Three major standardized tests — SAT, GRE, and GMAT — serve very different purposes. Here's a clear breakdown of which one you need based on your academic stage and goals.
For official test dates, registration, and free practice, visit College Board or practice for free on Khan Academy SAT.
| Test | Purpose | For Whom | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT | Undergraduate admission | High school students | 400-1600 |
| GRE | Graduate school admission | Bachelor's degree holders | 260-340 (per section) |
| GMAT | Business school (MBA) admission | Working professionals | 205-805 |
If you're in 10th-12th grade and planning to apply to undergraduate programs at international universities, SAT is the test you need.
SAT covers: Reading & Writing and Mathematics at a high school level.
After completing a bachelor's degree, if you want to pursue a Master's or PhD, most US and international graduate programs require GRE.
GRE covers: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. It's significantly more advanced than SAT.
Some business schools accept GRE in place of GMAT now. GMAT is traditional for MBA but GRE is often an option.
No — SAT scores are not accepted for graduate school. Once you complete your undergraduate degree, you'll need to take GRE or GMAT separately for graduate applications.
However, SAT skills (especially math and English) are foundational for GRE success later.
If you're in high school and planning to study abroad, SAT is your first step. Let's get you to your target score.
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