GRE vs IELTS: Which Exam You Should Choose In 2023?

If you’re planning to study abroad in 2023, one of the most critical steps is to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language. To do so, you may need to take one of two popular standardized tests: the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). But which one should you choose?

The answer depends on your specific situation and goals. The GRE exam is primarily used for admission to graduate-level programs in the United States. The IELTS is more commonly required for undergraduate and graduate programs in English-speaking countries worldwide.

The GRE assesses your critical thinking, analytical writing, and verbal reasoning skills, while the IELTS tests your overall English proficiency in four areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Another key difference is in the test format. The GRE is a computer-based exam, while the IELTS is available in both computer-based and paper-based formats, depending on the test center. The GRE is also more focused on academic content and vocabulary, while the IELTS has a broader range of topics and uses more everyday vocabulary.

GRE vs IELTS Overview

GRE and IELTS are two popular standardized tests used to assess English proficiency for academic purposes. The GRE is primarily used for admission to graduate-level programs in the United States. The IELTS exam is more commonly required for undergraduate and graduate programs in English-speaking countries worldwide. Here is a brief overview and comparison of the two exams:

Exam	Purpose	Sections	Format
GRE	Admission to US grad schools	Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning	Computer-based exam
IELTS	Admission to undergrad and grad programs worldwide	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking	Available in computer-based and paper-based formats

While the GRE is more focused on academic content and vocabulary, the IELTS has a broader range of topics and uses more everyday vocabulary. Ultimately, the choice between the two exams depends on the specific academic goals and requirements of the schools or programs to which you are applying.

Difference between GRE and IELTS

The GRE and IELTS are two standardized tests used to assess English proficiency for academic purposes. While both exams measure language skills, there are some key differences between the two.

The GRE is primarily used for admission to graduate-level programs in the United States. The IELTS is more commonly required for undergraduate and graduate programs in English-speaking countries worldwide. The GRE assesses critical thinking, analytical writing, and verbal reasoning skills, while the IELTS tests overall English proficiency in four areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Another important difference between the two exams is their format. The GRE is a computer-based exam, while the IELTS is available in both computer-based and paper-based formats, depending on the test center. The GRE is also more focused on academic content and vocabulary, while the IELTS has a broader range of topics and uses more everyday vocabulary.

When deciding which exam to take, it’s essential to consider your specific academic goals and the requirements of the schools or programs to which you are applying. Researching these requirements can help you make an informed decision and prepare for success on the exam.

Eligibility Criteria 

To take the GRE or IELTS exam, there are specific eligibility criteria that you must meet.

For the GRE, there are no specific eligibility requirements, and anyone can take the exam regardless of age, qualification, or nationality. However, it is primarily used for admission to graduate-level programs, and individual universities may have specific requirements for admission to their programs.

For the IELTS, there are no specific eligibility requirements either, and anyone can take the exam regardless of age, qualification, or nationality. However, it is typically required for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs in English-speaking countries worldwide. The exam is also used for immigration purposes, professional registration, and employment opportunities.

In both cases, it’s important to research the specific requirements of the universities, programs, or organizations to which you are applying to determine if the GRE or IELTS is required and what scores are needed for admission or other purposes. Additionally, it’s essential to register for the exam well in advance and prepare thoroughly to achieve the best possible score.

Exam Pattern 

The GRE consists of three sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The Analytical Writing section involves two writing tasks that assess your critical thinking and analytical writing skills.

The Verbal Reasoning section tests your reading comprehension and vocabulary skills, while the Quantitative Reasoning section tests your ability to understand and interpret quantitative information and solve problems using mathematical concepts. The exam is computer-based, and the duration is approximately three hours and 45 minutes.

On the other hand, the IELTS exam consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening section tests your ability to understand spoken English, while the Reading section assesses your reading comprehension skills. The Writing section involves two writing tasks that test your ability to write clearly and effectively in English.

Finally, the Speaking section assesses your spoken English skills through a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner. The duration of the exam is approximately two hours and 45 minutes, and it is available in both computer-based and paper-based formats.

Understanding the exam pattern is crucial in preparing for the exam. You can find various study materials, practice tests, and coaching services to help you prepare for the GRE or IELTS exam and improve your chances of success.

Also Read: Detailed IELTS Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2023

Exam Duration 

The GRE is a computer-based exam that takes approximately three hours and 45 minutes to complete. The Analytical Writing section takes one hour, and the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections take 70 minutes each. Additionally, there is a 10-minute break between each section. The duration of the exam may also vary depending on the number of research sections, which are not scored but are used to develop new exam questions.

The IELTS exam, on the other hand, takes approximately two hours and 45 minutes to complete, regardless of whether it is taken in a computer-based or paper-based format. The Listening section takes 30 minutes, and the Reading section takes 60 minutes. The Writing section involves two tasks and takes 60 minutes, and the Speaking section involves a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner and takes between 11 and 14 minutes.

Exam Fees 

The GRE exam fee is $205 for test-takers in the United States, while the fee is different in other countries. Additional fees may apply for other services, such as rescheduling, changing the test center, or sending additional score reports. GRE also offers a fee reduction program for individuals who demonstrate financial need.

The IELTS exam fee varies depending on the test location and format. In the United States, the fee ranges from $225 to $245, depending on the test location and format. Additional fees may apply for other services, such as rescheduling, changing the test center, or requesting additional score reports.

It’s essential to research the GRE or IELTS exam fees in your country or region and budget accordingly. You can also explore various fee reductions or waiver programs offered by exam providers or universities.

Additionally, you can find free or low-cost study materials and practice tests to help you prepare for the exam and reduce overall costs.

Marking Scheme 

In the GRE exam, the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are scored on  a scale of 130 to 170, in one-point increments. The Analytical Writing section in GRE is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments.

The scores of each section are reported separately, and the total score is the sum of the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores. Some questions in the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are experimental and are not scored.

In the IELTS exam, each section is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 9, in half-point increments. The scores of the Listening, Reading and Writing sections are averaged to calculate the overall band score, which ranges from 0 to 9. The Speaking section is scored separately by certified examiners based on various criteria, such as fluency, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Also Read: How IELTS Score is Calculated?

Difficulty Level 

The GRE exam is designed to measure the critical thinking, analytical writing, and quantitative reasoning skills of the test-takers. The difficulty level of the questions can vary from easy to difficult, depending on the test-takers performance.

Some questions may require advanced knowledge and application of mathematical concepts, while others may require a good understanding of the English language and reading comprehension skills. The exam may also include experimental questions that are not scored but are used to develop new exam questions.

The IELTS exam is designed to measure the English language proficiency of the test-takers. The difficulty level of the questions can vary from easy to difficult, depending on the test taker’s level of proficiency.

The Listening and Reading sections may include questions that require the test-takers to infer information from the audio or text, while the Writing and Speaking sections may require the test-takers to express their ideas and thoughts clearly and effectively in English.

Number of Attempts 

For the GRE exam, you can take the test once every 21 days (about 3 weeks), up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period. It’s important to note that some universities may only consider your highest score, while others may average your scores or consider all your scores.

Therefore, it’s essential to research the score requirements of the universities, programs, or organizations to which you are applying and plan your attempts accordingly. Additionally, retaking the GRE exam can be expensive and time-consuming, so it’s important to evaluate your performance and progress and identify areas that need improvement.

For the IELTS exam, you can retake the test as many times as you want, with no time limit. However, it’s important to note that you must pay the exam fee each time you take the test. Some universities or programs may only accept your most recent score, while others may consider all your scores.

Therefore, it’s essential to research the score requirements of the universities, programs, or organizations to which you are applying and plan your attempts accordingly.

Acceptance

The GRE and IELTS exams are widely accepted by universities, colleges, and organizations worldwide as a measure of the applicant’s skills and knowledge.

The GRE exam is commonly used for admission to graduate and business schools in the United States and other countries. Many universities and programs require the GRE scores as part of their admission process, while others may accept the scores as optional or recommended.

Additionally, some organizations, such as scholarship foundations and research institutions, may use the GRE scores to evaluate the applicants’ potential and eligibility.

The IELTS exam is commonly used for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs in English-speaking countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Many universities and programs require IELTS scores as part of their admission process, while others may accept other English proficiency exams or waive the requirement for certain applicants.

Additionally, some organizations, such as employers and immigration agencies, may use the IELTS scores to assess the applicant’s English language skills and proficiency.

Also Read: What is the GRE Score Validity? 

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between the GRE and IELTS exams largely depends on your academic goals, the requirements of the universities or programs to which you are applying, and your personal strengths and skills. While the GRE exam measures critical thinking, analytical writing, and quantitative reasoning skills, the IELTS exam measures English language proficiency.

Both exams have their own eligibility criteria, exam patterns, durations, fees, marking schemes, and difficulty levels. Moreover, both exams offer unlimited attempts with some limitations and are widely accepted by universities, colleges, and organizations worldwide.

Therefore, it’s important to research and evaluate your options carefully, prepare effectively, and approach the exam with a focused and confident mindset to achieve your academic and professional goals.

Also Read: GRE Score For Scholarship, Eligibility & More

FAQs – GRE vs IELTS: Which Exam You Should Choose In 2023?