What is the GRE Exam Used For? Complete Guide to Graduate School Admissions in 2025
- MBA Entrance Exam Expert
- 6 days ago
- 13 min read
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) serves as far more than a simple standardized test—it functions as a comprehensive gateway to advanced academic and professional opportunities. In my two decades as a higher education consultant, I've witnessed the GRE evolve from a traditional academic assessment to a versatile credential that opens doors across multiple sectors and geographies.
Table of Contents
Understanding the GRE: Beyond Just Test Scores
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) serves as far more than a simple standardized test—it functions as a comprehensive gateway to advanced academic and professional opportunities. In my two decades as a higher education consultant, I've witnessed the GRE evolve from a traditional academic assessment to a versatile credential that opens doors across multiple sectors and geographies.
The 2025 GRE represents a significant evolution in graduate admissions testing. With its streamlined 118-minute format, the examination now consists of three core sections: Analytical Writing (30 minutes), Verbal Reasoning (41 minutes), and Quantitative Reasoning (47 minutes). This shorter duration doesn't diminish its importance—rather, it reflects ETS's commitment to creating a more focused assessment that accurately predicts graduate school success.
The fundamental purpose of the GRE extends beyond measurement; it serves as a standardization tool that allows admissions committees to compare candidates from diverse educational backgrounds on a common scale. This is particularly crucial in today's globalized educational landscape, where a student from a small liberal arts college in rural America competes alongside engineering graduates from prestigious Indian institutions and business students from European universities.
The Evolution of GRE's Purpose
Having guided over 3,000 students through the admission process, I've observed how the GRE's role has expanded significantly. Initially designed primarily for graduate school admissions, the test now serves multiple stakeholders:
For Students: The GRE provides a standardized metric to showcase academic readiness and cognitive abilities, particularly valuable for those whose undergraduate institutions may not have international recognition.
For Universities: Admissions committees use GRE scores as one component of holistic evaluation, helping them assess a candidate's potential for success in rigorous academic environments.
For Employers: Increasingly, consulting firms, research organizations, and technology companies view strong GRE scores as indicators of analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
For Governments and Organizations: Many fellowship programs and research initiatives use GRE scores as screening criteria for competitive positions and funding opportunities.
Graduate School Admissions: The Primary Purpose of GRE Exam Used For
Graduate school admission remains the GRE's primary and most significant application. The test serves as a critical component in the highly competitive landscape of advanced degree programs, where admission rates at top universities often hover below 10%.
Masters Programs Across Disciplines
STEM Fields: Engineering, computer science, mathematics, and natural sciences programs rely heavily on GRE Quantitative scores. Based on my analysis of admission data from top 50 engineering programs, successful candidates typically score above the 80th percentile in Quantitative Reasoning. The University of California system, for instance, uses a holistic approach where GRE scores complement research experience and academic transcripts.
Humanities and Social Sciences: These programs place greater emphasis on Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing scores. My clients pursuing PhD programs in psychology, sociology, or literature typically aim for Verbal scores above the 85th percentile. The writing component becomes particularly crucial, as it demonstrates the critical thinking skills essential for original research.
Interdisciplinary Programs: Modern graduate education increasingly embraces interdisciplinary approaches. Programs like computational biology, digital humanities, or environmental policy require balanced GRE performance across all sections. Students in these fields must demonstrate both quantitative proficiency and verbal sophistication.
Doctoral Program Requirements
PhD admissions represent the most competitive arena where GRE scores play a crucial role. Through my experience working with doctoral candidates, I've identified several key patterns:
Research-Focused Programs: Universities evaluate GRE scores alongside research experience, publications, and faculty recommendations. The test serves as an initial screening mechanism, with many programs establishing minimum score thresholds before reviewing other application components.
Funding Considerations: Many graduate assistantships and research positions require specific GRE score minimums. This practical reality means that strong GRE performance can directly impact a student's financial situation throughout their graduate studies.
International Recognition: For international students, particularly those from countries where grade inflation or varied academic standards exist, the GRE provides a standardized benchmark that admissions committees can interpret consistently.
Program-Specific Variations
Different graduate programs emphasize various aspects of GRE performance:
Psychology Programs: Clinical psychology PhD programs, among the most competitive in academia, typically require GRE scores at or above the 90th percentile across all sections. The analytical writing component receives particular attention as it predicts success in dissertation writing.
Economics Programs: Top economics PhD programs expect exceptional quantitative performance, often requiring perfect or near-perfect scores in the Quantitative Reasoning section. Some programs additionally require the GRE Mathematics Subject Test.
Education Programs: These programs often emphasize verbal reasoning and analytical writing, as graduates will need strong communication skills for research, teaching, and policy work.
Business School Applications: MBA Programs and Beyond
The relationship between GRE scores and business school admissions has undergone dramatic transformation in recent years. What was once a GMAT-dominated landscape now welcomes GRE scores across virtually all top MBA programs worldwide.
MBA Program Evolution
Traditional Full-Time MBA Programs: Leading business schools like Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and INSEAD now accept GRE scores alongside GMAT scores. Based on my experience placing clients in top-tier programs, successful GRE candidates typically score above 320 total (160+ in both Verbal and Quantitative sections).
Specialized Masters Programs: Business schools offer numerous specialized masters programs that increasingly prefer or require GRE scores:
Master of Science in Management
Master of Finance
Master of Business Analytics
Master of Marketing
These programs attract students from diverse academic backgrounds, making the GRE's broader scope more appropriate than the business-focused GMAT.
Strategic Advantages for Business School Candidates
Flexibility in Program Choice: Students taking the GRE can simultaneously apply to MBA programs, traditional graduate programs, and professional schools. This flexibility proves particularly valuable for candidates exploring multiple career paths.
Playing to Academic Strengths: Candidates with strong verbal abilities or academic backgrounds in humanities may find the GRE format more suitable than the GMAT's business-oriented focus.
International Accessibility: The GRE's wider global availability makes it more accessible for international candidates, particularly in regions where GMAT testing centers are limited.
Business School Admission Trends
Recent data from my consulting practice reveals several important trends:
Holistic Evaluation: Business schools increasingly emphasize work experience, leadership potential, and personal narrative over standardized test scores alone. However, strong GRE scores remain essential for scholarship consideration and competitive programs.
Score Range Competitiveness: For top 20 MBA programs, competitive GRE scores typically range from 320-330 total, with balanced performance across sections being more important than extremely high scores in one area.
Industry-Specific Preferences: Consulting and finance recruiting increasingly recognizes GRE scores as indicators of analytical capability, creating additional career value beyond admission purposes.
Professional School Applications
While less common than graduate school applications, the GRE plays an important role in several professional school contexts, particularly as educational pathways become more interdisciplinary and flexible.
Law School Applications
JD/PhD Programs: Combined degree programs that pair law school with doctoral studies often require GRE scores alongside LSAT scores. These highly selective programs attract candidates interested in legal academia or specialized practice areas requiring deep subject matter expertise.
Master of Laws (LLM) Programs: International LLM programs, particularly those with research components, may accept GRE scores. This proves valuable for candidates with academic backgrounds seeking to transition into legal practice.
Medical and Health Professions
MD/PhD Programs: Medical scientist training programs (MSTP) typically require both MCAT and GRE scores. The GRE demonstrates research aptitude while the MCAT shows medical knowledge foundation.
Public Health Programs: Master of Public Health (MPH) programs universally accept GRE scores. These programs attract students from diverse backgrounds including medicine, social sciences, and policy studies.
Healthcare Administration: Programs combining business and healthcare often prefer GRE scores over GMAT scores, particularly when candidates have academic rather than business backgrounds.
Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Programs: Some veterinary schools accept GRE scores as alternatives to specialized veterinary entrance exams, particularly for candidates with strong research backgrounds.
Agricultural and Life Sciences: Graduate programs in agriculture, forestry, and environmental sciences typically require GRE scores, emphasizing the quantitative and analytical skills necessary for scientific research.
Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities with the GRE Exam
The GRE's value extends far beyond admission purposes, serving as a critical qualification criterion for numerous prestigious scholarships and fellowships that can transform educational and career trajectories.
National and International Fellowships
Fulbright Scholarships: The Fulbright Student Program, America's flagship international exchange program, considers GRE scores as part of application evaluation. Strong scores enhance competitiveness for research grants and study abroad opportunities.
National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship: This prestigious fellowship, providing three years of graduate funding, evaluates GRE scores alongside research potential and academic achievement. Recipients receive $37,000 annual stipends plus full tuition coverage.
Ford Foundation Fellowship Program: Designed to increase diversity in academia, this program uses GRE scores as one component in selecting scholars who demonstrate superior academic achievement and commitment to diversity.
University-Specific Awards
Merit-Based Scholarships: Most universities use GRE scores as primary criteria for merit-based graduate funding. Students scoring above the 90th percentile significantly increase their chances of receiving full funding packages.
Research Assistantships: Many research positions require minimum GRE scores, as they indicate the analytical skills necessary for effective research contribution.
Teaching Assistantships: Universities often establish GRE score minimums for teaching positions, particularly in quantitative fields where strong analytical skills translate to effective instruction.
Professional Organization Fellowships
American Association of University Women (AAUW): Selected fellowships for women in graduate studies consider GRE performance as part of their evaluation criteria.
Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Fellowship: This honor society fellowship uses GRE scores to evaluate academic potential among their members.
Career Advancement and Professional Development
In an increasingly competitive job market, GRE scores serve purposes that extend well beyond academic admissions, providing professional advantages across multiple industries and career stages.
Corporate Recruitment and Selection
Management Consulting: Leading consulting firms like McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain & Company increasingly consider GRE scores during recruitment. These scores serve as indicators of analytical thinking, problem-solving capability, and intellectual rigor—core competencies for consulting success.
Technology Sector: Major technology companies, particularly those with research and development focus, view strong GRE scores favorably during hiring processes. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and IBM appreciate the quantitative reasoning skills demonstrated through high GRE performance.
Financial Services: Investment banks and asset management firms recognize GRE scores as predictors of quantitative analysis capabilities, particularly for candidates without traditional finance backgrounds.
Government and Public Service
Federal Career Opportunities: Many federal agencies consider GRE scores during recruitment for research, policy analysis, and technical positions. The Office of Personnel Management recognizes GRE performance in determining federal employment eligibility for certain positions.
Think Tank and Policy Organizations: Research institutions like RAND Corporation, Brookings Institution, and American Enterprise Institute often prefer candidates with strong GRE scores for research analyst and policy positions.
Academic and Research Careers
Postdoctoral Fellowships: Even after completing doctoral studies, researchers may find that historical GRE scores influence postdoctoral fellowship awards and research grant applications.
Academic Position Applications: Universities considering candidates for research faculty positions sometimes review GRE scores as indicators of analytical capability and academic potential.
Professional Certification and Advancement
Project Management: Some advanced project management certifications consider GRE scores as prerequisites, recognizing the analytical and organizational skills these scores represent.
Professional Development Programs: Corporate leadership development programs occasionally use GRE scores as selection criteria, particularly for high-potential employee identification.
International Study Opportunities
The GRE's global recognition creates unprecedented opportunities for international education and cross-cultural academic experiences, serving as a universal academic passport in an increasingly connected world.
European University Systems
United Kingdom: British universities increasingly accept GRE scores for masters and doctoral programs, particularly in research-intensive fields. The University of Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London recognize GRE scores for specific programs, expanding opportunities for American students.
Germany: German universities, known for their strong engineering and science programs, accept GRE scores for international applicants. Programs taught in English particularly value GRE performance as an indicator of academic readiness.
Netherlands: Dutch universities across all fields accept GRE scores, with programs at University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, and Eindhoven University of Technology specifically recruiting students with strong GRE performance.
Asian Academic Systems
Singapore: National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University actively recruit students with competitive GRE scores, offering world-class education with significant government funding.
Hong Kong: Universities in Hong Kong use GRE scores for graduate program admissions, providing access to high-quality education with English instruction and Asian market exposure.
Australia and New Zealand: These countries' universities increasingly accept GRE scores, particularly for research degrees and programs seeking international diversity.
Emerging Market Opportunities
Middle East: Universities in UAE, Qatar, and other Gulf states accept GRE scores, often providing substantial scholarship opportunities for qualified international students.
Latin America: Leading universities in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina recognize GRE scores for specific international programs, creating unique educational and cultural opportunities.
Industry-Specific Applications and Requirements
Different industries and professional sectors have developed specific ways of utilizing GRE scores, creating targeted opportunities for candidates with strong performance in particular areas.
Scientific Research and Development
Pharmaceutical Industry: Major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Roche, and Johnson & Johnson consider GRE scores when recruiting for research scientist positions, particularly valuing strong quantitative performance.
Biotechnology Sector: Biotech firms often prefer candidates with exceptional GRE scores for research and development roles, as these scores predict success in analytical thinking and scientific methodology.
Environmental Science: Organizations focused on climate research, environmental consulting, and sustainability initiatives use GRE scores to identify candidates with strong analytical capabilities for complex environmental modeling and analysis.
Education and Training Sector
Educational Technology: Companies developing educational software and learning platforms value candidates with strong GRE verbal and analytical writing scores, as these skills translate to effective educational content development.
Corporate Training: Organizations providing professional development and training services recognize GRE scores as indicators of teaching and curriculum development potential.
Media and Communications
Data Journalism: News organizations increasingly seek journalists with strong quantitative skills, making GRE quantitative scores valuable for data journalism positions.
Market Research: Companies like Nielsen, Gallup, and Pew Research Center prefer candidates with exceptional GRE performance for research analyst and survey design positions.
Nonprofit and Social Impact
International Development: Organizations like World Bank, United Nations agencies, and major NGOs consider GRE scores during recruitment for research, policy analysis, and program evaluation positions.
Social Research: Think tanks and research organizations focused on social policy use GRE scores to identify candidates capable of rigorous analytical work.
Strategic Decision Framework: Is GRE Right for You?
Making the decision to take the GRE requires careful consideration of your educational goals, career aspirations, and personal circumstances. Through my experience guiding thousands of students, I've developed a comprehensive framework for making this critical decision.
Educational Goal Assessment
Graduate School Intentions: If you're planning to pursue any graduate degree, the GRE provides maximum flexibility. Unlike specialized tests like the MCAT or LSAT, the GRE keeps multiple educational pathways open simultaneously.
Timeline Considerations: The GRE's year-round availability and five-year score validity provide significant planning flexibility. Students can take the test early in their undergraduate career, reducing pressure during senior year application periods.
Academic Preparation: Students with strong analytical and verbal skills often find the GRE format more suitable than specialized exams. The test rewards broad intellectual curiosity rather than narrow technical knowledge.
Career Strategy Alignment
Professional Flexibility: Taking the GRE signals intellectual versatility to employers and graduate programs. This broad appeal proves valuable in today's rapidly changing economy where career pivots are increasingly common.
Industry Preferences: Certain industries and career paths show clear preferences for GRE performance, making the test a strategic investment for future opportunities.
Geographic Mobility: The GRE's international recognition facilitates global career and educational opportunities, particularly valuable for students interested in international experiences.
Personal Readiness Factors
Test-Taking Strengths: Students who excel at standardized testing and enjoy analytical challenges often perform well on the GRE. The test's computer-adaptive format allows strong performers to demonstrate their capabilities effectively.
Preparation Resources: Abundant GRE preparation materials and the test's predictable format make self-study feasible for motivated students. This accessibility contrasts with more specialized exams requiring extensive coursework.
Risk-Benefit Analysis: The GRE's relatively low cost compared to degree programs makes it a high value investment. Strong scores can significantly impact scholarship eligibility and program admission chances.
Implementation Strategy
Timing Optimization: Take the GRE during periods of peak academic readiness, typically during junior or senior year of undergraduate study when analytical skills are well-developed.
Score Goals: Establish specific score targets based on your intended programs and career goals. Research average scores for your target schools and aim for the 75th percentile or higher for competitive advantage.
Preparation Planning: Allocate 2-4 months for comprehensive preparation, including practice tests, skill development, and score improvement strategies. Consistent daily study proves more effective than intensive cramming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What programs require GRE scores?
Most graduate programs in arts, sciences, education, and business accept or require GRE scores. This includes masters and doctoral programs across virtually all academic disciplines. Additionally, many fellowship programs, scholarships, and some professional opportunities consider GRE performance during selection processes.
How long are GRE scores valid?
GRE scores remain valid for five years from your test date. This extended validity period allows students to take the test early in their academic career and use scores for multiple application cycles, providing significant planning flexibility.
Can I take the GRE multiple times?
Yes, you can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12- month period. Most schools accept your highest scores, making retaking a viable strategy for score improvement. However, plan retakes strategically to avoid application deadline conflicts.
What's a competitive GRE score for top programs?
For top-tier graduate programs, competitive scores typically range from 320-330 total (160+ in both Verbal and Quantitative sections). However, competitive scores vary significantly by field and program. STEM programs often emphasize Quantitative scores, while humanities programs prioritize Verbal performance.
Should I take the GRE if my target programs don't require it?
Even if not required, submitting strong GRE scores can enhance your application competitiveness and scholarship eligibility. The test demonstrates academic readiness and provides standardized comparison metrics that admissions committees value, particularly for merit-based funding decisions.
How does the GRE compare to other standardized tests?
The GRE offers broader applicability than specialized tests like the GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT. While other tests target specific career paths, the GRE provides flexibility for students exploring multiple options or planning interdisciplinary studies. The test emphasizes general analytical and reasoning skills rather than specialized knowledge.
What's the difference between GRE General and Subject Tests?
The GRE General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills applicable across all fields. GRE Subject Tests assess specialized knowledge in specific disciplines like Psychology, Physics, or Mathematics. Most students take only the General Test unless specifically required by their target programs.
Can international students take the GRE?
Absolutely. The GRE is available in over 190 countries and serves as a standardized measure for international students applying to programs worldwide. Many international universities accept GRE scores, and the test provides a common academic benchmark regardless of your educational background's country of origin.
About the Author: As a certified MBA admission consultant with over 20 years of experience in higher education consulting, I have successfully guided more than 3,000 students through the graduate school admission process. My expertise includes strategic test preparation, application optimization, and career planning for diverse academic and professional goals. Connect with me for personalized consultation on your GRE strategy and graduate school planning.
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