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GRE Exam Benefits: Importance of GRE Scores

Updated on 21 February, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test widely accepted for graduate admissions worldwide. The GRE assesses a candidate based on three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. But what are the benefits of the GRE, and why are GRE scores important? Well, more than 1,300 business and 115+ law schools accept the GRE scores, making it a popular exam worldwide. Let us see the advantages of taking the GRE in more detail.

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.

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.

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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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. 

Now that you understand the importance of the GRE as a standardized exam, you must acquire more knowledge of the test and its preparation strategies. If you have just got to know about the exam and worry you will not have sufficient time to prepare for it, check out our expert advice on how to prepare for GRE in two months.

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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 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. Also, it is identical to tests taken at centers.

Read More:

Harvard University GRE CutoffStanford University GRE Cutoff
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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upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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The above tips are the Author's experiences. upGrad does not guarantee scores or admissions.