In our "how can we help you?" thread, a prospective graduate student writes:
I am an applicant for graduate programs this upcoming year. I am wondering whether I should take the GRE or not, although a lot of the departments are saying that it is entirely 'optional.' Some departments straight out decline to receive GRE scores, and for those departments, I do not have to worry whether I'd have to send the score or not, but for the departments that simply state that it is 'optional,' I am wondering if it would still be a good idea to take it and submit it. My gut reaction is that it won't matter that much, but still, wanted to hear some thoughts.
Good question! The GRE is a pretty miserable experience to take and study for, so if it's optional at a lot of programs, then I would definitely understand why someone wouldn't want to take it. On the other hand, it does seem to me like the kind of thing that could help an applicant, particularly if they receive very high scores. But I've never been on a grad admissions committee, so I could be wrong about this. Any grad admissions committee members care to weigh in?
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