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2020-08-27

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Four Ways to Use GRE General Test Scores to Evaluate and Support Applicants_ETS_Aug_6
attached file : e Newsletter AAPBS_INSTITUTION_2020_GRE_August_2020.docx

Four Ways to Use GRE General Test Scores to Evaluate and Support Applicants

Are you getting the most out of GRE General Test scores? Here are four lesser known, but effective ways that graduate programs are putting this common, standardized measure to good use.

Use GRE Analytical Writing scores to predict future GPA for students at both the masters and doctoral levels.

Of the three scores that the GRE General Test provides — Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing — research shows that how well applicants perform on the Analytical Writing section is frequently the best or second-best predictor of their future GPA. GRE Analytical Writing scores provide direct insight into how applicants can both think critically and clearly express their reasoning in writing. The measure requires test takers to articulate complex ideas clearly, support ideas with relevant reasons and examples, and sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion.

Use GRE scores to identify and help students who may need additional support once admitted.

GRE General Test scores can provide helpful information to faculty members and other staff who focus on supporting and retaining students once they are admitted. Lower GRE scores may indicate which students are more likely to struggle, and in which areas; therefore this information can help advisors and faculty members provide these students with additional mentoring and support, if needed.

Use a large disparity between GRE General Test scores and undergraduate grade point average (UGPA) as a prompt to conduct a more thorough review of an applicants application materials.

Research shows that both GRE scores and UGPA indicate academic readiness, and while there is typically reasonable agreement between the two components, large disparities could be a signal that the admissions committee should look more closely at other components of the application packet. Misalignment between GRE scores and UGPA can be caused by variations in undergraduate program rigor and grading practices, the increasing pervasiveness of grade inflation, padding of UGPA with undemanding courses, or simply having a bad day when taking the GRE test. When the misalignment is significant, taking a holistic approach to reviewing the application packet is even more important. 

Use GRE General Test scores to evaluate international applicants within a common, comparable context.

GRE scores can be especially useful in evaluating international applicants, especially those who attended lesser-known undergraduate institutions outside of major metropolitan areas. Since GRE scores are the only common, objective component in the application packet, they can serve as a calibration tool for less straightforward measures. International student UGPAs can vary drastically since grading scales vary by country and even within countries.

GRE General Test scores can serve as a multipurpose tool for admissions committees to evaluate applicants from multiple viewpoints and set them up for future success. For more information, visit https://ets.org/gre/institutions/admissions/using_scores

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