The GRE and SAT are both standardized tests that evaluate your skills in reading, writing, and math. However, they serve different purposes and have distinct formats. If you’ve taken the SAT and are preparing for the GRE, you’re likely wondering: how hard is the GRE compared to the SAT? This article delves into the key differences and similarities between the two exams, examining their difficulty and whether your SAT performance can predict your GRE score.
Key Differences Between the GRE and SAT
While both tests assess core academic skills, several differences set them apart.
1. Purpose and Test Takers
The GRE is for graduate school admissions, while the SAT is for undergraduate admissions. GRE takers are typically college graduates or seniors aiming for master’s or doctoral programs, whereas the SAT targets high school juniors and seniors.
2. Test Format: Computer vs. Paper
The GRE is primarily a computer-delivered test, offering year-round availability and frequent retake opportunities. The SAT is currently paper-based, with limited test dates, though a computer-based version may be introduced in the future.
3. Cost
The GRE is more expensive than the SAT, with higher registration fees and score report costs.
4. Section Structure and Content
The GRE has four sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning (x2), Quantitative Reasoning (x2), and an unscored experimental or research section. The SAT has five sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Math No Calculator, Math Calculator, and an optional Essay.
5. Adaptive Testing
The GRE utilizes adaptive testing, adjusting the difficulty of subsequent sections based on your performance in previous ones. The SAT does not employ adaptive testing.
6. Grammar Emphasis
The SAT explicitly tests grammar rules in its Writing and Language section, while the GRE focuses on reading comprehension and vocabulary in its Verbal Reasoning section, without direct grammar questions.
7. Essay Tasks
Both tests include essays, but the tasks differ. The GRE’s Analytical Writing section requires two essays: “Analyze an Issue” and “Analyze an Argument.” The SAT Essay is optional and involves analyzing the argument presented in a passage.
8. Calculator Use
The GRE provides an on-screen calculator for all Quant sections, while the SAT allows a physical calculator only for the Math Calculator section. The SAT also has a Math No Calculator section.
9. Vocabulary Level
The GRE features a more challenging vocabulary section than the SAT, emphasizing complex words in Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions. The SAT has de-emphasized vocabulary since its 2016 redesign.
10. Scoring
The GRE uses a score range of 130-170 for both Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning, and a 0-6 scale for Analytical Writing. The SAT employs a 200-800 scale for Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, totaling 400-1600, with a separate essay score.
Similarities Between the GRE and SAT
Despite the differences, some similarities exist:
1. Multiple-Choice Format
Both exams rely heavily on multiple-choice questions, except for the essay portions and a few math grid-in questions.
2. Reading Comprehension Skills
Both tests assess reading comprehension skills through passage-based questions.
3. Math Content Overlap
The math topics covered on both exams largely overlap, encompassing arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. However, the GRE emphasizes geometry more, while the SAT includes trigonometry and logarithms.
4. Subject Tests Availability
Both the GRE and SAT offer subject tests for students wanting to showcase their knowledge in specific academic disciplines. However, GRE subject tests are generally more difficult, focusing on college-level material.
GRE vs. SAT: Which is Harder?
The perceived difficulty of each test is subjective. However, GRE Verbal is often considered harder than SAT Reading due to its emphasis on advanced vocabulary. Conversely, SAT Math might be perceived as slightly harder than GRE Quant due to its inclusion of more advanced concepts like trigonometry and a No Calculator section.
The GRE’s unpredictable section order and computer-based format can also contribute to its perceived difficulty.
Can SAT Scores Predict GRE Performance?
There’s no strong correlation between SAT and GRE scores. The time elapsed between taking the two tests, the different content emphasis, and the distinct test formats make direct comparison difficult. Strong SAT performance doesn’t guarantee GRE success, and vice versa. Dedicated preparation specific to each exam is crucial.
Conclusion
While both the GRE and SAT assess fundamental academic skills, their purpose, format, and content differ significantly. Understanding these distinctions is vital for effective preparation. The “harder” test depends on individual strengths and weaknesses. Focus on targeted study strategies tailored to each exam’s specific requirements to maximize your success.
