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GRE Exam Benefits: Importance of GRE Scores

Updated on 07 November, 2023

Mrinal Mandal

Mrinal Mandal

Study Abroad Expert

gre exam benefits

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test widely accepted for graduate admissions worldwide. GRE assesses a candidate based on three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.

Why Do You Need A 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.

Benefits of a 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.

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). 

There is no set standard for a good GRE score. For example, a good Graduate Record Examinations score for an electrical engineering course will be 165+ on quantitative. On the other hand, a decent GRE score in literature will be 160+ on verbal. Some programs only consider GRE scores while making admission decisions. Others utilize the GRE to make scholarship decisions. 

Generally, a score above 75th percentile is considered good while above 90th percentile is an excellent score. Thus, we can say that a score of 318 and above is good, whereas a score of 329 is an excellent one. A score of 300+ is considered average, and a 292 score is considered below average.

 

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Here Are Some GRE Exam Advantages

  1. It tells institutes how ready a candidate is to undertake a graduate program. The analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning sections of the GRE test a candidate’s overall ability and aptitude.
  2. GRE scores provide an objective measure to help universities compare applicants from different backgrounds.
  3. A good GRE score can open doors to top universities globally.
  4. A GRE-based tuition reduction grant is available at various universities. You can even receive total funding for top programs with a good GRE score and relevant experience. 
  5. Some universities, such as the University of Houston, employ it to compensate for a low GPA. Regardless of your GPA, GRE is essential. 
  6. All top universities in US, UK, Australia, and Europe accept GRE for admission application. More than 1300 business schools accept the GRE for MBA and other professional graduate programs in 94 countries.

Know More:

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Frequently Asked Questions

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. All top universities in US, UK, Australia, and Europe accept GRE for admission application.

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 is a new offering 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. Also, it is identical to tests taken at centers.

Read More:

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GRE Cutoff for US UniversitiesIs GRE Required for Masters in Canada

 

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 GRE general test and the GRE subject test must be submitted.

What is the GRE Test?

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test widely accepted for graduate admissions worldwide. Educational Testing Service (ETS) owns and administers GRE. Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching started the test in 1936.

There are several GRE exam benefits apart from being one of the admission requirements. 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 GRE General Test is a computer-based exam conducted in Prometric-owned or authorized testing sites and institutions. The weight given to GRE scores in the graduate school admissions process varies significantly between schools and departments within institutions. A GRE score might be anything from a minor admissions requirement to a critical selection determinant.

The GRE was considerably redesigned in August 2011, resulting in an adaptive exam by section rather than by question. The difficulty of the second section is now determined by the performance on the first verbal and math sections.

The sections and several question types from the previous test editions were kept, but the score range was modified to a 130 to 170 scale (from a 200 to 800 scale).

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Mrinal Mandal

Study Abroad Expert

Mrinal Mandal is a study abroad expert with a passion for guiding students towards their international education goals. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering, earned in 2018. Since 2021, Mrinal has been working with upGrad Abroad, where he assists aspiring students in realizing their dreams of studying abroad. With his expertise and dedication, he empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of international education, making their aspirations a reality.

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