Latest news with #GraduateRecordExamination
Indian Express
02-08-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Acing the New GRE: What Indian students should expect from the shorter format
– Yatharth Gulati The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a globally accepted entrance test for master's, MBA, and some PhD programmes, especially in the US and Canada. For Indian students, it plays a vital role in graduate admissions and scholarships. To take the test, students must register at Key changes in the GRE Format The GRE has undergone a significant transformation with a new shortened format, streamlining the testing process while retaining its core structure and scoring system. The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) now includes just one task, 'Analyze an Issue, which is to be completed in 30 minutes, as the 'Analyze an Argument' section has been removed. 'Both the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections have been reduced to 27 questions each, to be completed in 41 minutes and 47 minutes, respectively. Importantly, the unscored experimental section and the 10-minute scheduled break have been removed. This means students will now undergo a continuous test-taking experience, making it essential to build stamina for sitting through the entire exam without breaks.' That was all for the changes. Despite these structural changes, the scoring remains unchanged, with Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning scores scaled from 130 to 170, and Analytical Writing Assessment better known as AWA is still graded on a scale of 0 to 6. The GRE still remains a section-level adaptive test, meaning that a student's performance on the first section of Verbal or Quant determines the difficulty level of the second section. Students still have the ability to review, skip, return to questions, and use the 'mark for review' feature within a section. Advantages for Indian students The revised GRE offers several key benefits for Indian test-takers. The shortened two-hour duration reduces test fatigue, especially for students juggling academic and work commitments. It is also beneficial for them as indian students mostly have the habit of taking 2-hour-long tests. Faster score reporting, now within 8–10 calendar days, allows for quicker application processing and decision-making. Indian students, who often excel in mathematics, will be able to leverage their quantitative strengths, especially since core concepts remain the same, but since the questions are reduced, students should strive for more accuracy. The removal of the unscored section and mandatory break also leads to a smoother, test experience, helping students maintain focus without unnecessary interruptions. New challenges to consider However, the new format introduces certain challenges that Indian students must prepare for. Since the questions are reduced and the scoring remains the same, each questions now carries more weightage, hence accuracy is the name of the game now. As the scheduled break has been removed, students will be required to maintain uninterrupted focus for nearly two hours, demanding greater mental and physical stamina. While only one essay is required in the AWA section, the 'Analyze an Issue' task will be designed to challenge intellectually; therefore, it will require strong argumentation and writing skills. Indian students who previously relied on templated essay formats will need to invest time in building their analytical writing abilities. Preparation tips and strategies To adapt successfully to the shorter GRE, Indian students should prioritise a focused and efficient preparation strategy. It is advisable to begin preparation 4–6 months in advance to get familiar with the new structure. For Quant, mastering fundamentals in algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and data interpretation is essential. For Verbal, emphasis should be placed on improving reading comprehension, sentence equivalence, and text completion skills. Using official ETS material, ensures familiarity with the actual exam structure. Regular essay writing practice using ETS prompts and reviewing model essays will enhance AWA performance. Students should practice with full-length mock tests simulating the new 1 hour 58 minute format to build stamina and perfect time management. And remember, since every question carries more weight, students should aim for accuracy over speed, avoiding careless mistakes. However, since there is no negative marking students should answer all the questions. (The author is the co-founder of Rostrum Education)
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
These 5 universities in the US no longer require GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) was once considered a non-negotiable benchmark for graduate school admissions in the United States. It tested analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative aptitude in a format designed to offer standardised comparisons. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In 2025, that standard is no longer universally upheld. Many universities across the USA have moved towards test-optional or test-free policies, removing the GRE requirement for a wide range of master's and doctoral programmes. While this shift may reduce the pressure to perform on a single exam, it increases the weight of other application components. Universities now expect students to demonstrate academic clarity, domain knowledge, and research alignment in more holistic ways. If you are planning to apply without GRE scores, here are five US universities that no longer require them and how you can build a strong application in their place. Leading US universities that no longer require the GRE University GRE policy Key programmes covered University of California, Berkeley GRE scores are not accepted by several departments Computer Science, Public Health, Electrical Engineering, Data Science Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) GRE requirement waived or made optional across select programmes Mechanical Engineering, Urban Studies, Data Systems and Analytics University of Chicago GRE is not required for the majority of graduate-level degrees Public Policy, Social Sciences, Humanities, International Studies Brown University Most departments have eliminated the GRE as an admission requirement Psychology, Computer Science, History, Environmental Studies Northeastern University GRE is broadly waived across professional and technical master's tracks Business Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Project Management Why these universities are rethinking GRE The decision to drop the GRE is not arbitrary. Universities are increasingly questioning its ability to predict graduate success, especially in interdisciplinary fields or among students from non-traditional backgrounds. The shift also reflects a commitment to reducing barriers for international students and applicants from underrepresented communities. At institutions like MIT and UC Berkeley, departments now focus on academic preparation, research experience, and project portfolios rather than a numerical score. Brown and the University of Chicago, with their strong emphasis on social impact and critical thinking, value applicants who can articulate their purpose and demonstrate academic maturity without relying on standardised testing. What your application must include instead Skipping the GRE means other components of your application must carry more weight. Here's what admissions committees are prioritising in 2025: • A clear, well-written statement of purpose that explains your academic interests, long-term goals, and why the university is the right fit. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now • Strong academic transcripts that show consistent performance in relevant subjects. • Letters of recommendation that go beyond praise and speak to your intellectual potential and research capability. • Work samples or portfolios, especially important for applicants in public policy, engineering, computer science, and the arts. In select cases, universities are also accepting GitHub profiles, coding challenge results, or published research as part of the evaluation process. What international students must remember For international applicants, dropping the GRE does not mean a completely test-free application. Most universities still require English proficiency tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). In addition, students from academic systems outside the US may need to provide credential evaluations, syllabus breakdowns, or academic writing samples to demonstrate the equivalency of their qualifications. The removal of the GRE requirement reflects a broader shift in graduate admissions: from standardised scores to evidence of intent, readiness, and academic alignment. For students who are confident in their academic preparation and have clarity in their goals, this is an opportunity to apply to top programmes without the constraint of a test score. But the responsibility shifts. Without the GRE, what matters most is how well your application tells your story.
