Understanding Standardized Testing for Graduate Admissions in the United States
Standardized tests are important for both the admissions decision and potential financial aid at U.S. universities.
Last week, during our exploration of application components for the graduate application packet to U.S. universities, we discussed letters of recommendation. Today, we will delve into standardized tests, which are also essential elements of U.S. master’s degree applications.
Standardized tests are important for both the admissions decision and potential financial aid at U.S. universities. Test score requirements and preferences may vary by institutions and programs of study, however, more competitive schools often demand higher test scores.
Several institutions have gone test optional over the years and therefore, students should check the policy that the institution follows. In addition, even at institutions that are test optional, some specific application situations may require students to submit test scores.
For example, institutions may be test optional for certain programs of study but not for others, also, some programs may not require tests scores but test scores may add weight to the application. Similarly, applications to programs with scholarships may also require the applicant to submit test scores.
Standardized tests that are usually required/preferred for master’s program applicants include the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), GRE Subject Tests, and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Students should select the standardized test based on the requirements of the program or university to which they are applying.
The GRE is widely utilized as an admission requirement or preference for many master’s programs. GMAT scores are typically used by MBA programs and other business-related graduate degrees, although some business programs may accept GRE scores as well. It is advisable for students to review the application prerequisites of their chosen program and institution to understand which standardized tests are required and prepare accordingly.
The GRE General Test assesses skills across three sections: analytical writing (this section always comes first), verbal and quantitative reasoning. The highest possible total GRE score is 340, with a maximum of 170 for both the quantitative and verbal sections, and a score of 6 for analytical writing.
GRE Subject Tests evaluate knowledge in specific fields and are available in areas mathematics, physics, and psychology, with scores ranging from 200 to 990.
For more information on the GRE general and subject tests as well as scoring, students can visit https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/content/ and https://www.ets.org/content/dam/ets-org/pdfs/gre/gre-info-bulletin.pdf
The GMAT exam (focus edition) evaluates essential verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills and consists of three sections: quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning and data insights. GMAT scores range from 205 to 805. For further details regarding the GMAT’s structure, students can refer to: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat/about-the-gmat-exam/gmat-exam-structure.
Both GRE and GMAT scores remain valid for five years; after this period, retaking the test is necessary. In India, all standardized tests are available in a computer-based format and can be taken throughout the year at designated testing centers.
For details on registration, fees, testing locations, home-based testing, and related inquiries, students should check the respective official websites for these standardized tests: http://www.ets.org/gre and https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat.
Please visit the U.S.-India Educational Foundation’s website to learn more about studying in the United States: https://www.usief.org.in/Hyderabad.aspx
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