognitive endurance over long periods.

GRE vs. the MCAT: Which test should you take?

The MCAT is widely considered to be the most difficult exam between the GRE or the MCAT. It’

The GRE is less focused on specific aptitude and content knowledge, while the MCAT is shorter and more focused. Pre-med students often say that they spend 300-350 hours preparing for the MCAT. The GRE can be difficult for those who aren’t as proficient in critical reading or writing, and/or have limited vocabulary.

The decision of whether you take the GRE/MCAT will depend on your career goals and where you want to attend school. The GRE is usually more popular and is accepted by many schools. However, the MCAT can only be used for medical school admission.

If you’re not sure if you want medical school, taking the GRE might be worth it. You can also put off studying for the MCAT. GRE scores will be valid for five-years, while MCAT results are only valid for three years. It is possible to take both the GRE and the MCAT first before deciding whether or not to take it. If you decide to pursue a career in healthcare, this could be a smart move.

Consider your future career. Some schools, such as veterinary medicine and veterinary medicine accept the GRE or MCAT. If you are able to read and write well, the GRE might be a better choice.