Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Applying to STEM Programmes Abroad? How GRE Strengthens Applications
The GRE is a test that some students take when applying to graduate school.
It can help universities compare students from different countries and grading systems.
The test checks math, reading, reasoning, and writing skills.
Its math section focuses on topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
A good score may strengthen an application, even when a university says the test is optional.
However, the score does not guarantee admission or a student visa.
Students should also have good grades, research experience, recommendations, and a clear application.
Preparation should begin with a practice test to find areas that need improvement.
Students should choose a score goal based on the requirements of the programs they want to attend.
The GRE is accepted by more than 20,000 graduate programs across 72 countries.
A GRE score can provide a common academic-readiness measure alongside grades, research, recommendations, and statements of purpose.
The test measures quantitative, verbal, and analytical-writing skills rather than advanced mathematics such as calculus.
The current GRE takes about 1 hour and 58 minutes and includes adaptive verbal and quantitative sections.
Applicants should set score targets based on program requirements and use focused preparation, practice tests, and application deadlines.
- Who
- Students applying to international STEM graduate programs, with guidance from the Graduate Record Examination provider.
- What
- The article explains how taking the GRE may strengthen a STEM graduate-school application and how applicants can prepare.
- When
- The current GRE takes approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes; scores are generally available within eight to ten days and remain valid for five years.
- Where
- Graduate programs across 72 countries, including institutions such as the University of Oxford, London School of Economics and Political Science, INSEAD, and HEC Paris.
- Why
- The GRE can give admissions committees a globally comparable measure of quantitative, verbal, and analytical-writing abilities.
GRE Can Strengthen Applications
GRE Is Not Decisive
Value at test-optional programs
GRE Can Strengthen Applications
Submitting a competitive GRE score can give admissions committees an additional internationally comparable measure of academic readiness, particularly for applicants from different grading systems.
GRE Is Not Decisive
Test-optional status means applicants may choose not to submit scores, and the reported admission difference does not show that the GRE alone caused admission; stronger applicants may be more likely to submit scores.
Role in the overall profile
GRE Can Strengthen Applications
The GRE can demonstrate quantitative, verbal, and analytical abilities that transcripts may not fully capture.
GRE Is Not Decisive
The GRE cannot compensate for limited academic preparation, a poorly chosen program, or an unfocused application; grades, research, recommendations, and the statement of purpose remain important.
Connection to future study and visas
GRE Can Strengthen Applications
A competitive score may improve prospects of admission to a suitable international university and support the academic profile used during the application process.
GRE Is Not Decisive
The GRE does not guarantee university admission or visa approval, since visa decisions are made independently by immigration authorities and depend on factors such as finances, documentation, and country-specific eligibility.
- Global acceptance
- The GRE is accepted by more than 20,000 graduate programs across 72 countries.
- Test length
- The current GRE takes approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes.
- Test components
- It includes one 30-minute analytical-writing task, 27 verbal-reasoning questions, and 27 quantitative-reasoning questions.
- Quantitative content
- The Quantitative Reasoning section covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- Test-optional comparison
- According to ETS, applicants who submitted GRE scores to test-optional programs were admitted at a rate of 87%, compared with 75% among those who did not submit scores.
- Score availability
- Official scores are generally available within eight to ten days.
- Score validity
- GRE scores remain valid for five years.