GRE vs SAT: Top 15 Key Differences

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GRE vs. SAT: Top 15 Key Differences

Have you ever compared the GRE vs SAT? Regarding standardized tests for college admissions, two popular exams often come to mind: the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). 

While you can primarily use the GRE for graduate school admissions, high school students seeking admission to undergraduate programs typically take the SAT. 

However, both tests assess a student’s aptitude and readiness for higher education. Despite their different purposes, the GRE and SAT have similarities and key differences. 

This article will explore the top 15 key differences between the GRE and SAT to help you understand their purposes, formats, and scoring systems.

GRE vs. SAT: Top 15 Key Differences

Below are the detailed top 15 Key differences between GRE and SAT:

1. Exam Format and Structure

a. GRE

  • The GRE consists of six sections: one analytical writing, two verbal reasoning, two quantitative reasoning sections, and one experimental section.
  • Types of questions include multiple-choice, select-in-passage, and numeric entry.
  • The time limit is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.

b. SAT

  • The SAT consists of four sections: one reading, one writing and language, one math with a calculator, and one math without a calculator section.
  • Types of questions include multiple-choice, grid-in, and essay.
  • The time limit is 3 hours and 50 minutes.

2. Scoring

a. GRE

  • The scoring scale for the GRE is 130-170 for both the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections and 0-6 for the analytical writing section.
  • You can determine the Scores by the number of correct answers and the difficulty level encountered in each question.
  • GRE scores are a key factor in graduate school admissions.

b. SAT

  • The scoring scale for the SAT is 400-1600.
  • You can determine Scores by the number of correct answers and the difficulty level encountered in each question.
  • SAT scores are a key factor in college admissions and scholarship applications.

3. Content

a. GRE

  • Verbal reasoning tests the ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information.
  • Quantitative Reasoning tests mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities.
  • Analytical Writing tests critical thinking and analytical writing skills.

b. SAT

  • Reading tests comprehension and analysis of written material.
  • Writing and Language tests grammar and editing skills.
  • Math tests algebra, geometry, and data analysis.

4. Test Preparation

a. GRE

  • Study materials include official guides, online resources, and prep courses.
  • Practice tests are available online and in print.
  • Test-taking strategies include time management and question prioritization.

b. SAT

  • Study materials include official guides, online resources, and prep courses.
  • Practice tests are available online and in print.
  • Test-taking strategies include time management and question prioritization.

5. Test Dates and Availability

a. GRE

  • Test dates and times are flexible and available year-round.
  • You can locate the Test centers worldwide.
  • Registration deadlines vary depending on location and availability.

b. SAT

  • Test dates are available throughout the year, with more dates in the fall.
  • Test centers are located throughout the United States and internationally.
  • Registration deadlines vary depending on location and availability.

6. Cost

a. GRE

  • Registration fee: The registration fee for the GRE General Test is $205, while the registration fee for the GRE Subject Test is $150.
  • Additional fees: Additional fees may apply if you change your test date, change your test center, or request additional score reports.
  • Refund policy: If you cancel your GRE registration, you may be eligible for a partial refund, depending on when you cancel.

b. SAT

  • Registration fee: The registration fee for the SAT is $55, with an additional $12 fee for each school you send your scores to.
  • Additional fees: Additional fees may apply if you change your test date, change your test center, or request rush scores.
  • Refund policy: If you cancel your SAT registration, you may be eligible for a partial refund, depending on when you cancel.

7. Test Length

a. GRE

  • Test duration: The GRE General Test takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes, including breaks.
  • Breaks: You are allowed one 10-minute break after the third section of the exam.

b. SAT

  • Test duration: The SAT takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes, including breaks.
  • Breaks: You are allowed one 10-minute break after the second section of the exam.

8. Difficulty Level

a. GRE

  • Difficulty of questions- The GRE is considered more difficult than the SAT, with questions designed to test advanced skills and knowledge.
  • Question types: The GRE includes a variety of question types, including multiple-choice, numeric entry, and essay questions.
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b. SAT

  • Difficulty of questions: The SAT is designed to test high school-level knowledge and skills.
  • Question types: The SAT includes multiple choice questions and an optional essay.

9. Test Accessibility

a. GRE

  • Special accommodations: Special accommodations are available for test-takers with disabilities.
  • Language options: The GRE is available in several languages, including English, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean.

b. SAT

  • Special accommodations: Special accommodations are available for test-takers with disabilities.
  • Language options: The SAT is available in English and Spanish.

10. Acceptance

a. GRE

  • Graduate schools: You can primarily use the GRE for admission to graduate programs, including business, law, and other professional schools.
  • Business schools: Many business schools require the GRE or the GMAT for admission.
  • Law schools: Some law schools require the GRE and the LSAT.

b. SAT

  • Undergraduate colleges: You can typically use the SAT for admission to undergraduate programs at colleges and universities.
  • Scholarship programs: Some scholarships require SAT scores as part of the application process.

11. Validity

a. GRE

  • Length of validity: GRE scores are valid for five years.
  • Purpose: You can use the GRE scores for admission to graduate and professional programs.

b. SAT

  • Length of validity: SAT scores are valid for five years.
  • Purpose: You can use SAT scores for admission to undergraduate programs.

12. Test Security

Test security is crucial for standardized tests, as it ensures the integrity of the test scores. Both the GRE and the SAT have strict test security protocols in place.

a. GRE

  • ID verification: The GRE requires test-takers to present valid identification at the test center. The ID must match the name used during registration, and the photograph on the ID must be the test-taker’s clear and recognizable likeness.
  • Prohibited items: The testing room does not allow test-takers to bring any personal items, such as electronic devices, notes, or study materials, and no food or drinks are permitted.

b. SAT

  • ID verification: The SAT also requires test-takers to present valid identification at the test center. The ID must match the name used during registration, and the photograph on the ID must be the test-taker’s clear and recognizable likeness.
  • Prohibited items: Test-takers cannot bring electronic devices or study materials into the testing room. They are also not allowed to bring any food or drinks into the testing room.

13. Retake Policy

Retaking standardized tests is common among students who want to improve their scores. Both the GRE and the SAT have specific retake policies in place.

a. GRE

  • Frequency: Test-takers can retake the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in a calendar year.
  • Score reporting: Test-takers can choose which scores to send to schools. However, if they choose to send all scores, schools will see all the scores from the past five years.

b. SAT

  • Frequency: Test-takers can retake the SAT as many times as they want.
  • Score reporting: Test-takers can choose which scores to send to schools. However, if they choose to send all scores, schools will see all the scores from the past five years.

14. Acceptance

a. GRE

  • Universities around the world widely accept the GRE for graduate admissions. 

b. SAT

  • The SAT is predominantly used for undergraduate admissions in the United States.

15. Preparation

a. GRE

  • GRE Preparation often involves self-study using prep books, online resources, and practice tests. 

b. SAT

  • SAT preparation often includes classroom instruction, online courses, and various study materials tailored to high school students.

Check how to reschedule your GRE- Need to Reschedule Your GRE? Here’s What You Should Do

How Much Harder Is The GRE Compared To The SAT?

Comparing the GRE vs. SAT exams can be challenging as they are designed for different purposes and target different types of students. Nevertheless, there are some similarities between the two exams, and comparing their difficulty level is a common question among students.

The GRE consists of three sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The SAT exam, on the other hand, consists of four sections: Reading, Writing, and Language, Math (with a calculator), and Math (without a calculator). 

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The content of the exams is also quite different. While the SAT focuses on high school-level reading, writing, and math, you can typically study the GRE in college-level courses focusing on advanced vocabulary, critical thinking, and math concepts.

When comparing the difficulty level between the GRE vs. SAT, it isn’t easy to give a straightforward answer. Some students may find the GRE more challenging than the SAT, while others may find the opposite to be true. 

However, some general differences between the two exams can help students determine which may be more difficult.

Firstly, the GRE places a higher emphasis on vocabulary than the SAT. The GRE Verbal Reasoning section contains complex vocabulary words that may be unfamiliar to test-takers. 

In contrast, the SAT’s Reading, Writing, and Language sections focus more on understanding the meaning of words in context. This can make the GRE more challenging for students who struggle with memorization or have a weaker grasp of English vocabulary.

Secondly, the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section is known for being more challenging than the math sections of the SAT. The GRE math questions often require more advanced problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. 

In contrast, the SAT’s math sections tend to focus more on algebra and geometry, which are covered in most high school math courses.

Finally, the GRE Analytical Writing section requires students to write two essays within a limited time frame, which can be challenging for some students. In contrast, the SAT’s Writing and Language section requires students to edit and revise pre-existing passages rather than writing from scratch.

In conclusion, while the GRE and SAT exams can be challenging, their content and structure differ, making it difficult to compare their difficulty level directly. 

However, the GRE emphasizes advanced vocabulary and math concepts and requires essay writing skills, which may make it more challenging for some students.

Know about the GRE Big Book in this article- GRE Big Book Review by ETS | Overview, Pros, Cons

Can SAT Scores Be Converted To GRE Scores?

Can you convert your SAT scores to GRE scores? The two tests share certain similarities, although they aren’t identical. Both the GRE and SAT test the key skill groups of reading, writing, and math. But does this alone imply that we can translate SAT results into GRE scores? Is there any connection between the SAT and GRE?

Sadly, there is no official way to convert SAT results to GRE scores (or the other way around).

The primary cause of this is that the GRE and SAT have entirely different objectives. 

The GRE is primarily designed for college seniors and college graduates seeking to graduate school, whereas the SAT targets college-bound high school juniors and seniors.

We cannot develop a conversion procedure from SAT to GRE or GRE to SAT that is 100 percent correct because the two exams do not test the same material.

Can I Use GRE Instead Of SAT?

Both the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) are standardized tests used for college admissions. Still, different groups of students take them, and they serve different purposes.

High school students who apply for undergraduate programs at colleges and universities in the United States typically take the SAT.

The test measures their aptitude in critical reading, writing, and mathematics and provides colleges with a standardized way to compare applicants’ academic abilities from different schools.

On the other hand, students who apply to graduate school programs, such as master’s or doctoral programs, usually take the GRE. The test measures their ability to analyze and interpret complex data and their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

While some overlap exists between the skills tested on the SAT and the GRE, the two tests are not interchangeable. 

Generally, the GRE is a more advanced test requiring higher-level skills and knowledge than the SAT. It is, therefore, not recommended to use the GRE in place of the SAT for undergraduate admissions.

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That said, there may be instances where a student would prefer taking the GRE over the SAT.For example, if a student is applying to a college or university that does not require the SAT but does require the GRE, they may choose to take the GRE instead. 

Additionally, some international students may be more familiar with the GRE than the SAT and may choose to take the GRE instead of the SAT for that reason.

Ultimately, students must thoroughly research the admissions requirements of colleges and universities they are interested in and ensure that they take the appropriate standardized tests for their intended programs of study.

Find out how long the GRE is in this article- How Long Is The GRE Test? GRE Exam Tips

Is GRE Or SAT Required For A USA Student Visa?

The SAT is a standardized test primarily used for undergraduate admissions. Its purpose is to evaluate a student’s reading, writing, and mathematics ability, and it is commonly accepted by the majority of colleges and universities in the United States.

Students usually take the SAT in their junior or senior year of high school, although younger students can also take it as practice. It is important to note that student visa applications do not require the SAT.

On the other hand, graduate admissions primarily use the GRE as a standardized test.It measures a student’s verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing abilities. 

Students who have completed their undergraduate degree and are applying for a graduate program in the United States usually take the GRE. As previously mentioned, some student visa applications require the GRE, particularly for those who wish to pursue graduate studies in the United States.

It is important to note that the requirements for student visas may vary depending on the country of origin and the specific program of study. 

Therefore, students should check with their prospective universities and the U.S. Department of State for specific requirements related to their visa application.

Some student visa applications mandate the GRE, particularly for those who wish to pursue graduate studies in the United States, whereas the SAT is not necessary for student visa applications.

Depending on the level of education and the specific program of study, universities in the United States may require both tests for admission.

FAQs

What is the content of the GRE and the SAT?

The GRE measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The SAT measures evidence-based reading, writing, math, and an optional essay.

Are the GRE and the SAT both computer-based tests?

Indeed, both the GRE and SAT are computer-based tests. Nevertheless, the SAT is also provided in a paper-and-pencil format in certain locations.

How often can I take the GRE or the SAT?

You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period. While you can take the SAT as many times as you wish, it is typically recommended to take it no more than three times.

Can I use the same study materials for the GRE and the SAT?

No, the content and format of the two tests are different, so you’ll need separate study materials for each.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you are a graduate or an undergraduate applicant, taking either the GRE or the SAT is a crucial step in your academic journey. 

By understanding the differences between the two tests and utilizing the resources available, you can increase your chances of success and achieve your academic goals.

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