In the competition for graduate school admissions, how important are GRE scores? Are they a game-changer or just another part of your application? The answer can vary depending on your program, target schools, and how strong the rest of your application is, but generally speaking, GRE scores are extremely important and weighed more heavily by admissions committees than all four years of college grades combined. That seems hard to believe, and begs the question: why?

The Role of the GRE in Graduate Admissions

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is designed to assess the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills that students will need to succeed in graduate school. Most programs use it as the primary benchmark since it provides a level playing field on which to compare applicants nationwide and around the world—admissions committees know that different colleges grade differently, and even within the same college, some professors grade liberally while others are seemingly impossible, so GPA can be used as a general guideline but is difficult to interpret accurately. The GRE, on the other hand, allows for apples-to-applies comparisons between all applicants, in varying ways:

• Highly competitive programs: Top-tier universities and elite programs often use GRE scores as a quick way to filter applicants. If you want a seat in a top program, strong scores are a must.
• Holistic admissions: Most schools take a big-picture approach, weighing GRE scores heavily but along with your GPA, research or work experience, recommendation letters, and personal statement.
• Test-optional policies: Some programs, typically less competitive, have made GRE scores an optional component of application packages. This trend reached its peak in the 2020 – 2021 timeframe due to coronavirus restrictions, but the pendulum has since swung back in the other direction and graduate programs are increasingly requiring the GRE.

When a High GRE Score Matters Most

Although it’s important in general, a high GRE score can be a deal-maker in these particular situations:

• If your GPA is lower than ideal: A strong GRE score can prove you’re ready to handle graduate-level work, and strengthen an otherwise less-than-stellar application.
• If you’re applying to STEM, business, or economics programs: These fields love the mathematically inclined, so a high GRE Quantitative score can be both required and your ticket in.
• If you’re after scholarships or funding: Many programs use GRE scores to award assistantships, fellowships, and merit-based scholarships.
• If you’re an international student: The GRE helps admissions committees compare applicants from different education systems.

Dominate the GRE

If your program requires the GRE, don’t let it hang over you like a dark cloud. Grab the bull by the horns, set aside 4 months to prepare the right way, blow the test out of the water, and laugh all the way to graduate school with a fellowship.

• Take a diagnostic test early to assess your current aptitudes.
• Follow a professional, structured study plan that takes you to Test Day. We can create one for you.
• Master all the material that’s fair game on the GRE and professional test-taking mechanics. Getting super-high scores is the natural result of this combination.
• Work with an experienced, expert instructor. We’ve got ‘em.

Remember: Luck has nothing to do with it. Prepare like a professional.

Final Thoughts 

Think of the GRE as an opportunity—a strong score can boost your chances of getting accepted, receiving funding, and standing out in the applicant pool.

The Best Test Prep is here to help if you’re serious about acing the GRE. Our expert instructors and proven strategies have helped thousands of students obliterate test-day nerves and crush the test. Ready to join their ranks? Call us at (844) 672-PREP and start preparing today.