GRE

It’s easy to assume that admissions to top MBA programs function like a numbers game. You score a 770 or 780 on the GMAT or GRE and that golden ticket to HBS, Stanford GSB, or Wharton is yours. But each year, hundreds of applicants with scores in that upper range are quietly rejected, while others with lower scores are welcomed into the incoming class. That contradiction might seem confusing on the surface, but it actually reflects something deeper and more nuanced about what MBA programs are really seeking: a community…

Over the last decade, business school admissions have undergone a series of gradual changes, but few transformations have been as visible and consequential as those made recently to the GMAT and GRE exams. The revised versions—officially rolled out in late 2023—have not only changed the format and length of the tests but have also redefined what these exams are intended to measure and how they reflect the evolving priorities of graduate programs and test takers alike. The new GMAT Focus Edition and the shortened GRE are both direct responses to…

For decades, the GMAT and GRE stood as dominant gateways to graduate programs, especially MBA degrees. They were lengthy, high-stakes exams requiring extensive preparation, often dictating the trajectory of an applicant’s future. But by late 2023, both the GMAT and GRE underwent transformative revisions. The GMAT Focus Edition was launched to replace the traditional GMAT, and a new, shorter GRE format emerged. These weren’t minor updates. They were fundamental shifts in how each organization envisioned the future of standardized testing. To fully grasp the significance of these changes, it’s essential…

Critical Reasoning (CR) questions—sometimes called “paragraph argument” questions—are a specialized type of GRE Reading Comprehension question that tests your ability to think critically across various scenarios. These questions challenge your skills in critical analysis, logical reasoning, and careful attention to detail. Many GRE test-takers consider Critical Reasoning questions the most difficult in the Verbal section. To master GRE CR questions, you need to become proficient at analyzing arguments and navigating answer choices designed to mislead or confuse. What Are GRE Critical Reasoning Questions? GRE Critical Reasoning questions evaluate your ability…

Mastering the Transition from Practice to Performance on the GRE Understanding the Gap Between Practice and Test-Day Scores Many GRE aspirants face a frustrating and confusing reality: their practice test scores consistently fall in the 320+ range, but on test day, the actual score drops significantly. This drop is often not due to a lack of skill or knowledge. Instead, it stems from a breakdown in translating preparation into performance under pressure. The good news is that most of these issues are preventable. The GRE is not just a test…

Over the years, many graduate school applicants have asked a common question: how much do GRE scores matter? This question became even more prominent during the pandemic, when many graduate programs temporarily waived their GRE requirements. However, even before that, the weight given to GRE scores in admissions decisions has always been a complex issue. This article explores the role of GRE scores in graduate school admissions, including at top-tier graduate schools, business schools, and law schools. It also discusses the significance of achieving a strong GRE score in each…

Now that there are new versions of both of the main tests used for admissions to MBA programs — the GRE and the GMAT — many business school hopefuls are wondering what all these changes mean for their test scores. Moreover, how do shorter GRE scores compare to GMAT Focus scores? Is it possible to do shorter GRE to GMAT Focus score conversions? In this article, I’ll answer those questions and other common ones test-takers have about shorter GRE vs. GMAT Focus scores. We’ll discuss the differences between the GRE…

Understanding GRE Percentiles: An Introduction If you are planning to take the GRE for graduate school applications, you have likely encountered the term “GRE percentiles.” Understanding GRE percentiles is crucial because they offer insight into how your score compares to those of other test takers. This guide will explain how GRE percentiles are calculated, what they mean, and how they are used in the admissions process. In this first part, we will start by reviewing the basics of GRE scoring. We will explore the structure of the GRE exam, the…

Your official GRE test is just a few days away. To help you approach the exam with confidence and perform at your best, this guide offers essential strategies for test day and the days leading up to it. With the right preparation and mindset, you can enter the testing center feeling calm, focused, and ready to succeed. Manage Your Time Properly One of the most critical factors in achieving a high GRE score is effective time management. The GRE is a timed exam, and each section demands careful pacing. Many…

GRE Quantitative Reasoning: Essential Strategies for a High Score If you’re currently studying for the GRE, you already know that this test requires mastering a wide range of math concepts and problem-solving techniques. Achieving a great GRE Quantitative score means more than just knowing math—it requires developing smart strategies and efficient approaches to tackle the questions quickly and accurately. In this article, we’ll walk you through key GRE Quant strategies, tips, and tricks, helping you maximize your performance on test day. The GRE Quant section tests a variety of math…