Rethinking the GRE: Is it still worth it?

The GRE has long been a core component in graduate school admissions processes. For candidates wondering, “Should I take the GRE?”, we believe that this standardized test remains integral to numerous advanced degree pathways despite increasing scrutiny in recent years. Concerns and debates about the relevance and fairness of standardized exams, such as the GRE, have grown, particularly following widespread societal changes sparked by the global pandemic and anti-discrimination advocacy.

These factors have spawned reform efforts, such as schools adopting indefinite test-optional policies for both undergraduate and graduate admissions. However, the tides have been turning, and many institutions are now reinstating test requirements for admission, particularly for college applications. Whether a similar trend will follow for graduate school applications is yet to be determined.

With these shifts, many prospective students are reevaluating whether pursuing the GRE aligns with their academic and professional goals. Deciding whether to take the GRE involves following these evolving conversations and considering how they may impact your graduate school options and competitiveness as a candidate.

GRE changes during COVID-19 and resulting issues

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) introduced an online version of the GRE, enabling students to take the test safely from home. However, this raised concerns for people from low-income households who cannot afford computers, webcams, or even internet service. Meanwhile, those who do have access to a computer and other essentials weren’t always safe from technical difficulties, including software bugs and connection issues. Reports of unnerving proctors who would not use their webcams but could see the testers during their exams also drew criticism.

Needing a whiteboard to take notes, sitting in a standard chair for hours, and ensuring the applicant is alone in the room for the entire duration of the exam were viewed as onerous requirements. The ETS explained that they were “necessary to ensure the testing experience is similar to that in a test center, as well as to maintain the security and integrity of the test.” Because of the challenges presented by at-home testing, many master’s and PhD programs decided to scrap the GRE requirement altogether. These policy changes have endured even long after COVID rates dropped and in-person instruction resumed.

The under-representation of women and people of color

Even before the pandemic, standardized testing in general was under fire for issues related to racial and sexist biases. Studies have shown that standardized testing may reflect demographic characteristics and socio-economic status more than actual intellectual acuity. One study found that women scored 80 points lower than men on average on the now-discontinued physical sciences GRE Subject Test. Similarly, African-American test takers scored 200 points lower than white men. Many advocates believe that the use of the GRE in admissions decisions exacerbates the continued under-representation of women and minorities in graduate schools. Taking the GRE itself can also be financially challenging for applicants from low-income households, as the exam costs upwards of $220.

Correlations of GRE scores and academic performance

Numerous studies published over the past decade cast doubt on the correlation between GRE scores and academic outcomes in graduate school. A 2017 study by Joshua Hall at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine showed that of the “280 graduate students in his program, GRE scores weren’t correlated with the number of first-author papers the students published or how long it took them to complete their degree.” Another study from 2017 showed that while students who scored higher in the GRE did tend to get better grades throughout their first semester, GRE scores failed to “predict which students passed their qualifying exams or graduated, how long they spent in the program, how many publications they accrued, or whether they received an individual grant or fellowship.”

On the contrary, there is evidence to suggest that the GRE is a solid measure of academic performance and aptitude. A study of over 25,000 students found that all three sections of the test were “key to calculating expected cumulative GPA across many master’s and doctoral programs.” In this same review, the authors note that students who did well on the GRE were less likely to struggle academically and were better equipped for advanced career opportunities.

Still, concerns about whether the GRE is an accurate measure of academic success should not be taken lightly. Overreliance on test scores can potentially disadvantage students who lack the necessary resources or time to prepare adequately for entrance exams. ETS has taken steps to make the GRE more accessible by implementing significant changes to the test over the last few years, including reducing the exam duration from almost four hours to just under two hours. Standardized tests are far from perfect, but they are likely the closest tool we have to objectively assess a student’s baseline knowledge and ability to succeed in advanced study. As part of a holistic review process, test scores serve as a helpful benchmark for determining whether a potential candidate has demonstrated mastery of the key academic skills required for a master’s or PhD program.

Where are we now?

In light of ongoing concerns, and in spite of critique from education experts, many in the academic community have advocated for a sweeping “GRExit.” This initiative encourages graduate programs to eliminate the GRE requirement from their admissions process. Over the years, a growing trend has emerged: an increasing number of grad schools that don’t require or even consider the GRE for admission. Between 2016 and 2018, approximately one-third of neuroscience and ecology graduate programs eliminated their GRE requirements, reflecting the shift away from standardized testing. A significant wave of graduate programs dropped the GRE requirement during this period. Despite this, a full “GRExit” has yet to become standard practice, as many schools and programs still maintain GRE requirements and continue to request test scores from applicants.

Should I still take the GRE?

Even if a graduate program does not require the GRE, that does not necessarily mean that they will not accept test scores as part of your application. Many schools, including top graduate institutions, allow students to submit test scores for consideration alongside other factors like undergraduate GPA, course history, essays, and research experience. When scoping out graduate programs, be sure to carefully read each school’s policy around testing to see if GRE scores are either required or recommended.

Let’s say you have the option to take it or not. Why would you still take the exam?

Personal growth and improvement

For those evaluating whether to take the GRE, investing time and resources in the exam can be rewarding in the long term for many graduate school applicants. Deciding when to take GRE exams often depends on application deadlines and personal preparation, but early planning can maximize your results. Although the GRE is not a definitive predictor of how a student will perform in graduate school, it plays a crucial role in enhancing problem-solving abilities, developing strong analytical writing skills, and improving verbal reasoning skills.

Taking the GRE provides both students and graduate schools with a reliable, quantifiable metric for comparing applicants. This standardized measure helps admissions committees assess your academic readiness in relation to other candidates. Likewise, the GRE can be a valuable tool for self-assessment; comparing your results to those of your peers enables you to identify and address any academic weaknesses before applying.

While the GRE alone may not completely showcase a student’s abilities, it is a meaningful demonstration of specific strengths. Considering whether to take the GRE, especially if your goal is to stand out in the application process, remains a crucial strategic decision.

Making up for any gaps

If a program does not list GRE requirements, submitting GRE scores can still strengthen a graduate school admissions application. For applicants concerned about areas such as a low undergraduate GPA, providing a GRE score that exceeds the median for their target school may help compensate for these weaknesses. In competitive graduate school admissions, demonstrating strong performance on the GRE, even when not required, can enhance the overall application profile and potentially improve the likelihood of acceptance.

Planning ahead

Another long-term advantage of meeting GRE requirements is that official GRE scores remain valid for five years. This extended validity period means that deciding when to take the GRE can be strategically planned around future academic or career goals. Applicants who wish to delay their graduate school application, reapply after an initial rejection, or pursue another degree later can still use their original GRE results within the five-year window. The GRE’s long shelf-life provides students with flexibility and peace of mind as they map out their educational journey.

Networking

Surprisingly, the GRE can help students with their networking. Having a good GRE score can help you connect with people or gain access to several opportunities, such as merit-based funding, fellowships, and faculty recommendations. It can also help someone land a job by having that score noted down as an achievement for their job applications.

Admissions and career paths

Due to the nature of the GRE being extremely general, it helps determine a student’s abilities across different academic disciplines. A good GRE quant score can show your math proficiency when you have an English degree, for instance. Having a decent or high GRE score can help one leverage their overall grades, scores, and professional experiences into a compelling portfolio, especially if you are switching careers or disciplines.

Wrapping up: Better safe than sorry

The GRE has been a longstanding component of graduate admissions for decades. Many universities continue to rely on GRE scores to efficiently evaluate large volumes of student applications and assess academic readiness. Deciding to take the GRE can provide peace of mind for future opportunities, as holding a valid GRE score ensures you are prepared if you encounter a program that requires it. The GRE can serve as a strategic step, offering flexibility, security, and a positive addition to your graduate application process down the road.

If the schools you’re applying to do not require the GRE, think of the exam as an enhancement to your application. Remember, the GRE is just one part of your student profile, but a high score can further prove that you possess the drive and qualities required for academic achievement. For selective graduate school admissions, any course of action you can take to make your application stand out should be explored.