The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test primarily required for applicants to a wide range of graduate and professional programs. Specifically, the group of individuals who must take the GRE includes those seeking entry into academic pathways beyond the undergraduate level. Therefore, understanding precisely who all has to take the GRE is crucial for strategic post-baccalaureate planning.
The primary candidates who have to take the GRE generally fall into these categories:
- Master’s and Doctoral Program Applicants: Most traditionally, individuals applying to graduate schools for master’s or Ph.D. programs, particularly in the sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences, must submit GRE scores. The exam serves as a common benchmark for assessing academic readiness.
- Certain Business School Candidates: While the GMAT has been the traditional test for MBAs, a significant majority of business schools now accept the GRE. Therefore, many prospective business students have to take the GRE as a flexible alternative to meet admissions requirements.
- International Applicants: For non-native English speakers applying to graduate programs in English-speaking countries, the GRE is often mandatory. It provides admissions committees with a standardized measure of quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing skills to compare a globally diverse applicant pool.
It is critical to note that the list of who has to take the GRE is not universal. Many universities and specific programs are adopting test-optional or test-blind policies. Consequently, the most definitive answer for any prospective student is to consult the specific admissions requirements of their target programs. Ultimately, the decision on who all has to take the GRE rests with individual institutions, using it as a tool to evaluate candidates’ preparedness for rigorous academic work.