What is the GRE? What does it measure? How reliable is it? How is it biased?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test used for admissions to many graduate schools and some business schools, primarily in the United States. It aims to assess a candidate’s readiness for graduate-level academic work.
✅ What Does the GRE Measure?
The GRE tests analytical and reasoning skills across three primary sections:
- Verbal Reasoning – reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. Focuses on critical reading and vocabulary in context.
- Quantitative Reasoning – arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Emphasizes reasoning with numbers and interpreting quantitative information.
- Analytical Writing – two essay tasks (analyze an issue and analyze an argument) assessing critical thinking and writing skills.
Scores range from 130 to 170 for Verbal and Quantitative sections, and 0 to 6 for Analytical Writing.
🔍 How Reliable Is the GRE?
The GRE is considered to have high reliability, meaning it generally produces consistent scores for repeat test-takers under similar conditions.
- Standardized scoring – Ensures comparability across administrations and test versions.
- Computer-adaptive format – The test adapts difficulty based on performance, which increases measurement precision.
Despite its reliability, performance can be affected by preparation, familiarity with the format, and test-day variables like stress or timing.
⚖️ How Is the GRE Biased?
Like many standardized tests, the GRE has been scrutinized for potential bias in several areas:
Socioeconomic Bias
- Test prep courses, private tutoring, and multiple test attempts are more accessible to wealthier students.
- Application fees and the cost of sending scores can create additional barriers for low-income applicants.
Cultural and Language Bias
- Verbal questions may favor native English speakers or those with extensive academic reading experience, putting non-native speakers at a disadvantage.
Predictive Validity Concerns
- Research has shown that GRE scores do not strongly predict long-term graduate school success, especially across disciplines. Overreliance on scores can disadvantage applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Access to Accommodations
- Students with disabilities or those unfamiliar with requesting accommodations may not perform to their full potential.
🧠 In Summary:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Graduate and business school admissions |
| Subjects Measured | Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing |
| Score Range | 130–170 (Verbal/Quantitative), 0–6 (Writing) |
| Reliability | High; consistent with adaptive testing |
| Bias Concerns | Socioeconomic, language/cultural bias, predictive limits, accommodation access |