Most students in our country dream of pursuing higher studies abroad. When preparing to apply, they face the dilemma of selecting the proper standardized test. This is one of the most crucial decisions when applying to study abroad. The two most familiar examinations are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Both serve their respective purposes, but the question remains: Which one should you choose?
Getting Familiar with IELTS and GRE
The IELTS is the test that assesses the language proficiency of the candidates. The test is designed to assess if the candidate’s language proficiency is up to an optimum level. The test evaluates the candidate’s writing, reading, speaking, and listening. Various universities abroad require this test to provide admission to migrating students. This test has two variations: Academic IELTS is required for higher education, and the General Training IELTS is for migration and work purposes. The IELTS scoring system ranges from 0 to 9 bands.
The GRE is the standardized test to assess a candidate’s readiness for graduation courses and business schools. Three key areas are evaluated through this test: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The GRE test is widely accepted in the US and some other countries for students willing to take master’s, MBA, and PhD programs. The scoring of this test ranges from 240 to 360 for verbal and quantitative evaluation, with an additional score for analytical writing ranging from 0 to 6.
Key differences between IELTS and GRE
Although both are standardized tests, the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) serve different objectives. IELTS is, first and foremost, a test of English language ability that is accepted for university acceptance, work visas, and immigration purposes. It is graded using a 0-9 band scale and has four parts: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Lasting two years, the test run lasts about two hours and forty-five minutes. Conversely, the GRE is created for graduate entrance and tests analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. An adaptive, computer-based test lasting roughly 1 hour and 58 minutes. With a five-year validity and 0-6 for analytical writing, the GRE scores go from 130-170 in verbal and quantitative sections to 100-6. Though IELTS stresses basic English skills, the GRE covers advanced vocabulary, mathematics, and logical thinking, so it is more difficult for people who do not speak first-tongue English.
Which one is more preferable?
The choice of taking a standardized test depends on someone’s criteria, like their future study plan, university and country requirements, field of interest, and so on. Here are some of the things one can keep in mind:
1. Program requirements
Applying for an MBA, STEM programs, or economics specifically requires GRE scores. In these programs, a GRE score is mandatory. If someone is applying for programs that only ask for English proficiency, then an IELTS score is enough.
2. Focusing on strength
If someone has strength in quantitative and analytical reasoning, then the GRE might suit them well. On the other hand, if someone is more confident about their English skills, then IELTS might turn out to be helpful for them.
3. Considering the target country or university
English-speaking countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and other European countries require IELTS to provide scholarships. GRE is mainly prioritized in the US, and IELTS is considered a supporting document.
4. Career aspirations
GRE is more helpful in demonstrating someone’s analytical skills for academic and research purposes. In contrast, IELTS is more practical for international migration and work purposes.
In some scenarios, taking both tests can be beneficial. Some universities require a GRE score and an IELTS score as an English proficiency document. Here, requirements should be double checked. None of the tests can be referred to as “more preferable.” It depends on the applicant’s academic goals and the targeted institution’s requirements. While choosing the test, applicants must remember their strengths and target programs. Proper preparation is the key to acing any test. Both of the tests are equally preferable according to the requirements.
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Writer
Zabin Tasmin
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE