Should students who have worked in the field for a few years and then go back to school be required to take these standardized tests? While the GRE and GMAT serve a clear purpose to test a student’s knowledge on various subjects and test their analytical skills, there is only so much a test can measure. Former students who have been working in the prospective field that they are planning to pursue a graduate degree in have a level of experience that those coming straight out of college lack. Tests can only measure so much, and these prospective students may be missing out by simply taking a break to work. Recent graduates have an edge with regards to the testing material because it is fresh in their minds, while it may not be so for those who had taken a few years off to work. It would be harder for them to make the time to study adequately because they may have work, children, and a family to provide for.

Experienced vs. inexperienced students’

Those who have already been in the work force of their given field know what it is expected of them and may be more aptly adjusted for what is expected of them in graduate school. They know the field, they know what is expected of them, and have experience in the working world. Recent college graduates have yet to experience this. Whether or not returning students should be required to take the GRE or GMAT is a tough question and one that is too complicated to be answered here. Given how heavily a part the GRE and GMAT have in the graduate admission process, it may be catered to younger students rather than older, which could be a serious concern. Older students may be wiser and if they have a multitude of work experience, it may be okay to overlook a sub-par GRE or GMAT score as long as they have an established record.

Tools for admissions

Both the GRE and the GMAT are tools that Universities use for graduate admissions. Business schools use the GMAT, and most other programs besides medical schools use the GRE to measure a prospective student’s knowledge and analytical thinking skills. Some students who are older haven’t been in school for a very long time, so the question becomes: should the GRE and GMAT be a necessary requirement for them? The answer is not so clear cut and there is no clear answer. But it is important to remember that the GRE and GMAT are only tools, one part of the admission process and different Universities use these tools differently.