The SAT and GMAT are standardized tests used to assess students’ academic skills. The SAT Test is used for undergraduate admissions in the United States. The GMAT test is used for graduate-level business school admissions. The SAT mostly focuses on the math, reading, and writing subjects. The GMAT test includes the analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal sections. Both the GMAT and the SAT have math sections, but the GMAT’s quantitative section focuses on algebra and geometry.
SAT vs GMAT Score Comparison
SAT and GMAT scores are based on different scales and cannot be directly compared. The SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, with scores from the two sections of Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing combined to create a total score. On the other hand, the GMAT scores range from 200 to 800, based primarily on the Quantitative and Verbal sections.
In general, a score of 700+ on the GMAT is considered very good, while a score of 1400+ on the SAT indicates significant achievement. Since these tests are for different purposes (the SAT for undergraduate admissions and the GMAT for master’s/business school), it is important to understand the criteria and requirements for each test before comparing their scores.
SAT vs GMAT Subjects and Test Structure
The main difference between the SAT and GMAT is in their subject areas and test structure. The SAT is primarily for undergraduate admissions and includes four main sections: Mathematics (two sections), Evidence-Based Reading, and Writing and Language. In addition, an optional essay can also be given.
On the other hand, the GMAT is for graduate business schools (MBA) and has four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal. The quantitative section of the GMAT is more difficult than the SAT, involving data interpretation and complex problems, while the math section of the SAT is relatively easy. Both tests have their own specific patterns, so students should prepare according to their needs.
SAT vs GMAT Score Conversion Chart
Both the SAT and GMAT exams are administered for different academic purposes, but sometimes students or institutions want to compare their scores to better assess a candidate’s academic ability. The SAT vs GMAT score conversion chart is created for this purpose, showing how a specific SAT score is approximately equivalent to a GMAT score. This chart is helpful in the university or business school admissions process, especially when a candidate’s test scores are different but the admissions committee needs to compare the two scores. This way, students can better understand their results and improve their admissions strategies.
SAT vs GMAT: Which is Harder
The GMAT is considered more difficult than the SAT, as it tests high-level analytical and critical thinking skills. The quantitative section of the GMAT is more complex than the math section of the SAT, involving data interpretation and logical problems, while the math section of the SAT is limited to basic algebra and geometry.
Furthermore, the verbal section of the GMAT is also more challenging, involving complex grammar and critical reasoning questions. However, the difficulty also depends on the intelligence and preparation of the student; students who are skilled in logical thinking and time management may find the GMAT easier, while students who are strong in basic math and language may find the SAT less difficult.
GMAT Math vs. SAT Math
The math sections of both the GMAT and SAT are based on high school-level mathematical topics—including algebra, geometry, statistics, and data analysis.
SAT Math is more general and follows a modular format, with occasional topics such as simple problems and trigonometry, and calculator use is allowed
GMAT Math includes ‘Problem Solving’ and unique ‘Data Sufficiency’ type questions that are based solely on assessing the sufficiency of information
The GMAT has a separate section for Data Interpretation (Integrated/Data Insights), which involves tables, graphs, and analysis of data from multiple sources, which is also present on the SAT.
GMAT vs SAT Math Score Comparison
The GMAT’s quantitative section is scored on a scale of 6 to 51 points, while the SAT’s math section contributes to a total score of 200 to 800 points (combined from the 400-800 points of the two subsections).
The GMAT’s math is more challenging, involving data analysis and logic problems, while the SAT focuses on basic algebra and geometry. On average, a 40-45 quant score on the GMAT or a 700+ math score on the SAT is considered good.