The Graduate Record Examination (GRE*) General Test is
designed to provide graduate schools with common measures for
comparing the qualifications of applicants. The exam measures
verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills that have
been developed over a long period of time. Data shows that scores
on the GRE General Test consistently predict graduate school
students' grades and performance.
In addition to an admission criterion, schools often use GRE
scores to determine eligibility for merit-based grants and
fellowships, as well as teaching and research assistantships.
Many programs, especially those at large state schools, establish
cutoff points for GRE scores to limit the application pool, while
others use GRE scores to directly determine how much financial
support you receive. Investing time and effort in preparing for
the GRE today can help you get into the grad school of your
choice and can greatly increase your chances of getting financial
aid.
