GRE

Definition

The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools in the United States and around the world. It measures skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, which are considered essential for success in graduate education. The GRE is often used by admissions committees to assess an applicant's readiness for advanced study and is a significant component of high-stakes assessments that can influence educational opportunities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and can be taken at various locations worldwide.
2. The test consists of three main sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
3. Scores from the GRE can significantly impact admission decisions for graduate programs, especially in competitive fields.
4. The GRE can be taken multiple times, and many schools will consider the highest scores from different test dates.
5. Preparation for the GRE often involves studying specific content areas and familiarizing oneself with the test format and question types.

Review Questions

• How does the GRE fit into the process of graduate school admissions, and what skills does it measure?
  • The GRE plays a crucial role in graduate school admissions by assessing skills that are deemed necessary for success in advanced academic settings. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing abilities. Admissions committees use GRE scores to gauge applicants' readiness for rigorous graduate coursework and to compare candidates from diverse educational backgrounds.
• Discuss the implications of standardized testing like the GRE on educational equity and access for diverse student populations.
  • Standardized tests like the GRE can have significant implications for educational equity and access. While they are designed to provide a uniform measure of student capabilities, they may also disadvantage certain groups due to socioeconomic factors or differences in educational preparation. This raises concerns about fairness in admissions processes and whether reliance on test scores perpetuates existing inequalities in higher education.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the GRE as a predictor of success in graduate school compared to other admission criteria.
  • The effectiveness of the GRE as a predictor of success in graduate school has been debated among educators and researchers. While some studies suggest a correlation between GRE scores and graduate performance, other factors such as undergraduate GPA, recommendation letters, and personal statements also play vital roles in predicting academic success. A comprehensive evaluation that considers multiple criteria may provide a more holistic view of an applicant's potential than relying solely on GRE scores.

Related terms

Standardized Testing: A testing format that is administered and scored in a consistent manner, allowing for comparability across different test-takers.

High-Stakes Assessment: An evaluation that carries significant consequences for students, educators, or schools, often affecting decisions about advancement or graduation.

Quantitative Reasoning: The ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information, often assessed through mathematical problem-solving on tests like the GRE.