GRE Vs TOEFL  – The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are standardized tests that are often required for entrance to graduate schools in English-speaking countries. Both of these tests are recognized and globally accepted, but students are still unsure whether to take the GRE vs TOEFL. Now, passing both tests is mandatory to secure admission, but they are not similar by any means. So before going to the best institution for GRE preparation or TOEFL, understand how these two exams differ from each other and their purpose to have a clear idea of what is essential to you, explore the key differences and similarities in the format and purpose of these standardized tests to make an informed decision.

Overview of GRE and TOEFL 

What is GRE?

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools, particularly in the many colleges and universities worldwide. 

The UK, Canada, Japan, Ireland, Hong Kong, and other countries accept GRE scores in addition to your GPA, letters of recommendation, and other qualifications as common grounds for admission. 

Based on the format of the GRE exam, it assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. It is a computerized, adaptive test. This is unique in the sense that the computer adjusts according to the previous answer given by the candidate and presents the next question. This system makes the completion of the test short, ending quickly.

The GRE is owned and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching created the exam in 1936. The cost to take the test is US$205, although ETS will reduce the fee under certain circumstances. It also provides financial aid to GRE applicants who prove economic hardship. ETS does not reveal results that are more than five years old, although graduate program policies on the acceptance of scores older than five years will differ.

What is TOEFL?

The TOEFL exam evaluates your university-level English proficiency by concentrating on how well you integrate your speaking, reading, writing, and listening abilities. In places where internet testing isn’t possible, it is also available in paper format (TOEFL PBT). 

The TOEFL is primarily offered in an internet-based format (TOEFL iBT).TOEFL is a trademark of the Educational Testing Service (ETS), a private non-profit organization, which designs and administers the tests. 

ETS provides official score reports that are valid for two years after the test. They are issued to universities independently.TOEFL is one of the two leading English language tests in the world & IELTS is the other one.The fact that more than 6000 institutions (colleges) in more than 130 countries accept exam results indicates how important the TOEFL is.

Difference between GRE vs TOEFL

• The key difference between the GRE and TOEFL is that the GRE is a graduate school entrance exam while the TOEFL is a test of your English language skills. 
• Schools want to see GRE results to ensure you can manage graduate-level material, and TOEFL scores to ensure your English abilities are adequate to succeed at an English-speaking school and country
• The TOEFL test is often easier than the GRE. Compared to the GRE, the TOEFL’s reading and writing sections are easier.
• The main difference between TOEFL and GRE is that TOEFL has speaking, reading, writing, and listening sections, while GRE has maths, analytical writing, and quantitative sections.

 Instead of testing your understanding of written or mathematical topics, this test primarily assesses your proficiency in English.

Patterns of GRE vs TOEFL

Exam Duration

The exam duration of the GRE General test lasts 3 hours and 45 minutes, while the GRE subject test may take 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete.

For the TOEFL test, you will get 3 hours and 30 minutes total time including a 10-minute break halfway through the exam and the check-in progress.

GRE Scoring

The GRE consists of three sections: analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. The tests are conducted in two modes: computer-based and paper-based. Let us look at their exam pattern.

GRE Test Pattern

The Verbal Reasoning Section

A reading-heavy section, Verbal Reasoning, asks you to identify correct vocabulary words for isolated sentences and paragraphs, as well as comprehend the main arguments, meanings, and implications of thick, scholarly passages. 

The three types of questions you’ll encounter on Verbal are as follows:

• Text Completion
• Sentence Equivalence
• Reading Comprehension

Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning portion focuses on fundamental maths (middle and high school maths). It tests four maths topics: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.

As for the types of questions you’ll encounter on Quant, there are 5 distinctions:

• Quantitative Comparison
• Multiple Choice (Select One Answer Choice)
• Multiple Choice (Select One or More Answer Choices)
• Numeric Entry
• Data Interpretation Sets

The Analytical Writing Section

The Analytical Writing section tests you on your ability to write a straightforward and logical essay with supporting evidence, logical flow, and technical precision (proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization).

For this section, you must write two separate essays:

• Analyze an Issue 
• Analyze an  Argument.

On the other hand, the TOEFL exam will assess your English hearing, writing, reading, and speaking skills. This test evaluates a student’s different talents and language abilities. The exam pattern for the test is shown below:

TOEFL Scoring

Before registering for the TOEFL, students must understand the TOEFL structure.

Students who are unsure about the questions or exercises posed in these four sections might continue reading to learn more in-depth. 

TOEFL Test Pattern

TOEFL Reading Section 

Candidates must read 3 – 4 passes of 700 words.

They have to answer ten questions from each passage.

TOEFL Listening Section

• Candidates have to listen to 3 or 4 lectures about various academic areas. Each passage is 5 minutes long.
• In addition, applicants must listen to 2 or 3 conversations that focus on everyday campus interactions with other personnel. Every listening passage includes a series of questions.   

TOEFL Speaking Section

This section comprises four tasks. One task is Independent, while three studies are Integrated. 

TOEFL Speaking Independent task:

The Independent task requires candidates to answer questions from their personal experiences or opinion.

TOEFL Writing Section

• The TOEFL writing section includes two tasks: an Integrated writing test and an Independent writing test. In the Integrated writing test, candidates must read a short passage related to academic study.
• Students must then listen to a lecture section to examine the specifics or arguments in the reading content.
• Candidates must prepare a summary that includes the key points covered in the lecture. Furthermore, they must explain and relate the arguments made in the reading material.

To pick the right choice between the GRE or TOEFL for study abroad, you must check the eligibility criteria mentioned by the university you are applying for. One of the two options may be more suitable for you. It has been usually observed that a student who is looking for graduate courses goes for the GRE exam and the students who do exceptionally well in the English language skills can opt for the TOEFL exam. 

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FAQ Related to GRE vs TOEFL

1. Which test should I take for university admissions in the United States?

For English proficiency, TOEFL is widely acknowledged by the USA. However, if you’re applying to graduate programs, then the GRE may also be required. Check the eligibility requirements for the course you are applying for, on the university’s official website 

2. Should I take the GRE or TOEFL first?

The GRE is usually considered a harder exam than the TOEFL. There’s no rule as to which one to take first. Work on your language, observation skills, connecting the dots, writing abilities, learning, and application, and appear for whichever you are comfortable

3. Can I Retake the GRE?

Yes, once every 21 days up to five times per year for the computer-based test. You can retake the paper-based test anytime it is available (3 times per year if computer-based testing is unavailable).