GRE Exam Benefits: Importance of GRE Scores

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. We will find out more about those later. 

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).

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 or consider them less relevant than other application considerations, but others consider GRE scores to be a crucial component of the application.

Recommended Reads:

Benefits of a Good GRE Score: 

A 'good GRE score' differs from one person to the other and from one university to the next. For some, a score of 310 may be adequate, while it may not be for others. Because 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 GRE 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. 

Here are some GRE exam advantages:

1) A good GRE score can open doors to top universities globally, but it isn't the only factor to consider. Other variables influencing final decisions include academic ability, commitment to the chosen field, employment experience, and extracurricular activities.

2) Applicants with high GRE scores should apply everywhere. This does not guarantee financial support, but it does open many opportunities. A GRE-based tuition reduction grant is available at various universities. As a result, there are various GRE exam benefits. 

3) Some universities, such as the University of Houston, employ it to compensate for a low GPA. Regardless of your GPA, GRE is essential. You can even receive total funding for top programs with a good GRE score, relevant experience, and a desire to push the boundaries.

Recommended Reads: Sections in GRE Exam || MS in Data Science in USA Without GRE