Do You Need to Take the GRE Exam for Master’s Programs in Industrial Organizational Psychology?

Many traditional, in-person master’s degree programs require Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test scores as part of the application process. Whereas, online programs and increasingly more in-person programs do not require GRE scores. It is important to find out whether the graduate program you are applying to requires the GRE so you can prepare. In this article, I provide more information about the GRE, how to find out if a program requires GRE scores for admissions, and how to prepare for it. 

Ok, so you are thinking about applying for a master’s degree program. You may have been exploring options for some time now, and come across the GRE. The GRE is a challenge to overcome, but don’t let it intimidate you. Hundreds of thousands of people take the GRE yearly. You can too!

What is the GRE Exam?

What is the GRE Exam anyway? The GRE is a standardized test that many graduate programs require as part of their admissions process. The GRE test comprises multiple sections. If the program requires GRE scores for admissions, you will most likely need to complete the “general” test. The General GRE Test includes a section that assesses verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and quantitative reasoning. Many graduate programs in industrial organizational psychology will focus on your verbal and quantitative reasoning scores, particularly.  It is a timed exam and uses an adaptive format. As you complete questions, the next questions populate based on your performance on previous questions. The exam takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete. It’s not as bad as it may sound – the time went fast for me!

If you must complete the GRE, you will need to make arrangements to complete the test at an authorized testing center or at home. I completed the GRE at a testing center. The test center was comfortable and quiet. Even if you do not plan to apply for graduate programs immediately, you should check whether there are testing locations in your area. See whether they have testing appointments available throughout each week or if they offer appointments infrequently (e.g., monthly). That will help you to plan. Alternatively, you may be able to complete the test at home, if you have the necessary technical equipment. If you test at home, you may be able to register just a few days in advance.

How Do You Know Whether the GRE Exam is Required?

Each master’s degree program has different application requirements. It is important to find the admissions information for the specific university and master’s degree program. The university’s website is a great starting place to find admissions information. For example, suppose you were interested in Seattle Pacific’s master’s degree in industrial organizational psychology program. You can find information about their application process on their website, by navigating to the “application” tab. Under the application tab, you will find that GRE scores are optional for this particular program. That means you may submit GRE scores if you would like to complete the exam and believe it would strengthen your application. If you prefer not to take the exam, or perhaps take the exam but obtain a score that is less than their ideal score (which at the time of this writing is a score of 295), they will still consider your application without the scores.

At this time, most universities will at least mention the GRE in the application information. Even if they do not require GRE scores, they will likely say they do not require them. Over the last few years, universities have been increasingly making the GRE optional or not requiring it for admissions. For example, just like Seattle Pacific, Rice University, which is currently home to the U.S. News and World Report’s #1 program in industrial organizational psychology, has made the GRE optional. If you do not see GRE information on the website, contact the admissions department. Double-check whether they require the GRE or if it is optional.

Should You Prepare for the GRE Exam?

You should prepare for the GRE exam. Here are the steps I followed to increase my GRE score. First, I completed a practice test to get a baseline understanding of my strengths and limitations. I used the results to guide my further study. Then, I purchased a test preparation book, which included digital, interactive study games. I learned the most from the interactive games when studying for the verbal reasoning part of the test. What surprised me the most though was that there are predictable patterns in the GRE that you can learn by preparing. You can learn test-taking strategies that will help you to perform better, regardless of what questions are on the version of the exam you complete. I increased my score by around 15% between the baseline and final test, which I attribute to preparing for the test.

Test preparation materials can be costly. They range significantly in price and value. You could complete a costly synchronous course, for example, or check out a test preparation book from your local library. If you can afford to do so, I would recommend checking out ETS’s GRE exam preparation materials, since they develop the test. I would also personally recommend Barron’s GRE Test Prep materials. If possible, give yourself 8 – 10 weeks of solid study and preparation time. If the gap between your practice test score and your ideal test score is large, you should allocate more time to study.

Importantly, if you have a disability or health-related need, be sure to inquire about accommodations that may be available to you.

Should You Opt Out of the GRE if it is Optional?

I would weigh the decision of whether to complete the GRE exam carefully. You may, in principle, be opposed to taking the exam. In that case, the answer is simple; if given the option, then simply opt-out. If you are fine with taking the exam and are just unsure of whether it will strengthen your application, there are a few factors to consider.

Firstly, take a practice test to see where you stand at a baseline level. Then, try to obtain an estimate of the GRE test scores the graduate program typically accepts. While they may have made the GRE optional, programs that have required the GRE in the past will have data on scores. Try to find out what the average GRE score for successful applicants has been in the past. From there, determine whether your baseline score is close to that average. If not, how far is the distance? Is it worth the time to study and practice to increase your score, if needed (do you even have time before the application deadline?)?

Also, consider your overall application. How strong are your other application materials, such as past research experience and letters of recommendation? If you have a weakness in other areas of your application, perhaps a strong GRE score can demonstrate to the admissions team that you will be successful if selected. As the applicant, you should feel comfortable contacting the admissions team to inquire about how “optional” scores would be considered in the selection process. I would encourage you to make those inquiries before investing time and resources into studying for the exam if the GRE test is “optional.”

Conclusion

When I applied for graduate programs, I felt intimidated by the GRE exam. After going through the process of preparing, completing, and succeeding with the GRE, I know it is challenging but surmountable (you’ve got this!). If you must complete the GRE, be sure to explore it early so you can prepare accordingly. Taking a practice test will help you to determine how to prioritize your studying and preparation so you can ace the exam!