Two key data points illustrate the extent of this recent decline:
1. When the academic journal Scienceexamined application requirements for PhD programs in eight STEM-related disciplines at 50 top-ranked US universities, it found that only 3% of schools required prospective students to submit GRE general test scores in 2022—a massive drop from 84% in 2018.
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2. Between 2018 and 2021, the number of GRE tests administered in the US plunged 50%, according to data from the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the exam.
The GRE served a real need when it first came about. But universities seem to believe that there are better alternatives for evaluating students for graduate school—and are acting accordingly.
The purpose of the GRE exam
The GRE has been around for more than 70 years. The exam measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills, which the ETS says reflects “the kind of thinking” demanded in graduate school programs.
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In the late 1950s and 1960s, the GRE was designed to allow returning Americans soldiers, many of whom were using an educational assistance benefit within the GI Bill, to apply to graduate school. Many soldiers had taken non-traditional career paths and hadn’t attended elite, private universities with selective reputations, says Suzanne Ortega, president at the Council of Graduate Schools, a higher education advocacy organization.
The GRE allowed the soldiers to demonstrate their preparation for advanced studies. “So it really was a tool that had inclusion as a goal,” says Ortega.
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But times have changed.
Why schools stopped requiring GRE test scores
The problems with the GRE are well-documented, including the exam’s limited ability to measure whether a student will succeed in school. Multiple studies also have found that the test is biased against people based on their socioeconomic backgrounds.
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All this has led to a public conversation about whether the GRE should even be used in graduate admissions. The volume of this chatter escalated as test centers closed during the covid-19 pandemic and universities began waiving the GRE testing requirement, Ortega says. The exam also is not cheap—it costs $220, and some students choose to take it more than once to try to boost their scores.
The GRE is one data point for universitiesto look at, says Ortega. There are other measures that can measure students’ critical thinking skills and potential to succeed in a competitive graduate school environment, such as work experience, interviews, and reference letters. She adds that no single measure alone demonstrates a student’s ability to succeed in graduate school.
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The risk of removing a “critical datapoint”
ETS says it is concerned about universities doing away with the GRE requirement, which isn’t surprising given the company’s financial incentives.
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Alberto Acereda, associate vice president of global higher education at ETS, tells Quartz via email that schools are removing a “critical datapoint” that helps determine a student’s level of preparedness for graduate-level study.
“Long term, institutions and programs will likely discover that dropping the test does not, in fact, help them reach their intended goals,” says Acereda.
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He adds that the exam is particularly helpful in evaluating students outside of the US due to countries’ different grading systems. The exam “is the only common denominator available,” he says.
It’s hard to say what the long-term consequences of abolishing the graduate exam will have on the evaluation process. That said, it’s pretty notable to see universities, which are notorious for being slow to adapt, being willing to quickly move against a test that has long been status quo.
Why schools stopped requiring GRE test scores. The problems with the GRE are well-documented, including the exam's limited ability to measure whether a student will succeed in school. Multiple studies also have found that the test is biased against people based on their socioeconomic backgrounds.
A common reason universities without GRE requirements are on the rise is the data in relation to student success. Schools are finding better ways to clarify when a student has a high likelihood of success in the program.
The GRE General Test is the only graduate admissions test that can be used to apply to a range of master's, MBA, specialized business master's, JD and doctoral programs. This means you only need to take one test to have every option available to you.
Secondly, a strong GRE score can enhance your chances of securing scholarships, fellowships, and financial aid, making higher education more affordable. Additionally, some employers consider GRE scores when evaluating job candidates, viewing them as indicators of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Evidence suggests that GRE scores don't predict future success in graduate programs (1-9). Importantly, data from these studies indicate the test is biased against underrepresented minority (URM), economically disadvantaged, female or rural students (Figure 1).
The GRE Subject Tests in Mathematics, Physics and Psychology are moving to a computer-delivered format in September 2023. The GRE Chemistry Test was discontinued after the April 2023 administration. Read the full announcement.
At the same time, some law schools now accept GRE scores in place of the standard Law School Admission Test, or LSAT. Even so, the number of GRE tests taken declined to 341,574 in 2021 from 541,750 in 2017.
It depends on the graduate program and the institution. While some schools have made the GRE optional or eliminated it altogether, others still require it as part of their admissions process. It's important to research the specific requirements of the program you're interested in.
One of the main problems with the GRE is its ability to predict graduate school performance, particularly the first-year grades. Several critics have cited that its predictive validity is actually weak. Also, the GRE fails to cover areas like a student's intellect, creativity, and perseverance to finish a program.
We recommend trying the GMAT first if you come from a traditional or over-represented career path/ demographic. The GRE is accepted but can be perceived as easier quantitatively than the GMAT.
Generally, the GRE is considered harder than the SAT due to its more complex questions and longer test time. To succeed on the GRE, it's crucial to practice your critical thinking skills and time management, since the test assesses your ability to solve real-world problems.
If you diligently plan, study, and then kick butt at the GRE, a high score could help offset a low GPA. This aptitude test helps measure your readiness for graduate school. A high score may even do more than your GPA to communicate your capability as a graduate student.
Is the GRE Test Required for Grad School? Today, more and more universities with accreditation in the United States do not require applicants to take the GRE. Or, de-emphasize it in specific circ*mstances. Others may only need the GRE if you plan to apply for funding or fellowships.
Submission of GRE test results is optional, as we do not require the GRE examination for consideration for admissions. Applicants will not be penalized if they choose not to submit a score, and the GRE will not be used as a benchmark to compare applicants.
Do You Have to Take the GRE for Master's Program Admission? Not necessarily. For instance, If you want to attend grad school, no GRE scores are needed to apply to National University; however, your grade point average (GPA) from your undergraduate degree does come into play.
Today, the number of schools in the US offering GRE waivers is increasing–but to be specific, only in certain circ*mstances. Nonetheless, just because a school does not require that applicants take the GRE does not mean that it has low academic standards.
Introduction: My name is Errol Quitzon, I am a fair, cute, fancy, clean, attractive, sparkling, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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