Should Graduate Programs Eliminate GRE Requirements?

The controversy surrounding the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) continues as universities, and particularly their graduate programs, grapple with the relevance of GRE scores in the admissions process. This article explores the arguments for and against the retention of GRE requirements, and presents a balanced view on the potential benefits and drawbacks of eliminating such requirements.

The Current Landscape of GRE Requirements

It is important to acknowledge that many graduate programs in the United States do not mandate the GRE as a requirement for admission. However, for those programs that do require it, the GRE serves a significant purpose. Programs are not obligated to admit students based on a program-by-program basis and should be allowed the flexibility to use any reasonable and objective measures to determine the potential success of applicants, such as the GRE. This approach ensures a fair and transparent process for evaluating candidates.

The Role of Standardized Testing in Graduate Admissions

Proponents of retaining standardized testing argue that tests like the GRE fulfill certain critical functions. One such function is that it levels out university transcripts and GPAs. Given the inconsistent grading standards across the hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States, as well as those outside the country, the GRE provides a more consistent metric for comparing applications.

For example, the issue of grade inflation and deflation varies significantly among institutions. Additionally, different disciplines may have unique quirks in grading, making it challenging to compare GPAs directly. The GRE helps to mitigate these inconsistencies, providing a more uniform platform for evaluation.

The Efficiency of Standardized Testing for Admissions Decisions

A second key function of the GRE is its role as an efficient means for graduate school deans and administrators to review applicants. After the department admissions committee has evaluated and shortlisted candidates, the dean can use the GRE scores to further refine the pool. This process is particularly useful during the vetting stage, where deans may impose cutoffs based on GRE percentile rankings.

For instance, deans might set a cutoff at the top 50 percentiles for master's programs and the top 25 percentiles for doctoral programs. This approach streamlines the decision-making process, making it easier for busy administrators to prioritize their attention on the most promising candidates. While the GRE alone should not be the sole determinant, it acts as a valuable tool in the overall admissions process.

The Concerns of Eliminating GRE Requirements

Opponents of eliminating GRE requirements argue that removing the test could lead to other issues. For example, students with lower scores on the GRE or GMAT, especially in the quantitative section, have been found to struggle more with advanced statistical courses. This has sometimes resulted in their withdrawal from programs, indicating a direct impact on program retention rates.

Given the rigorous nature of graduate programs, where academic performance and research abilities are paramount, tests like the GRE serve as a preliminary filter to identify candidates who are more likely to succeed. Without such a standardized metric, admission committees might inadvertently overlook candidates who meet other criteria but perform poorly on the quantitative section of the GRE.

Conclusion and Recommendations

In conclusion, the decision to retain or eliminate GRE requirements should be approached with careful consideration of the broader context of graduate admissions. Standardized testing, such as the GRE, serves important functions in ensuring a level playing field and providing a valuable tool for efficient decision-making.

However, it is also essential to acknowledge the potential drawbacks and consider alternative measures that can complement or replace the GRE in evaluating candidates. Universities should continue to monitor and evolves their admissions criteria, ensuring that they remain fair, transparent, and reflective of the diverse needs and priorities of various graduate programs.

Keywords

GRE requirements, graduate admissions, standardized tests