Nicole Lindsay » What about the GRE?

What about the GRE?

In recent years, many MBA programs have begun to accept the GRE as an alternative to the GMAT, which was once the only standardized test accepted in business school admissions. The GRE had traditionally been the standardized test for non-business graduate programs, but business schools have been more willing to accept the GRE in the hopes of diversifying and expanding the MBA applicant pool. To see the schools that accept the GRE, visit ETS.

GRE versus GMAT: Pros and Cons

GRE Pros

GRE is accepted by all non-business masters and PhD programs – if you have already taken the GRE for another graduate program, then use it (particularly if your quantitative score is strong)! You may have completed another graduate program recently and your GRE score is still valid. Or you may be applying for a joint degree (such as an MBA/ Master in Public Policy). These are the scenarios that business schools contemplated when deciding to accept the GRE – they want to reduce the application hurdles of sitting for two exams.
Money in your pocket – the GRE is $75 cheaper than the GMAT ($175 versus $250 for the GMAT)
GRE is slightly more qualitative than the GMAT – if you are less quantitatively inclined, the GRE may provide a slight edge in presenting yourself (if you are able to get a higher quant score) as well as reduce your anxiety about that proportion of the test.

GRE Cons (or GMAT pros)

GMAT is accepted by all MBA programs and is still the prevailing test
GMAT is slightly more quantitative – achieving a strong GMAT quant score may give your application a boost (even if it is just a small psychological lift from the admissions officer reading your application who may become more confident in your quant abilities).

If you are considering the GRE:

Step 1: check with the schools to which you will be applying. Do they accept the GRE? Do they have a preference for the GMAT over the GRE (schools are pretty frank about this)?

Step 2: study hard. You should prepare in the same way that you would for the GMAT. Both tests are challenging and require diligent study and preparation.

The GRE Basics:

Cost

GRE costs $175 per test
Sections

Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
Scoring

Verbal Reasoning and quantitative Reasoning score – 130-170 each section with percentiles that measure your skill level against other test takers; Analytical Writing Assessment score ranges from 0 to 6 [scoring system revamped in 2011]
Timing & Frequency

Three hour and 45 minute computer adaptive test offered year-round at testing centers around the world; you can take the GRE only once every 30 days, and no more than five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.
Test Results

You will get an unofficial score report with for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning after the test. Your official scores will be mailed approximately 10–15 days after your test date.
Usage & Availability

Test score is valid for 5 years; GRE scores are valid for five years after the testing year in which you tested (July 1–June 30).
Free Resources

Visit http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about for more information on the GRE and free and low-cost prep materials

What about the GRE?

Cost

Sections

Scoring

Timing & Frequency

Test Results

Usage & Availability

Free Resources