Thread: Any reason to take the GRE if not required for admission?

AMU/APU does not require the GRE for admission. Is there any reason to spend $160 to take it anyway?

Originally Posted by cframe

AMU/APU does not require the GRE for admission. Is there any reason to spend $160 to take it anyway?

No. The scores are only good for 5 years, so if you need it for a later date, you might have to take it again.

I would only take it if the GRE is required for financial aid or admission at a school you are interested in attending.

taking it for fun? To test yourself and see where you are score wise with other graduate students?

There were about 4 of us who were taking it (military) and you can get it paid for using your VA benefits. I wanted all of us to take it once without studying, not even looking at the question formats and then take it again using whatever study method to see how much our scores would improve.

I was the only one who took it without studying the other guys wimped out. Jerks. If you don't want to spend the money, I wouldn't do it.

C.

Originally Posted by 03310151

taking it for fun? To test yourself and see where you are score wise with other graduate students?

There were about 4 of us who were taking it (military) and you can get it paid for using your VA benefits. I wanted all of us to take it once without studying, not even looking at the question formats and then take it again using whatever study method to see how much our scores would improve.

I was the only one who took it without studying the other guys wimped out. Jerks. If you don't want to spend the money, I wouldn't do it.

C.

I think this would actually hurt you if you applied for a program that required it. Most schools are going to look at all of your scores to some degree, so the score without preparation would count against you. Therefore, I don't think you would want to do this if there was any chance you might apply for something in the next several years.

Originally Posted by mark74

I think this would actually hurt you if you applied for a program that required it. Most schools are going to look at all of your scores to some degree, so the score without preparation would count against you. Therefore, I don't think you would want to do this if there was any chance you might apply for something in the next several years.

Eh, that's probably a reach. Most schools would probably notice your past scores and then make a decision based on your latest score.

Most people have to pay to take the test anyway so financially my way would not be a good idea.

Plus, I forget that I am in the land of over-emphasis of externally validated education where multiple graduate degrees is a mark of success.

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I don't think it is really a reach, because it appears many schools average attempts. I don't think this is really an issue unless you are applying to very competitive programs though.

"How many times should I take the GRE?

Most people are better off preparing thoroughly for the GRE, taking it one time and getting their top score. You can take the test as many times as you like, but many graduate schools will average your scores. You should call the schools to which you are applying to find out their policy. Then plan your strategy accordingly."

GRE | Nova Press - Test Prep Center

I would no doubt tell people to study for it. I think I read on the website, a while ago, that you can improve your score by up to 50 points over test scores by studying for the exam.

I scored a 1020 so that perhaps with study I could up my score to 1120. Most of the good schools want about 1200 and up. I'm screwed no matter what :(

C.

Sorry for the thread derail.

OP, there is no reason to take the GRE unless it is absolutely required for admissions. It's just one more thing, and a big distraction, to get in the way of actual studying for a degree.

I think you can improve a lot more than that. In just a quick search, here is a thread where someone claims to have improved 200 points in a month.

I may take the GRE and/or GMAT in the future and in doing some preliminary research, I think the forums that this thread is from are a really great resource (and reading there will direct you to the other resources you need).

from 1310 to 1510! in one month

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Originally Posted by 03310151

Sorry for the thread derail.

OP, there is no reason to take the GRE unless it is absolutely required for admissions. It's just one more thing, and a big distraction, to get in the way of actual studying for a degree.

Thanks to all for chiming in. I think we'll skip it!