GRE Exam Benefits: Importance of GRE Scores for Study Abroad
Updated on 12 July, 2024
Considering pursuing an education abroad? Many universities and graduate programs around the world require the GRE exam (Graduate Record Examinations) as part of their application process.
Earning a competitive GRE score can significantly enhance your chances of gaining admission to top institutions, securing scholarships, and unlocking exciting career opportunities. Let’s delve into the numerous benefits of GRE and understand how a strong score can pave the way for a successful education abroad.
Table of Contents
What is GRE
Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test widely accepted for graduate admissions worldwide. The GRE assesses a candidate based on their verbal, quantitative and analytical skills. It has 5 scored and 1 unscored section. But what are the benefits of the GRE, and why are GRE scores important?
Well, more than 1,300 businesses and 115+ law schools accept the GRE scores, making it a popular exam worldwide.
Why Do You Need GRE Score
GRE is used to assess applicants' readiness for graduate school and their academic potential. Graduate schools use GRE results to compare applicants; however, not all programs regard GRE scores equally. Many programs do not require GRE scores while for others it may be mandatory.
Graduate School Admissions
Many graduate programs, particularly those in STEM fields, humanities, and social sciences, require applicants to submit GRE scores alongside their transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
According to the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS), a strong GRE score demonstrates your academic preparedness and potential for success in a meticulous graduate program.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Universities often award scholarships and financial aid packages based on a combination of factors, including GRE scores and academic achievements.
A high GRE score can significantly boost your competitiveness for merit-based scholarships, grants, and fellowships, making education abroad more financially accessible. Research by the National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals (NAGAP) suggests a positive correlation between GRE scores and scholarship awards.
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Program Eligibility
Certain graduate programs might have minimum GRE score requirements for eligibility. Meeting these benchmarks ensures you’re considered for admission and allows you to compete for a spot in the program.
Competitive Advantage
In a competitive applicant pool, a strong GRE score can distinguish you from other candidates. It demonstrates your academic abilities and commitment to pursuing higher education, making your application more attractive to admissions committees.
Career Opportunities
One of the advantages of GRE is the edge it gives you during job opportunities. Though it may not directly impact your job prospects, it does help you secure admission into a good university. Thus enhancing your career prospects.
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Benefits of Good GRE Score
As the GRE General Test is an admission requirement for such a diverse variety of graduate programs (including certain business schools), the proportionate weight varies by field. It is critical to conduct a study on the universities one wants to apply to perform accordingly on the test.
There is no set standard for a good GRE score. Thus, a good GRE score is subjective and dependent on the course/university one is applying to.
Before determining a decent GRE score, it is always a good idea to look at average GRE scores for top graduate school programs to see what range one will need to score in each area (verbal, quantitative, and writing).
Performing exceptionally well in the GRE can ensure a lot of benefits for students pursuing an education abroad:
Prestigious Graduate Programs
Top universities worldwide utilize GRE scores as part of their holistic application review process. A competitive score can strengthen your application and increase your chances of admission to prestigious graduate programs, opening doors to world-class educational experiences.
Showcasing Your Intellectual Aptitude
The GRE is designed to measure your critical thinking, analytical writing, and reasoning abilities. A strong score acts as a testament to your intellectual capacity and readiness for rigorous graduate-level studies.
Unleashing Career Opportunities
Excelling in the GRE can unlock access to top universities, scholarships, and professional programs, enhancing your career prospects. It validates key skills like analytical thinking and communication, making you a standout candidate in the job market. Ultimately, the GRE serves as a gateway to global opportunities and lifelong professional growth.
Flexibility to Pursue Diverse Career Paths
Graduate programs often serve as springboards for various career paths. A strong GRE score demonstrates your academic versatility and potential to excel in different fields, allowing you to explore diverse career options after completing your education abroad.
A Bridge to International Education
The GRE is a widely accepted standardized test, facilitating applications to universities across the globe. As stated by ETS, a strong score can serve as a bridge to prestigious international educational institutions, broadening your academic horizons and fostering intercultural experiences.
Fostering Personal Growth and Tenacity
Preparing for the GRE can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. The process hones your critical thinking, analytical writing, and time management skills. Successfully navigating the test demonstrates your perseverance and dedication to achieving your academic goals.
Access to Research Opportunities
Many graduate programs offer research assistantships and fellowships. A strong GRE score can support your application for these opportunities, allowing you to gain valuable research experience and contribute to innovative advancements in your chosen field. For example, the University of Texas at Austin considers GRE scores for some graduate research fellowships.
Should You Take GRE
The decision to take the GRE depends on your specific academic goals and the programs you’re targeting. Here are some key factors according to ETS:
Program Requirements:
The first step is to research the precise prerequisites for the graduate programs you're interested in. Many programs will explicitly state whether the GRE is required, recommended, or optional.
School Ranking and Competitiveness:
Top-ranked universities and highly competitive programs often have higher GRE score expectations. If you’re aiming for such programs, a strong GRE score can significantly strengthen your application.
Your Academic Background:
A strong GPA in your undergraduate studies can offset a slightly lower GRE score. However, if your GPA is below average, a high GRE score can help compensate and demonstrate your academic preparedness.
Time Commitment:
Preparing for the GRE requires a dedicated time investment. Consider your workload, other commitments, and preferred test dates when deciding if taking the GRE aligns with your schedule.
Financial Aid Considerations:
If you’re relying on scholarships and financial aid, a strong GRE score can improve your competitiveness and increase your chances of receiving merit-based awards. Research the scholarship programs that your desired colleges provide and the extent to which GRE results are taken into account.
For example, the Skoll Scholarship for the University of Oxford requires applicants to take the GRE.
Alternative Exams:
In some cases, you might consider alternative exams depending on your program, as reported by ETS:
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test):
This assessment is specifically required for admission to most Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs.
- LSAT (Law School Admission Test):
This exam is a prerequisite for admission to law schools in the United States and Canada.
- MCAT (Medical College Admission Test):
This examination is required for aspiring medical students in the United States, Canada, Australia, and some Caribbean islands.
Thus, the GRE exam benefits are manifold, making it an important exam to attempt if you aim to study abroad.
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FAQs on GRE Exam
What are the benefits of GRE exam?
GRE is a standardized exam that helps international institutes see the preparedness of applicants for taking graduate coursework and provides an objective measure to compare applicants from different backgrounds.
However, it's important to note that the GRE is accepted not only by top universities in the US, UK, Australia, and Europe, but also by thousands of institutions worldwide for various graduate, business, and law programs.
How does the GRE exam work?
GRE assesses a candidate based on three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The GRE's curriculum is divided into sections covering algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and language.
The weight given to GRE scores in the graduate school admissions process varies significantly between schools and departments within institutions.
Is the GRE at Home accepted for college admissions abroad?
Yes, it is accepted. GRE at Home was launched in March 2020 for GRE General test. It is a safe and convenient option for test takers who prefer to take their exam at home rather than at a test center.
The at-home test is identical in content, format, and on-screen experience to the test taken at a test center, ensuring it is equally accepted by institutions worldwide.
For admission abroad, do I need to take the GRE General test or GRE Subject test?
Most universities require candidates to submit GRE General test though the Subject test may be necessary for some specializations.
For pursuing such specializations, both the GRE General test and the GRE Subject test may need to be submitted.
What is the GRE Test?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a standardized test for graduate admissions, owned and administered by ETS. Established by the Carnegie Foundation in 1936, it evaluates candidates in Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
The GRE General Test covers algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and language, and is conducted at Prometric-authorized centers. The significance of GRE scores varies by institution and department.
Redesigned in 2011, the GRE is now section-adaptive, with scores ranging from 130 to 170 for the Verbal and Quantitative sections, and 0 to 6 for the Analytical Writing section, replacing the previous 200 to 800 scale.
What are the benefits of the GRE scholarship?
Typically, GRE scholarships pay for a percentage of your tuition as well as living expenses, books, and travel expenses. The precise benefits change based on the scholarship that is given out.
For instance, the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program considers GRE scores and awards students a $30,000 stipend. Some resources to explore GRE scholarships include government websites like Department of Education scholarship listings.
Can we get a 100% scholarship through GRE?
While a strong GRE score can significantly improve your chances of receiving scholarships, securing a full scholarship (100% coverage) solely based on your GRE score is uncommon.
Scholarships often consider a holistic application package including GPA, research experience, letters of recommendation, and your personal statement.
However, some prestigious fellowships, like the Fulbright Program (a government program), might place a higher weight on GRE scores and offer full funding for graduate studies abroad.
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Disclaimer
The above tips are the Author's experiences. upGrad does not guarantee scores or admissions.