<p>I recently took a GRE course and the course instructor was telling us how stupid and meaningless the test was, but we still have to do well.
He said that Yale and Cornell research have shown that there is NO CORRELATION between GRE scores and graduate school success.
So, then why is it required again?
And why are some schools and profs so anal about having students who score high? All I can think of is that it raises their rankings on USNews.</p>
<p>My research adviser (in the engineering field) told me he declined an applicant because he wanted the applicant to retake the GRE and score in the 90th percentile on the "Verbal." He was also praising the other qualities of the applicant. I was really surprised by this. </p>
<p>I just don't understand it. IMO, it's just a waste of money and a waste of time prepping (even though I'm still going to spend time preparing). Can't graduate schools see that?...Wouldn't they rather have their applicants invest their time and money in something else?</p>
<p>There is a small correlation between GRE scores and first-year graduate school GPA.</p>
<p>Each department probably has its own reasons for requiring the GRE, some of which probably is “everyone else does too” or “we always have.” Some say that it’s a great equalizer. GPAs can mean anything from a variety of schools - at some places it may be harder to get a B than it is to get an A others - but the GRE is the same for every student and can give you some standardized indicator of potential. Some of the skills tested on the GRE are actually useful in grad school, such as the reasoning you use in the writing section; the vocabulary and ability to detect nuances of meaning in the verbal; and some of the quantitative skills.</p>
<p>Some departments are “anal” about it because high scores on the GRE can attract fellowships from the graduate school/university.</p>
<p>I would imagine it’s the same reasoning behind the SAT and undergraduate admissions. Some schools don’t require the SAT and some graduate programs don’t require the GRE, but most do. It’s a standard test that everyone has to take, and it can be a way to compare students using an equal measure. It can demonstrate that you have standard math skills, a decent vocabulary, the ability to think analytically and clearly express yourself in writing, and the ability to analyze written passages. All are useful skills, and like all standardized tests, this is really one of the most efficient ways to measure it across the board.</p>
<p>I think every department and professor knows that the GRE has its limitations and they don’t put too much weight in it. However, it can be a way to cut down the number of applicants, especially if you’re at a very competitive program that gets tons of applicants. Imagine you have two candidates with great GPAs, good research experience, well thought out SOPs, and solid letters of rec–but one has GRE scores in the 90th percentile and the other’s GRE scores are in the 50th percentile. If you can only pick one, you’ll probably be inclined to pick the one with higher GRE scores. It’s not personal, but you have to make a decision. When you have tons of great applicants, GRE scores can be a method of cutting down that number. It’s unfortunate, but graduate schools can’t take everyone.</p>