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