GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

The GRE is the most flexible of the three. It’s accepted by a wide range of programs: master’s and PhD programs in the arts and sciences, engineering, public policy, education, and many more. Many business schools also accept the GRE in place of the GMAT, and a growing number of law schools accept the GRE instead of, or alongside, the LSAT. The GRE tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Its quant is more general-math focused than GMAT, and the verbal leans heavily on vocab in context and reading comprehension.

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

The GMAT is designed specifically for business programs—primarily MBA, specialized business master’s (like MS in Finance or Marketing), and some business-oriented PhDs. The newer GMAT Focus Edition puts more emphasis on data literacy and problem-solving with fewer sections than the traditional test. It measures quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights. The content is narrower than the GRE but often more tailored to the types of reasoning used in business school (multi-step word problems, data sufficiency, interpreting charts).

LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

The LSAT is built almost entirely around skills used in legal training: logical reasoning and reading comprehension. It’s primarily accepted for JD programs at law schools. A small but growing number of law schools will also accept the GRE, but the LSAT is still more commonly submitted.