Exams
GMAT
Definition:
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized exam used to assess the skills of candidates who wish to pursue graduate programs in business administration, especially MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs.
The GMAT is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and is widely recognized by business schools around the world.
Characteristics:
The GMAT tests skills in key areas such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, data analysis, and analytical writing.
The exam is computerized and is administered at authorized testing centers.
The duration of the GMAT is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including timed sections and breaks.
The GMAT score is on a scale of 200 to 800 points.
Advantages:
The GMAT is widely recognized by business schools around the world, providing a standardized assessment for candidates seeking entry into MBA programs.
The exam allows candidates to demonstrate their skills in areas relevant to management and business decision-making.
A good GMAT score can improve the chances of admission to competitive MBA programs and can be a differentiating factor in the selection of candidates.
Disadvantages:
Preparing for the GMAT can be an intensive process and require a lot of time and dedication.
The cost of the exam and preparation can be a limiting factor for some candidates.
The GMAT is not the only factor considered in the admissions process, so a high score does not guarantee admission to a certain business school.
Relevant information:
GMAT scores are valid for a period of five years.
It is possible to take the GMAT multiple times, but there is a limit of five times in a 12-month period.
Example:
María is interested in pursuing an MBA at a prestigious business school.To meet the admission requirements, she decides to take the GMAT. After intense preparation, she scores 720 points, which significantly improves her chances of being admitted to the MBA program of her choice. Thanks to her effort and dedication, Maria is able to achieve her academic and professional goals.
GRE
Definition:
The GRE is a standardized test conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service) to assess the readiness of students for graduate-level education. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
The GRE General Test is the most commonly taken version. There are also subject-specific GRE tests for particular disciplines.
It is used by graduate schools in the U.S. and Canada for admissions.
Characteristics
Primarily offered in computer-based format, with paper-based exams available in certain regions.
Comprises three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
Adaptive test format: The difficulty of questions adapts based on the test-taker's performance.
Scores range from 130 to 170 for Verbal and Quantitative, and 0 to 6 for Analytical Writing.
Test duration: Approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Score validity: GRE scores remain valid for 5 years.
Test cost in the U.S. $205 (may vary in other countries).
Advantages
Demonstrates readiness for graduate programs, assessing overall ability and aptitude in writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning.
Provides an objective measure for universities to compare applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Opens doors to top universities globally.
Qualifies for tuition reduction grants and funding opportunities in top programs with good GRE scores and relevant experience.
Can compensate for a low GPA in certain universities like the University of Houston, where GRE scores are essential.
Widely accepted by leading universities in the US, UK, Australia, Europe, and over 1300 business schools in 94 countries.
Disadvantage
Weak Predictive Validity: The GRE's ability to predict graduate school performance, especially first-year grades, is criticized for being weak. It may not accurately forecast a student's success in their academic journey.
Inadequate Coverage of Skills: The GRE fails to assess crucial aspects of a student's intellect, creativity, perseverance, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for scholarly and professional competence.
Costly Exam and Preparation: The GRE exam and prep programs can be expensive, including prep courses and books that may incur significant costs for test-takers.
Cultural and Racial Bias: Despite claims by ETS, research suggests that the GRE may exhibit biases against minorities and students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. These biases can result in unequal opportunities and disparities in test scores.
Limited Predictive Capability: Studies have shown that the GRE has limitations in accurately predicting success in various aspects of graduate school, such as completion of doctoral programs, performance in qualifying exams, and research output.
Focus on First-Year GPA: The GRE may only be reliable in predicting the first-year grade-point average of graduate students, but its effectiveness diminishes in predicting long-term success
avoring Privileged Students: Research indicates that white, privileged, and wealthier students tend to perform better on the GRE, leading to concerns about the test's alignment with more privileged backgrounds.
Examples
Example 1
John, an aspiring graduate student, is preparing to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) to apply for a Master's program in Electrical Engineering. He knows that a good GRE score is essential for getting accepted into his desired program. John aims to score above 165 on the quantitative section, as he knows this score range is considered good for engineering programs. He also plans to improve his verbal score to at least 160, as it aligns with the decent score range for his chosen field. John is aware of the GRE's limitations in predicting long-term success but believes a strong score will increase his chances of admission.