Using GRE® Scores Holistically
The Essential Role of GRE Scores
GRE test scores serve a unique role in the admissions process. Among many pieces of information a program may receive about an applicant, only the GRE tests:
- Provide a standardized measure of the critical thinking, reasoning and analytical writing skills needed for graduate-level study
- Act as a “check” for more subjective information that can introduce biases, such as the reputation of the undergraduate school and the status of letter writers
- Yield objective, comparative data that is especially helpful when making tough admissions decisions and comparing applicants, all of whom come from different backgrounds and academic experiences
- Uphold and adhere to industry standards for quality, research and fairness
For these reasons, the GRE® General Test and GRE® Subject Tests are essential components of holistic admissions.
Learn more with a side-by-side comparison of admissions with and without GRE scores. (PDF)
How GRE Scores Serve Decision Makers
Discover the unique role that GRE scores serve in helping decision makers fairly compare applicants with diverse backgrounds. It’s this distinctive role that makes the GRE General Test a key facet of holistic admissions.
Four Facts About the GRE General Test
Get our Four Facts download to understand why the GRE General Test is as relevant, fair and valuable as ever for evaluating graduate school applicants.
Inform Campus Discussions About GRE Score Use
Get answers to questions about GRE test value and validity, test bias and diversity. Access resources that provide clear, research-based evidence that can help address common misconceptions about test use.
Increasing Understanding of the Test
Watch short videos to discover how each section of the GRE General Test — Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing — provide admissions decision makers with valuable evidence of critical skills.
Get the Most from GRE Scores
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.
Continue Your Journey
Discover the connection between holistic admissions and diversity, and access helpful resources from the graduate community and ETS.