The GRE: A Necessary Rite of Passage or Just Another Liberal Hoax?

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that has been a staple in the admissions process for graduate schools in the United States and other countries since 1936. Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE is designed to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. But here's the kicker: in recent years, there's been a growing movement to eliminate the GRE from the admissions process, with some universities already making it optional or scrapping it altogether. This shift is happening primarily in liberal-leaning institutions, and it's worth asking why.

First off, let's talk about the GRE's purpose. It's meant to provide a common measure for comparing the qualifications of applicants from diverse educational backgrounds. In theory, it levels the playing field, allowing students from less prestigious schools to demonstrate their potential alongside Ivy League graduates. But critics argue that the test is biased, favoring those who can afford expensive test prep courses and disadvantaging minorities and low-income students. This argument, however, conveniently ignores the fact that the GRE is just one part of a holistic admissions process that also considers GPA, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: the push to eliminate the GRE is largely driven by a desire to promote diversity and inclusion. While these are noble goals, the question remains whether removing a standardized measure of academic ability is the best way to achieve them. By making the GRE optional or eliminating it altogether, universities risk lowering their academic standards and admitting students who may not be prepared for the rigors of graduate-level work. This could ultimately devalue the degrees they confer, harming both the institution's reputation and the students who worked hard to earn their place.

Moreover, the argument that the GRE is biased is not as clear-cut as it seems. The test is continually updated to ensure fairness, and ETS provides fee waivers and free preparation materials to help level the playing field. Instead of scrapping the test, perhaps the focus should be on improving access to these resources and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

It's also worth noting that the GRE is not just a hurdle for students; it's a valuable tool for admissions committees. With thousands of applications to review, the GRE provides a standardized metric that can help identify candidates with the potential to excel in graduate school. Without it, admissions committees may have to rely more heavily on subjective measures, which could introduce even more bias into the process.

The move to eliminate the GRE is part of a broader trend in higher education to prioritize diversity over merit. While diversity is important, it should not come at the expense of academic excellence. By maintaining rigorous admissions standards, universities can ensure that they are admitting students who are truly prepared to succeed and contribute to their fields.

In the end, the GRE is not perfect, but it's a valuable tool that can help ensure fairness and maintain academic standards. Rather than discarding it in the name of diversity, universities should focus on improving access to test preparation resources and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to demonstrate their potential. By doing so, they can promote both diversity and excellence, ensuring that their graduates are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the future.