For Master of Business Administration (MBA) candidates applying to the Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi One-year Full-time MBA Program, understanding the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is an important step in the admissions preparation process.
This guide provides comprehensive information on this standardized test, including its structure and scoring. It also offers GRE preparation strategies to help candidates achieve the results competitive for MBA admission.
GRE for MBA Admission
The GRE assesses an MBA candidate’s readiness for graduate-level academic work, evaluating essential skills such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. By measuring an applicant’s abilities in these areas, the GRE provides an evaluation of a candidate’s readiness for the academic challenges of an MBA program.
Exam Location and Computer Specification
The GRE is a computer-delivered exam that can be taken at a chosen test location for which participants must register in advance.
Scheduling a GRE General Test
Candidates are allowed to take the GRE once every 21 days, with a maximum of five attempts within any 12-month period. This applies even if they have canceled scores from previous tests. When selecting a test date, candidates should ensure their scores will be reported in time for their MBA program application deadlines. Score reports are typically available 8–10 days after the test date. Schools may receive scores faster depending on the delivery method chosen, with electronic scores delivered twice a week.
GRE Flexible Test Navigation
The GRE examination features a flexible navigation format, enabling test-takers to skip questions within a section, return to previous questions to change answers, and choose the order in which they answer questions. This structure allows candidates to manage their time more effectively and can enhance overall exam performance.
Key Test Features:
- The ability to move forward and backward within a section.
- Preview and review capabilities within each section.
- “Mark” and “Review” features to tag questions for later review.
- The ability to change or edit answers within a section.
- An on-screen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning section.
Test Sections and Timings Explained
The GRE is divided into three sections. The Analytical Writing section is always first. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections can then appear in any order after that.
The Analytical Writing section consists of one 30-minute task: ‘Analyze an Issue.’ Verbal Reasoning is split into two sections, each containing 20 questions to be completed in 18 and 23 minutes, respectively. Similarly, Quantitative Reasoning is divided into two sections, each comprising 20 questions with a combined 47-minute time limit. The total test time is just under two hours.
What is Section-level Adaptation in the GRE?
The Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections of the GRE General Test are section-level adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the second section is determined by a candidate’s performance in the first section. If a candidate performs well in the first section, the second section will be more challenging. The scoring for these sections takes into account both the total number of correct answers and the difficulty level of the questions, providing a thorough evaluation of the candidate’s abilities.
GRE Preparation Tips
To prepare effectively for the GRE, students should start their GRE study plan three to six months ahead of time, using official ETS materials and resources for practice and guidance. This way, they can identify and focus on improving weak areas through targeted practice, develop a structured study plan, and incorporate full-length practice tests to build endurance and familiarize themselves with the test’s timing and structure.
GRE Study Plan
Month 1:
- Students should familiarize themselves with the test format and structure.
- Take a diagnostic test to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Review basic concepts in verbal and quantitative reasoning.
- Practice basic questions to reinforce understanding.
Month 2:
- Improve weak areas identified in the diagnostic test.
- Practice with sectional tests.
- Write practice essays for analytical writing.
- Continue reviewing verbal and quantitative concepts.
Month 3:
- Take full-length practice tests weekly.
- Review incorrect answers to learn from mistakes.
- Fine-tune test-taking strategies and timing.
- Practice writing essays under timed conditions.
Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi – GRE Minimum Score and Waiver
The GRE is traditionally used for a wide range of graduate programs and is increasingly accepted by leading Master of Business Administration programs, including the Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi One-year Full-time MBA. For applicants to the Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi MBA, a strong GRE score can significantly enhance their application – demonstrating readiness for the rigorous curriculum and the analytical capabilities needed to succeed.
However, while the GRE is an important component of the MBA admissions process, the Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi One-year Full-time MBA program takes a holistic approach when evaluating applicants for admission. In addition to standardized test scores, the Admissions Committee assesses a candidate’s academic background, professional achievements and aspirations, and personal characteristics. This comprehensive review ensures a balanced evaluation of all aspects of an applicant’s qualifications.
Notably, the Stern at NYUAD MBA program does not have a minimum GRE score requirement. Candidates who can provide strong examples of academic readiness without a test score also have the option to apply for a GRE waiver.
For more details about the Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi MBA program admissions process and the GRE waiver, please visit the program’s Standardized Tests page on their website.
In Conclusion
By integrating insights from standardized tests like the GRE with a comprehensive candidate assessment, the Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi One-year Full-time MBA program holistically evaluates each applicant, gaining a thorough understanding of their potential. This comprehensive evaluation identifies individuals who are ideally suited for the MBA’s curriculum and that have the capacity to leverage their learning to make meaningful contributions to the UAE economy and global business landscape.
To learn more about the Stern at NYUAD One-Year Full-Time MBA Program, please contact a member of the Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi MBA admissions team, available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in both Abu Dhabi and New York time zones.
Contact Us:
Phone: +971 262 88777
Email: sternnyuad.mba@stern.nyu.edu