What are the Advantages of Taking the GRE Exam?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a widely accepted standardized test that comprehensively prepares students for graduate schools and renowned programs across the globe. It is an intrinsic part of the admissions process that measures their skills, attributes, and knowledge. It is also used by graduate management programs to determine the likelihood of career success or the amount of intervention they will need to improve their competence. As the GRE provides applicants with access to the best schools, it also offers them a generous amount of time and chances to improve themselves to achieve desirable scores that will be valid for 5 years. They can repeatedly take the exam five times within a year with a minimum gap of 21 days between two tests until they have mastered the necessary skill set that will help increase their GPAs. Although it is not the sole factor, taking the GRE will help them gain scholarships and have a higher completion rate.
Read more: GRE Scholarships
What is the value of using GRE scores?
The value of using GRE scores is summarized in two points:
- Skill measurement. The value of academic skill measurement is critical in determining the readiness of the participants for graduate school. The GRE tests three skills that are crucial in studying at a graduate school: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. A remarkable score scale in these measurements increases the chances of applicants succeeding in their academic endeavours. On the contrary, low official score reports on the test provide an opportunity for test-takers to devote additional time and study hours to getting adequate knowledge needed for their chosen graduate program.
- Promotion of Inclusivity. GRE scores resolve the issue of diversity among applicants from different backgrounds. These standardized and objective results provide a common ground for their selection, allowing administrators to directly and indiscriminately compare their skills, experience, attributes, and performance. Its well-researched features contribute to the successful conduct of a fair evaluation of applicants, which is not merely achieved through other evidence. Nonetheless, the consideration of both standardized and non-standardized measures is crucial to the implementation of the fairest admission program.
The value of using GRE scores in the admission process is significant in achieving inclusivity and in measuring the readiness of the applicants for graduate school.
What is the importance of taking the GRE exam?
Taking the GRE exam is important for the reasons below:
- Requirement of GRE scores in programs. For most graduate schools, including business and law, GRE scores are critical in the admission process. An applicant must secure this record to avoid disqualification because of an incomplete application.
- Acquisition of merit-based funding. A commendable GRE score may grant an applicant a scholarship or merit-based fellowship. Therefore, one should consider taking the GRE to increase their eligibility for this funding.
- Application to graduate school. GRE scores are valid for five years. Taking the GRE within the time frame will equip the applicant with adequate theoretical and practical knowledge for their chosen graduate program as they can use it to review their lessons by retaking the test as many times as they need.
- Addressing room for improvements. A high GRE score compensates for other weak evidence, such as a low undergrad GPA. This standardized test can be taken multiple times; hence, applicants can use it as a review process and improve themselves until they achieve desirable scores, which they can reflect on in their application.
Taking the GRE test will determine the level of preparedness of the applicants for graduate school and the likelihood of their success in such endeavours. Hence, applicants must consider this course of action.
How does taking the GRE give you a competitive edge?
The GRE is designed to equip the examinees with various skills to increase their chances of success in graduate school and improve their career outcomes. Taking the GRE gives you a competitive edge by acquiring the following skills:
- Verbal Reasoning. A verbal section score determines the ability of the examinee to fluently comprehend and articulate linguistic tasks such as reading and writing. Communication is an important skill to have in the workplace or school program. This score on the GRE also reflects proficiency in English grammar.
- Quantitative Reasoning. The quantitative section’s official score range demonstrates the examinee’s ability to solve problems with critical thinking and well-informed reasoning. A remarkable numeracy rate showcases the methodical and analytical attributes of an examinee, which are useful in resolving any problems.
- Analytical Writing. Test takers’ analytical writing – scores display the ability of the examinee to become an effective communicator while showcasing decent analytical and critical thinking skills in understanding concepts and problems. This skill is useful in situations that require persuasion and negotiation.
The following benefits mentioned are also relevant for future work opportunities. Some applicants show GRE score reports to demonstrate that they have the necessary skills for the job.
Why do grad schools require GRE scores?
These are the following reasons why grad schools require GRE scores in their application requirements:
- Convenient comparison of diverse applicants. A GRE score is a quantified measurement of the qualification of the applicant for their chosen graduate school or program. Applicants are categorized based on their performance on the standardized test, which provides a well-researched and objective verdict of their abilities.
- Proper assignment of an area of knowledge based on displayed expertise. The three measurements of the GRE test are individually evaluated to cater to different areas of knowledge. Verbal reasoning is most valued in qualitative fields, while quantitative reasoning is critical in math-related fields. Although analytical writing is considered the least important of them, it is crucial in determining the ability of the applicant to critically think and fluently explain complicated ideas in a well-informed manner.
GRE scores are usually highly valued by graduate schools, but some programs do not require them at all. Nonetheless, GRE has aided the administrators in creating a concentrated community for particular field expertise to ensure a high retention rate and increase the likelihood of success among the applicants.
What is the benefit of taking the GRE General Test for Business School?
Taking the GRE General Test for Business School provides the following benefits:
- Diversified opportunities. GRE General Tests provide the applicants to business school with more control of their performance and where this can be reflected to serve their best interests. They are given enough time to prepare for the test and answer it as they see fit, with unlimited chances to review and improve their performances so they can achieve the best results on the day of the examination. The validity of the score extends up to five years, which means that applicants are given ample time to decide where and when they want to pursue a graduate-level degree. On top of that, GRE scores are part of the admission process of thousands of graduate business schools, current law schools, and grad schools. Through the ScoreSelect option, they can narrow down their choices to their dream schools and only show them their best performance.
- Admittance to renowned programs worldwide. GRE scores are accepted for admission to over 1,300 business schools worldwide, including top-performing institutions in the United States, such as Harvard University, and Europe.
- Pursuance of a growth-motivating career path. GRE scores equip the examinees with the necessary skill set that allows them to absorb and build knowledge professionally and to thrive in challenging career environments. The choices and the control that they had in the process of pursuing a business degree allowed them to define their own success and ignite an elevated sense of passion.
The GRE general tests hone applicants to become competitive and knowledgeable enough to become successful in business school and in their respective career environments. It offers a multitude of opportunities that can significantly contribute to their growth, such as acquiring education from the best schools and increasing their skills and competence during their preparation.
Read more: Purpose and Benefits of GRE
What is the benefit of the GRE for Law School?
The correlation between high GRE scores and graduate school success has been consistent in law school. The skills that applicants have during the preparation for the exam allow them to decently perform their tasks as law students. Increased competence in analytical writing and verbal reasoning enabled them to successfully write different qualitative tasks, such as persuasive writing. On the other hand, their improved quantitative reasoning helped them proficiently handle data-driven tasks and financial issues. The GRE has prepared them for the responsibilities of their chosen career path.
References:
- https://www.ets.org/gre/institutions/admissions/planning/benefits/
- https://graduateguide.com/the-smart-choice-the-benefits-of-taking-the-gre-general-test-for-business-school/
- https://collegedunia.com/news/e-483-perks-of-taking-the-gre
- https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/why-take-the-gre/
- https://usnewsbrandfuse.com/GRE/The-Change-Agent/index.html
- https://gre.economist.com/gre-advice/gre-overview/about-gre/how-taking-gre-gives-you-competitive-edge