SAT vs GMAT: Complete Comparison

When it comes to the SAT vs GMAT debate, you should evaluate both these standardized tests on the basis of purpose and other multiple parameters. In 2023, the SAT exam , or Scholastic Aptitude Test, was taken by 1.9 million students. 

On the other hand, the GMAT exam, or Graduate Management Admission Test, was taken by 108,851 candidates in the same year. So how are these two popular tests different? Here’s finding out.

SAT vs GMAT: Key Differences

Here’s decoding the SAT vs GMAT debate through the below highlights on two exams. 

Parameter	SAT	GMAT
Target/Purpose	High school students applying for undergraduate admissions	Those applying to study in business school for MBA and other programs
Conducting Body	College Board	GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council)
Accepted By	4,000+ universities and colleges in the USA and 85 global countries	7,700+ programs at 2,400+ business schools globally
Test Sections	Reading and Writing  Math	Verbal Reasoning Quantitative Reasoning Data Insights
Test Duration	3 hours (additional 15 minutes with breaks). It takes 3 hours and 50 minutes with the optional essay	2 hours and 15 minutes with an optional 10-minute break
Test Type	The first module in every section has a mixture of easy, hard, and medium questions. The second module may be less/more difficult based on the performance in the first module	Computer adaptive with each question chosen on the basis of the aspirant’s ability
Score	400-1600	205-805
Validity	Technically no expiry date	Five years
Number of Attempts	As many times as the candidate wants	Five attempts in a rolling 12-month duration and eight in a lifetime
Fee	US$60 for registration and $43 as regional fee	US$300 for online and $275 for test center

SAT vs GMAT: Eligibility Criteria

There are no specific eligibility criteria for the SAT exam. The only requirement is your 10th and 12th grade certificates. However, to be eligible for the GMAT exam, you must be 18 or above. You will also be required to have an undergraduate degree, since the GMAT scores are accepted for postgraduate courses like MBA and other management programs. 

SAT vs GMAT: Exam Pattern

The GMAT Focus Edition comprises the following sections- 

• Quantitative Reasoning- 21 questions and 45 minutes
• Verbal Reasoning- 23 questions and 45 minutes
• Data Insights- 20 questions and 45 minutes 

The SAT exam comprises the following sections- 

• Reading and Writing- 54 questions and 64 minutes
• Math- 44 questions and 70 minutes 

SAT vs GMAT: Syllabus & Score Comparison

Here is the SAT syllabus-

Reading & Writing Section
Craft and Structure	Text structure and purpose, words in context, cross-text connections
Standard English Conventions	Boundaries, sense, form, and structure
Information and Ideas	Central ideas and details, evidence-based command on quantitative inferences, and textual
Expression of Ideas	Rhetorical synthesis transitions
Math Section
Algebra	Linear equations, linear inequalities, systems of two linear equations in two variables, linear functions
Advanced Math	Systems of equations in two variables and nonlinear equations in one variable, nonlinear functions, equivalent expression
Data Analysis and Problem-Solving	Two-variable and one-variable data, probability, proportional relationships, rates, units, and ratios, percentages, evaluation of statistical claims, inference from a margin of error, and sample
Geometry and Trigonometry	Right triangles and trigonometry, area and volume, circles, triangles, angles, and lines

Here’s a look at the scoring pattern of SAT-

Total Score	400-1600
Reading and Writing Section Score	200-800
Math Section Score	200-800
Score Calculation Framework	10 point intervals

Below mentioned is the GMAT syllabus- 

Section	Content
Verbal Reasoning	Reading comprehension, critical reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning	Problem solving, algebra and arithmetic
Data Insights	Multi-source reasoning, data sufficiency, table analysis, two-part analysis, graphics interpretation

Here’s a look at the scoring pattern of GMAT-

Total Score	205-805
Ranking System	Percentile Rankings (the percentage of test-takers that the candidate outperformed)
Score Calculation Framework	Percentile scores are rounded off to the nearest tenth

More GMAT Related Articles:

• GMAT Exam Preparation
• How to Prepare for GMAT Exam
• How to prepare for GMAT at home

SAT vs GMAT: Which One to Choose

GMAT is essential for obtaining admission into leading business schools across the world. The SAT, on the other hand, is vital for admissions into undergraduate universities and colleges worldwide. Hence, the purpose of taking both these examinations is different. You should first finalize your purpose before choosing the right examination for your needs.

More SAT Related Topics:

• SAT Exam Eligibility
• SAT Exam Resources