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Graduate record examinations

What Are Graduate Record Examinations?

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are a standardized test widely used for admissions to master's degree and doctoral programs globally. Administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE aims to assess a candidate's verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills, which are considered crucial for academic success at the graduate level. While not strictly a financial concept, the GRE plays a significant role in education finance by serving as a gateway to higher education, which often entails substantial tuition costs and has implications for future economic benefits and career trajectories. Many institutions consider GRE scores alongside undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, and personal statements when making admissions and scholarships decisions.

History and Origin

The Graduate Record Examinations originated in 1937, developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Its purpose was to create a standardized measure for evaluating applicants to graduate school, providing a common benchmark across diverse undergraduate institutions. Over the decades, the test has undergone several revisions to adapt to evolving educational needs and assessment methodologies. A significant update occurred in 1999 when ETS transitioned from a pencil-and-paper format to a computer-adaptive test for the General Test, aiming for greater efficiency and security. More recently, in 2023, the GRE General Test was shortened to under two hours, making it a more concise assessment.

Key Takeaways

  • The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) assess verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills for graduate school admissions.
  • The GRE General Test is accepted by thousands of master's and doctoral programs worldwide.
  • Costs associated with the GRE include registration fees, study materials, and potential rescheduling fees.
  • Strong GRE scores can potentially enhance a candidate's eligibility for financial aid and scholarships.
  • The overall return on investment of a graduate degree, often facilitated by GRE admission, can be substantial over a career.

Formula and Calculation

The Graduate Record Examinations do not involve a financial formula or calculation in the traditional sense, as it is an assessment tool for academic skills rather than a financial metric. Therefore, this section is not applicable.

Interpreting the GRE

Interpreting GRE scores involves understanding the scale and what each section measures. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are scored on a scale of 130–170, in 1-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0–6, in half-point increments. Higher scores generally indicate stronger aptitude in the respective areas.

For prospective graduate students, strong GRE scores can signal readiness for rigorous academic work and may improve a candidate's competitiveness when applying to various doctoral programs or master's degree programs. Admissions committees often consider GRE scores as one component among many, looking for a holistic profile that demonstrates potential for success in a particular field of study. The relevance and weight given to GRE scores can vary significantly by program and institution, with some programs placing more emphasis on quantitative skills, others on verbal, and some even waiving the requirement entirely. Applicants should research the specific expectations of their target programs.

Hypothetical Example

Consider Sarah, a recent college graduate aiming for a master's degree in data science. She takes the Graduate Record Examinations and scores 160 on Verbal Reasoning, 165 on Quantitative Reasoning, and 4.5 on Analytical Writing. The program she's applying to at a state university has an average admitted GRE Quantitative score of 162. Sarah's score is slightly above the average for that section, making her a competitive applicant in terms of quantitative ability.

However, the program also emphasizes the importance of a strong personal statement and relevant work experience. Sarah has a solid academic record and two years of experience as a data analyst, which she highlights in her application. While her GRE score is strong, the admissions committee will evaluate her entire application, considering her quantitative aptitude as demonstrated by the GRE alongside her practical experience and other qualifications. This holistic review approach is common, where the GRE provides a standardized data point but is not the sole determinant of admission.

Practical Applications

The GRE has several practical applications for individuals pursuing advanced education:

  • Graduate Admissions: The primary application of the GRE is for admission to a wide array of graduate programs across disciplines, including science, engineering, humanities, social sciences, business, and law. Ma19ny universities worldwide utilize GRE scores as part of their admissions criteria to assess a candidate's readiness for graduate-level coursework.
  • Fellowships and Assistantships: Strong GRE scores can enhance a candidate's profile for competitive scholarships, fellowships, and graduate assistantships, which can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education by covering tuition and living expenses.
  • Career Advancement: For some professions, a graduate degree is a prerequisite for career advancement or entry into specialized roles. Performing well on the GRE can open doors to programs that ultimately lead to higher earning potential and expanded professional opportunities. The return on investment for a graduate degree can be substantial, with workers holding advanced degrees often earning more than those with only a bachelor's degree over their lifetime.,
  • 18 17 Benchmarking Skills: Even for programs where the GRE is optional, taking the test can provide applicants with a benchmark of their verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills relative to other prospective graduate students. This can inform their decision-making about potential areas for improvement or help identify suitable programs.

Limitations and Criticisms

Despite its widespread use, the Graduate Record Examinations face several limitations and criticisms:

  • Predictive Validity: Studies on the GRE's predictive validity—its ability to forecast success in graduate school—have yielded mixed results. While some research suggests a correlation with first-year graduate GPA, others argue that the GRE's predictive power for overall academic success, such as dissertation completion or research productivity, is weak or even negligible., Critic16s15 argue that undergraduate grades can be a stronger predictor of academic performance.
  • B14ias Concerns: The GRE has been criticized for potential biases related to socioeconomic status, race, and gender. Performance on the test has been linked to access to expensive test preparation resources, which can disproportionately favor more affluent individuals. Some st13udies suggest that scores for certain demographic groups are consistently lower, raising concerns about equity and access to graduate education.
  • L12imited Scope: The multiple-choice format of much of the GRE General Test may not fully capture complex abilities such as critical thinking, creativity, and research skills, which are vital for success in many graduate programs. It is a11rgued that the test primarily assesses test-taking skills rather than a comprehensive measure of intellectual potential.
  • Cost and Access: The cost of taking the GRE, including registration fees and potential expenses for preparation materials and courses, can be a barrier for some prospective students. As of recent data, the GRE General Test fee is generally $220., While 10f9ee reduction programs exist for eligible individuals demonstrating financial need, these do not cover all potential costs., The ex8p7ense, combined with the opportunity cost of time spent preparing, can deter some qualified candidates from applying to graduate school.

Gra6duate Record Examinations vs. GMAT

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are both standardized tests used for graduate school admissions, but they serve different primary purposes and are generally accepted by different types of programs.

FeatureGraduate Record Examinations (GRE)Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
Primary UseGeneral admissions for a broad range of graduate programs, including arts, sciences, engineering, humanities, and increasingly, business and law schools.Primarily for admission to graduate business programs, such as Master of Business Administration (MBA) and other management-related degrees.
SectionsVerbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing.Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning.
Content FocusBroader academic skills; quantitative section covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis.Stronger emphasis on business-specific quantitative and verbal reasoning, often with data interpretation and critical reasoning within business contexts.
AcceptanceAccepted by thousands of programs worldwide. Many business and law schools now accept GRE scores in addition to or instead of GMAT.Traditionally the standard for MBA and business programs. Less commonly accepted by non-business graduate programs.

While many business schools now accept the GRE, and some non-business programs might accept the GMAT, applicants should verify the specific requirements of their desired programs. Choosing between the two often depends on the type of graduate program an individual is pursuing and their strengths in the respective test formats. For instance, someone targeting a management role might find the GMAT's focus on business-oriented analytical skills more aligned with their interests and future career advancement, whereas the GRE offers broader applicability for diverse academic pursuits.

FAQs

What does the GRE measure?

The Graduate Record Examinations measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. These skills are considered fundamental for success in graduate-level academic programs.

How much does it cost to take the GRE?

The registration fee for the GRE General Test is typically $220 in most locations worldwide., Additi5o4nal fees may apply for services like rescheduling, late registration, or sending extra score reports.

Ca3n GRE scores impact financial aid?

Yes, GRE scores can indirectly impact financial aid opportunities. While most need-based aid is determined by financial circumstances, merit-based scholarships and assistantships offered by universities often consider GRE scores as a factor in evaluating a candidate's academic potential. Strong scores can make an applicant more competitive for these forms of assistance, which can reduce the overall cost of a graduate degree.,

I2s1 the GRE required for all graduate programs?

No, the GRE is not required for all graduate programs. While it is widely accepted by thousands of programs, an increasing number of universities and departments have made the GRE optional or have eliminated the requirement entirely. Applicants should always check the specific admissions requirements for each program they are interested in.

How important are GRE scores in the admissions process?

The importance of GRE scores varies significantly by program and university. For some programs, particularly in fields like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), strong quantitative scores may be highly valued. For others, particularly in the humanities, verbal and analytical writing scores might carry more weight. Many admissions committee use a holistic review process, considering GRE scores alongside other factors such as undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, research experience, and work history.