The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standard test which is part of the admissions process to obtain a seat in graduate schools in the US and in several other countries. Created and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) in 1949, the exam aims to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study. The GRE General Test is offered as a computer-based exam administered through qualified testing centers and intends to measure the abilities of all graduates in tasks of general academic nature, regardless of their fields of specialization. The GRE is supposed to measure the extent to which undergraduate education has developed an individual's verbal and quantitative skills in abstract thinking.
While we can acknowledge the fact that GRE is extremely important to procure a seat in a university abroad, we need to bear in mind the fact that the level of emphasis upon GRE scores varies widely between universities and sometimes even within departments with universities. For some universities it could simply be a part of the admission process and for others, it could be an important criteria to award a seat. Some may look at the score in a particular section, while another set of universities may look at the overall score. Since no single rule applies, except for the fact that GRE is mandatory, for students aspiring to study abroad, there is the need to do well across all sections and then take it from there.
Another positive factor about GRE is the fact that it determines eligibility for financial help. A good score will be considered when applying for scholarships and since studying abroad can be expensive; this facet of GRE takes on added importance.
To more clearly understand the importance of GRE test scores in admission decisions, we can look at the following situations:
The university looks for top performers on the basis of their academic performance and standardized test scores (i.e. scores in the GRE and TOEFL tests). Any student who meets the requirements has a fair chance of getting admission. This scenario is what is encountered in most top-ranking schools.
The university is not very particular about standardized test scores but, relies more on academics, application essays and recommendation letters. This is a highly unusual situation, but it does occur in some highly ranked schools.
The department is prepared to accept a specified level of academics, which though good may not be the highest, PROVIDED THAT the student has a high GRE test score. This would apply to universities that are in the top 200 or so but are not necessarily among the highest ranked ones.
Thus, it can be clearly stated that GRE scores are very important when applying for a seat in a university abroad.
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