SELECTING SUCCESSFUL GRADUATE STUDENTS: IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS WITH GRE® USERS

Abstract

This study analyzed interviews with over 100 graduate school staff and faculty in 26 disciplines and 20 institutions who use the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE®). The interviews covered admissions and admissions-related topics, such as recruitment, retention, and measurement of student success in graduate school. Interviewees consider the GRE General Test to be a useful common standard for students with widely differing backgrounds. In contrast, GRE Subject Tests, although considered to be strong evidence of discipline-specific knowledge, are being used less in a competitive environment. Graduate programs want more information about the language skills – particularly writing and speaking skills – and personal qualities of applicants, and better information about international students.