Are you ready for a PhD in Information Systems? If yes, then start your pursuit with a GRE/GMAT
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are standardized tests that are used as part of your application for a PhD program. Among many things, the tests measure your preparedness for the rigor of the PhD education. It also measures your critical thinking, analytical writing, and problem-solving skills, all important skills for success in your PhD journey.
5 reasons why taking the GRE or GMAT should be the first step in your pursuit of a PhD:
The GRE/GMAT demonstrates your academic potential.
Depending on the PhD program you’re interested in, many of then are very competitive. Admissions committees want to see evidence that you have the academic potential to succeed in a rigorous academic program. By taking the GRE or GMAT and scoring well, you demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the coursework and research. I recently called a PhD program to find out if there was still availability and the first question I was asked was this,
“What is the GMAT score of the candidate?
This demonstrates the importance of the GMAT/GRE for admission. Many schools want the best and the brightest, and the exam score is an indicator of the prospective student’s potential.
The GRE/GMAT improves your chances of acceptance.
Many graduate programs use the GRE or GMAT as a factor in their admissions decisions. By taking these exams and scoring well, you increase your chances of being accepted into the program of your choice. A high score on the GRE or GMAT can also help offset other areas of your application that may be weaker, like your undergraduate GPA or work experience.
The GRE/GMAT helps you stand out from other applicants.
When applying to a PhD program, you will compete with many other highly qualified applicants. Taking the GRE/GMAT and scoring well can help you stand out. A high score on the exams shows that you have the knowledge, skills, and motivation to succeed in a PhD program.
Taking the GRE/GMAT provides a baseline for academic preparation.
The GRE and GMAT are designed to measure the skills and knowledge that are necessary for success in the PhD coursework. By taking these exams, you can get a sense of your academic preparedness for a PhD program. If your scores are lower than you would like, you can use this information to identify areas where you may need to focus your studies before beginning your PhD program.
Taking the GRE/GMAT prepares you for the rigors of a PhD program.
The GRE and GMAT are challenging exams that require you to think critically, solve problems, and analyze complex information. By preparing for and taking these exams, you are building the skills and knowledge necessary for success in a PhD program. The experience of taking these exams can also help you prepare for the rigors of graduate-level coursework and research.
If you’ve taken a GRE/GMAT within the last 5 years, you can skip this step. If you have not, you should start studying for the GMAT or GRE exam.
Steps for Preparing
The cost of the exam depends on your location in the world. In the US, it is $250. Elsewhere, you may need to add the exchange rate and the cost incurred by the organization providing the service in your local area.
- Dedicate 2 to 4 months to study and prepare for a GRE or GMAT exam.
- Purchase some study guidebooks or use the GRE Prep – Live Online PDP to help you study. There are also practice tests that you can purchase to help prepare you for the exam.
- Schedule your exam ahead of time so that you have a date that you’re targeting, as well as money on the line
Given all the reasons above, you can see that the GMAT/GRE is essentially the gatekeeper that could keep you from taking the next steps in your application and pursuit. So, go ahead and burst that gate wide open by taking that exam. It increases your chances of success.
If you’re not willing to take the test, one may wonder if you’re really ready for a PhD.
In conclusion, take the GMAT/GRE, it is the propeller you need for other activities in preparation for pursuing your PhD in Information Systems.
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