Lana Oconnell
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardised exam required for admission to many graduate programs at universities and colleges in the US. The GRE is an important part of the admissions process for international students, as it helps compare applicants from diverse backgrounds. While the GRE is not the only factor considered in the admissions process, a good score can boost an international student's chances of admission. The GRE evaluates verbal and quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills, making English comprehension particularly important for international test-takers. The exam costs $205, although prices vary in India and China, and scores are valid for five years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Importance of GRE scores for international students | GRE scores are important for international students seeking admission to U.S. graduate schools as they demonstrate English proficiency and critical thinking skills. However, the importance varies depending on the school and program. Many graduate programs have made the GRE optional, but a strong score can boost an international student's application. |
| GRE exam details | The GRE exam fee is $220 globally, except in China ($231.30) and India (₹22,000). The exam can be retaken up to five times a year, with scores valid for five years. The exam covers verbal and quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills. |
| Factors affecting admission chances | Grad schools consider GRE scores, percentile ranks, and the caliber of the undergraduate institution. A good GRE score depends on the specific grad school and program. Schools may have different weightings for GPA and GRE scores in their admissions criteria. |
| Alternatives to GRE | Some schools have adopted a holistic approach to applications, considering GPA, research experience, recommendations, statements, and interviews. International students may also be required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency if their prior instruction was not in English. |
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What You'll Learn
- GRE scores are one of several factors affecting admission chances
- Percentile ranks are more important than scaled scores
- International students may need to prove English skills separately
- GRE scores are important for international students who don't speak English as a first language
- GRE scores are relative to the program you're applying to
GRE scores are one of several factors affecting admission chances
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardised exam required for admission to many graduate programs at universities and colleges in the US. The GRE evaluates verbal and quantitative reasoning, as well as analytical writing and critical thinking skills. International students may also need to prove their English skills, depending on the program.
It's important to research the GRE score ranges among admitted students at the schools you're considering and check if there are any minimum score requirements. For example, the Yale Economics PhD program requires a minimum quantitative score of 160. The weight of your GRE score also depends on the program you're applying to. For instance, a low verbal score may not hurt your chances of acceptance into a competitive math-based program.
Additionally, more and more schools are taking a holistic approach to applications, considering factors such as GPA, research experience, recommendations, statements, and interviews, in addition to test scores. International students may also be required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency if their prior instruction was not in English.
It is recommended that international students schedule their exam at least two to three months before their first university application deadline to ensure their scores are submitted on time. The GRE exam can be taken once every 21 days, up to five times a year, and scores are valid for five years.
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Percentile ranks are more important than scaled scores
For international students, a good GRE score can be essential for admission to U.S. universities. While some graduate programs have made the GRE optional, others still require it, and a strong score can boost an application. Additionally, international students may need to prove their English skills with TOEFL or IELTS scores.
GRE scores are ranked into percentiles, showing how an applicant performed compared to other test-takers. Percentile ranks are more important than scaled scores because they indicate how a student's performance compares to their peers. A scaled score may leave students wondering if their score is good enough, but a percentile rank provides context by showing the percentage of test-takers who scored below them. For example, a scaled verbal score of 150 translates to the 47th percentile, meaning the student scored better than 47% of test-takers and worse than the remaining 53%.
Percentile ranks are also important because they allow universities to assess applicants from diverse backgrounds on a standardised metric. A high percentile rank indicates a strong performance relative to other applicants, which can be a differentiating factor in the admissions process. While a good GRE score is important, admissions committees consider the applicant's overall profile, including extracurriculars, internships, and certifications.
Students aiming for top schools like Harvard, Stanford, or MIT should note that these institutions typically seek higher GRE score percentiles. For example, a discipline like Biological Sciences at UCLA may require a Quant score in the 49th to 61st percentile, so aiming above the 50th percentile is advisable.
In summary, percentile ranks are more critical than scaled scores because they provide context, allow for standardised comparisons, indicate relative performance, and help students understand the admissions requirements of their target schools. Students should research the GRE score percentiles of their desired programs to set appropriate score goals.
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International students may need to prove English skills separately
International students applying to US universities may need to submit GRE scores as part of their application package. The GRE is a standardised test used by universities to compare applicants from diverse backgrounds. While some universities have made submitting GRE scores optional, others still require them. For international students, a good GRE score can make their application stand out.
However, it's important to note that international students may also need to demonstrate English language proficiency separately, even if they have taken the GRE. This is because the GRE primarily tests problem-solving skills in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis, as well as verbal and writing skills. While the verbal and writing sections of the GRE do assess some aspects of English language ability, they are not solely designed to evaluate English proficiency.
Universities often require international students whose prior instruction was not in English to submit scores from English language proficiency tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). These tests specifically evaluate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, ensuring that students have the necessary skills to succeed in an English-language academic environment.
It is worth noting that the requirements for English language proficiency tests may vary depending on the university and the specific programme that the student is applying to. Some programmes may waive the requirement if the student has already taken the GRE and achieved a certain score, particularly on the verbal and writing sections. However, it is always advisable for international students to carefully review the application requirements for their desired universities and programmes to ensure they are providing all the necessary documentation.
In conclusion, while the GRE can be an important factor in the admissions process for international students, they may also need to demonstrate English language skills separately through dedicated language proficiency tests. Universities want to ensure that international students have the necessary language abilities to excel in their academic studies and fully engage with the curriculum. Therefore, international students should be prepared to provide additional evidence of their English proficiency if required.
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GRE scores are important for international students who don't speak English as a first language
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardised test that is part of the admissions process for many graduate schools in the United States, Canada, and a few other countries. The test evaluates verbal and quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills. While the GRE is not required by all graduate programs, it is still an important factor in the admissions process for many schools. International students who do not speak English as their first language may find the GRE particularly challenging due to the heavy emphasis on English comprehension and proficiency.
Universities assess international and domestic applicants' GRE scores similarly, considering percentile rankings and the calibre of the undergraduate institution. However, for non-native English speakers, the verbal score may be emphasised to gauge English proficiency. The GRE Verbal Reasoning section can be difficult for those who are not fluent in English, as it involves analysing and evaluating written material. Additionally, the analytical writing section requires proficiency in English writing skills.
To prepare for the GRE, international students who don't speak English as their first language can take several steps. Reading English books and publications, listening to English podcasts, and practising speaking and writing in English can help improve language proficiency. Official GRE Verbal Reasoning practice questions and sample writing tasks are also available for preparation. The more familiar one becomes with the English language, the easier it may be to navigate the exam, even if one doesn't know a word, as one may be able to figure it out based on context.
While the GRE can be challenging for international students who don't speak English as their first language, it is important to note that it is not the only factor considered in the admissions process. Universities typically evaluate applications holistically, considering factors such as undergraduate performance, letters of recommendation, and personal statements, in addition to GRE scores. Additionally, some universities may offer alternative entrance exams or waive the GRE requirement for international students. It is advisable to contact the graduate admissions office of the specific program to understand their evaluation process.
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GRE scores are relative to the program you're applying to
The importance of GRE scores varies depending on the program and school you are applying to. While some graduate programs require GRE scores, many others have made it optional or are test-optional. Schools like SMU have gone test-optional nationwide, and more and more schools are taking a holistic approach to applications. This means that international students can showcase their strengths through their GPA, research experience, recommendations, statements, and interviews, rather than just test scores.
However, if the program you are applying to requires or lists the GRE as optional, achieving a good score can significantly boost your chances of admission. A good GRE score is generally considered to be above 155 on the quantitative section and in the high 150s for the verbal section. Math-heavy programs tend to prefer higher quantitative scores, while Arts & Humanities programs often value higher verbal scores.
To determine whether you need to take the GRE and what a good score looks like for your desired program, it is essential to research the admissions statistics and requirements of your target schools. Each graduate field and program has a typical range of GRE scores among its accepted students. For example, the doctoral program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's School of Engineering has significantly higher average GRE scores than other programs.
Additionally, it is worth noting that international students may still need to prove their English skills, depending on the program and their prior instruction language. TOEFL or IELTS scores may be required to demonstrate English proficiency if the applicant's previous education was not taught in English.
In conclusion, while GRE scores are just one aspect of your application, they can significantly impact your chances of admission, especially for programs that require or highly value them. Therefore, it is crucial to tailor your application, including your GRE scores, to your intended field of study and specific program requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
GRE scores are important for international students as they are a standardised metric through which applicants from diverse backgrounds can be compared. However, the importance of a good GRE score depends on the graduate school and program that the student is applying to. While some programs have a hard cut-off requirement, others might not require a GRE score at all.
A good GRE score depends on the grad school and program you want to attend. It is a good idea to look up the average GRE score range of admitted students at the schools you are considering. Anything in the 75th percentile or higher in all three tests will generally be good enough to get into most competitive grad programs.
The GRE exam fee is $205 in the US and $220 in all other countries except China ($231.30) and India (₹22,000). The test has two sections: Verbal and Quantitative. The Verbal section evaluates reading comprehension and the Quantitative section assesses arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The Verbal and Quantitative sections are computer-adaptive, meaning that they adjust to the test-taker's ability.
Universities assess international and domestic applicants' GRE scores similarly, considering percentile rankings and the caliber of the undergraduate institution. Admissions officers sometimes care as much about a candidate's GRE percentiles as they do about actual GRE scores.
It is helpful to schedule your exam at least two to three months before your first university application deadline to ensure your scores are submitted on time. ETS provides preparation software called PowerPrep, which contains practice tests of retired questions.
