While GRE score can be a lifeline to get in, Academic score is the key to enter the pool. That’s right!
Eligibility for a study course in any university requires every applicant to have a minimum university entrance qualification which is a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification. In addition, there is always a minimum academic score or grade requirement which must be met by the applicant.
GRE is an entrance exam, commonly required for post graduate admissions to international universities for STEM courses.
So, what role does GRE play? Why does an applicant need to give GRE at all?
Well, here are a few points.
- Students aspiring to get into a particular programme with the required entrance qualification come from diverse backgrounds which also means, different education systems, different evaluation criteria, different course curriculum, different grading system and different teaching methodology.
- A standardised test like GRE helps evaluating all applicants based on their performance in a common test which is structured, evaluated and planned the same for all. Hence, to an extent enables the admissions officer to understand the applicant without much scope for bias and a fair chance of consideration.
- GRE’s preparation includes diverse backgrounds where students could possibly come from and would have studied the basic concepts examined in the test.
- The test covers linguistic, mathematical and writing abilities of the students which are rather needed for any student to do well in their higher education in the field of STEM.
- For someone who might not have been able to score so well for her/his dream university or college, a decent GRE score can be a dealmaker as it could make the student’s profile outstand the competition.
- While some HEIs require GRE score mandatorily, there are quite a few who recommend students to have a GRE score hence, giving an opportunity and extra chance to compensate for their academic score.
- In some cases, a high academic score complemented with a good GRE score can fetch scholarships and a fair chance of getting in a good ranked university.
Should students care less about academic score? Is it appropriate to feel GRE score got their back?
No. In simpler words, a GRE score can only play a role if the academic score meets the minimum requirement given by preferred university. Remember, academic score is the entry pass, GRE scores alone cannot be of much relevance.
