Latest GRE Prep Updates
1. GRE vs GMAT: Which Should I Take?
The GMAT is often referred to as the "Business School Graduate Entrance Exam." Because of the word "business," many students assume that GMAT is required for business school applications.
However, based on recent admissions trends, almost all business schools now accept the GRE.
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Compared to the GMAT, the GRE is easier to score high on, and its logical reasoning section is relatively less demanding. Success on the GRE largely depends on vocabulary preparation. The quantitative section is also much easier than the GMAT's.
When both tests are accepted, choosing the GRE is clearly the better option.
If you are applying for MBA programs or if a school's website explicitly states "prefer GMAT," then the GMAT should be your top choice.
However, most MBA programs require at least three years of work experience, and schools that prefer GMAT tend to be top-tier institutions like Harvard and Princeton. For the majority of applicants, the GRE remains the primary exam to prepare for.
Still unsure whether to take the GRE or GMAT? No worries! Click here!
2. GRE Math Is No Joke
GRE math deserves serious attention. Even math majors often struggle to achieve a perfect score.
This is especially true for students who attended U.S. undergraduate programs. Without the math foundation that domestic Chinese students typically have, and possibly with little to no math exposure during their four years, they should not believe claims like "you can ace GRE math with just one week of prep."
Preparing for GRE math requires building up from theory, just like verbal reasoning, along with extensive practice. Students with limited math background especially need to start with fundamentals early on, rather than jumping straight to review drills.
3. A Large Score Gap Between Two GRE Tests Can Lead to Score Cancellation
Last year, a student came to CheersYou（清柚教育） with this exact issue: their GRE scores were canceled by ETS due to a large discrepancy between two test attempts.
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As seen from ETS's official response, if there is a significant score gap between two tests, ETS has valid grounds to suspect the validity of the scores.
Generally, if the score difference exceeds 20 points, ETS may flag your scores for review.
Additionally, ETS has a test monitoring system that records data such as time spent on each question, combined with question difficulty, for comprehensive evaluation. If you answer questions instantly using leaked "JJ" (exam recall) content on difficult questions, you are more likely to be suspected by ETS.
ETS does allow students to appeal, but the chances of a successful appeal are extremely low. Therefore, if this happens, we generally recommend simply retaking the GRE.
For the GRE, never go in with the idea of a trial run; prepare thoroughly before taking the test. During the test, be patient—avoid instant selection.
4. Some U.S. Universities Now Accept GRE Score Super-Scoring
Based on recent admissions requirements on university websites, it's clear that some schools have begun accepting GRE superscoring. Top universities like UCLA, USC, and NYU have mentioned superscoring policies on their official sites.
UCLA website
USC website
If your total GRE scores are not too far apart, you may choose to send multiple score reports depending on the program. Generally, sending two score reports is recommended, as shown in the image below.
Be sure not to study one section at a time aiming for a high score on a single attempt, as this could again lead to a large total score gap and the risk of score cancellation by ETS.
Major 2020 Application Updates
1. Some Programs Are Harder to Get Into Than You Think
One of the hottest programs last year was Business Analytics.
It combines Business, Statistics, and Computer Science, is career-focused, and highly values diverse backgrounds in admissions, which is why students scrambled to apply.
As a result, the admission bar has been raised significantly. Now, if your GPA is below 3.5 and your GRE is under 325, you can basically say goodbye to competitive BA applications.
If you plan to apply to competitive programs, we suggest checking the class profile on the school's official website to understand the current average scores and admission statistics.
Additionally, when selecting schools, two general principles apply: if you plan to return to your home country, school ranking is more important; if you intend to stay in the U.S., location matters more.
2. Many Fail Due to Recommendation Letters
The importance of recommendation letters goes without saying.
Recently, a student came to CheersYou（清柚教育） to ask what to do after receiving a direct rejection from the University of Chicago because their recommender submitted the letter late. In such cases, we can only express regret.
Recommendation letters must be prepared early; never push the deadline, as you never know if your recommender might delay and miss it.
When choosing recommenders, follow these two guidelines:
1. Academic heavyweights > Major professors > Non-major instructors (where you achieved good grades)
2. U.S. large companies > U.S. small companies > Domestic large companies > Domestic small companies
For academic recommenders, try to avoid language course instructors. For internships in China, absolutely do not choose banks anymore; such recommendation letters carry virtually no weight.
3. Admissions Policies Change Every Year
Admissions policies at various universities change annually.
For example, Columbia University's School of Professional Studies originally required U.S. undergrads to submit TOEFL scores, but later updated its English language proficiency requirements for certain programs on its website.
Applied Analytics no longer requires language test scores from U.S. undergraduate students.
Actuarial Science also no longer imposes additional language test requirements for U.S. undergrads.
Nonprofit Management now allows students who attended both U.S. high school and college to waive the TOEFL.
Be sure to check the official program websites for the latest details, or follow the CheersYou（清柚教育） official WeChat account for updates on application changes.
4. The Essay Is Not as Simple as You Think
CheersYou（清柚教育） has emphasized countless times the importance of the personal statement in applications.
Many students have come to CheersYou（清柚教育） to vent after being let down by other agencies' essay services, causing them to miss out on their dream schools.
For instance, one agency wrote "University of Irvine" instead of UC Irvine;
Or used a Columbia essay template to apply for Penn's Intercultural Communication, but forgot to remove the original Columbia program name from the essay.
What seem like minor details can become fatal flaws in your application. When writing essays, avoid carelessness and template re-use; don't assume handing it off to an agency means you're all set.
Keep these points in mind when writing your essay:
1. Check the essay requirements on the application page in advance.
2. Tailor your essay content closely to the program you are applying to.
3. Ensure your essay is personalized—that's the winning formula.
Here is a suggested timeline for Fall 2020 applications:
Jan–Apr 2019:
Begin GRE/GMAT prep, research school programs, analyze selection policies, have an academic background evaluation by a professional advisor, and identify areas for enhancement.
May–Aug 2019:
Define application direction, intensive GRE/GMAT study over summer, corporate internship/summer research, comprehensive background improvement, and confirm academic and internship recommenders.
Sep 2019:
Academic guidance, finalize school list, brainstorm essays for each school, and resume upgrade.
Oct–Nov 2019:
Polish and finalize essays, complete application materials, start submitting applications, and track status weekly.
Dec 2019:
Receive interview coaching, attend school interviews, maintain communication with schools, and keep GPA up.
Jan–Mar 2020:
Receive offers, choose school, process I-20, and prepare for graduate studies.
Finally, we wish every student great success with the 2020 application cycle!
For any questions about study-abroad applications, feel free to consult CheersYou（清柚教育） advisors. For more latest study-abroad updates, please continue to follow the “CheersYou（清柚教育） Study Abroad” WeChat official account.
