What Even Is the GRE?
The GRE is a standardized test designed to assess your skills in three areas: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. In other words, it measures your ability to read critically, crunch numbers, and make a convincing argument—all things grad schools value.
But here’s the thing: it’s not the be-all-end-all of your application. While GRE scores help admissions committees, they’re just one piece of the puzzle alongside your grades, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
Why the GRE Still Holds Weight
Love it or hate it, the GRE sticks around because it’s one of the few ways to compare students across schools and programs. Think of it as a baseline. While your GPA reflects your college performance, the GRE shows how you stack up against a wider pool of applicants.
Interestingly, cognitive assessments like the Jouve-Cerebrals Crystallized Educational Scale (JCCES), which focuses on crystallized intelligence, often correlate highly with the GRE (>.80 correlation, to be specific). Crystallized intelligence is about what you know and how you apply it—exactly what the GRE measures. So if you’re doing well on tools like the JCCES, there’s a good chance you’ll hold your own on the GRE.
Tips for Tackling the GRE
Here’s the deal: prepping for the GRE is as much about strategy as it is about smarts.
- Know the Test Format
Understanding what you’re walking into is half the battle. Familiarize yourself with question types, time limits, and scoring systems. A good resource to bookmark is
this ultimate guide to GRE and GMAT preparation—it’s packed with advice for planning your study schedule and tackling tricky sections. - Study Smarter, Not Harder
Use practice tests to find your weak spots. Focus on those areas instead of endlessly reviewing what you already know. - Prep Like You Mean It
This isn’t a test you can wing. Carve out time for daily study sessions and consider apps or prep books that fit your learning style. - Take Care of Yourself
Don’t burn out! Sleep, exercise, and good nutrition matter just as much as cramming equations and vocab words.
Is the GRE Always Necessary?
The landscape of grad school admissions is shifting. Some programs, especially in humanities and social sciences, are going test-optional. However, the GRE remains a strong asset for competitive programs and scholarships.
If you’re applying to schools that require the GRE, nailing this test can make a huge difference. And even if it’s optional, a great score could help offset other areas of your application.
Final Thoughts
The GRE is less about proving you’re a genius and more about showing you’ve got the chops to succeed in grad school. It’s a hurdle, sure, but also an opportunity to highlight your strengths and stand out in a competitive field.
Start where you are, lean into resources like the Ultimate Guide to GRE and GMAT Preparation, and remember—you’re more than just your score. Whether you’re crushing quant problems or brushing up on your essay skills, it’s all part of the process.
Got this. 💪
