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From GRE scores to grad school offers

a winning application

Tips on preparing it in a better way


SAMIHA MAMUN | March 23, 2025 00:00:00


A competitive graduate programme demands more than satisfying essential admission criteria. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores represent a critical measurement yet function as one aspect among many necessary components for a complete application.

GRE scores enable admissions officers to compare candidates who approach learning from different educational and cultural backgrounds. A comprehensive standardised evaluation measures your quantitative ability, verbal skills, and analytical capacity to determine your readiness for graduate school-level studies.

Success in the graduate school admissions process depends on more than GRE scores alone because strong scores enhance application strength but do not guarantee admission. Programmes typically evaluate other criteria, including GPA ratings, research experience, and personal statements, with GRE scores during their admission evaluations. Thus, the GRE score complements the CGPA results.

A BSC graduate of CUET, Anika Tabassum, whose scores on the GRE were 331 in verbal 161, quantitative 170 and Analytical Writing Assessment 4, says, "The factors essential for high ranking university - high GPA, extracurricular activities, good test scores in English proficiency tests, Graduate test, related job experience, research experience, good recommendations and strong Statement of Purpose(SOP)."

Write a compelling personal statement or SOP: This personal statement is your story, which lets you establish connections between your previous experiences, skills, destination objectives, and the programme. To make it stand out, your statement must avoid generic expressions. List decisive events that formed the basis of your career objectives. Then, describe the way this programme matches your interests. Focus on emphasising faculty members, research areas, and facilities that manifest genuine interest to you. Lastly, briefly touch on any doubtful regions of your educational background, but explain how personal growth has minimised their impact, or you can avoid it if you want.

Secure strong recommendations: Reach out to recommenders who possess detailed knowledge about your capabilities because they can effectively demonstrate your scholarly professional or research competence. Professors or research supervisors who can reveal your strengths through detailed recommendations will provide more impact than an essential recommendation from someone with a prestigious background.

Your recommendation should include details of your professional experiences, such as internships and research projects, along with your membership in professional organisations through which you demonstrate your dedication to your field.

Your research-based programme applications require you to showcase academic competencies by describing your published work and presentations and your contributions to scholarly endeavours. It's preferable to present work experience and transferable competencies that demonstrate readiness for graduate success to win admission into a professional programme.

Address application requirements meticulously: Programmes for graduates require particular submissions that include specific word maximums, personalised essay inquiries, and supplementary material such as writing examples or portfolios. Follow all guidelines carefully. Applicants should avoid minor mishaps, which might result in early program acceptance denial.

Showcase unique contributions: The admissions committee acknowledges and seeks admissions candidates who showcase diverse backgrounds, different ways of thinking, the candidate's personality and valuable areas of expertise. Present distinctive elements about yourself using your application. Show the committee how your obstacles, cultural profile and professional knowledge will become valuable additions to the program community.

According to Md Nahid Hasan with more than 1,000 hours of experience as a GRE mentor, who scored 329 on the GRE with a Verbal 164, Quantitative 165, and Writing 4, "Right now, a square profile which is full of research skills and experiences, language expertise and standardised test's sound score helps students to be offered opportunities from the top graduate schools."

Prepare for interviews: When interviews become a requirement during the application process, consider them a continuation of your written statement. Practice answering common questions like: what is your primary reason for obtaining this specific degree? What are your research interests? In which ways does the programme demonstrate compatibility with your future career ambitions?

Address your interview with assertiveness and sharpness when expressing your genuine interest in the programme.

Submit a polished application: Inspect every submission material, including resumes and personal statements, to verify their spelling, grammar, and text normalisation accuracy. You should establish a unified tracking system using a spreadsheet to monitor all deadlines and program requirements.

A successful school application requires you to share all key elements about your areas of expertise while demonstrating your interest alongside programme suitability. Your graduate school admission potential will become a reality by merging excellent GRE/ GMAT and IELTS test scores with well-written essays, custom recommendations, ECAs and precise application approaches.

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