Application FAQs: Standardized Tests (GRE/GMAT)

We hope you found last week’s post about letters of

recommendation helpful. This week we continue our series addressing some of the

most frequently asked questions about the application process with some answers

about GRE and GMAT requirements. (We’ll cover English language proficiency

testing in a future post).

Am I required to take the GRE or GMAT?

Our GRE and GMAT requirements vary by program. We require

the GRE or GMAT for all of our two-year master’s degree programs—the two-year

Master in Public Administration, Master in Public Administration in

International Development, and Master in Public Policy. We do not require the

GRE or GMAT for the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration.

We have found GRE or GMAT scores to be an effective way to

document preparation to succeed in quantitative coursework for our two-year

programs, though these scores are less of a predictor for mid-career

applicants who have been out of school for a significant period.

You must take all required tests by the application deadline—December

1, 2022 at 3 p.m. ET.

We have no preference for one test over the other. We encourage

you to take the exam you are most prepared for.

We review applications holistically. This means that we look

at every component of your application and do not assign weights to the various

elements of the application. Your GRE/GMAT scores are one way we assess your

academic ability, but we will also look at your undergraduate academic record, letters

of recommendation submitted by college or university professors, and so on,

when making this assessment.

You may self-report your test scores on the electronic

application for the purposes of submitting your application, but you must also submit

an official score report directly from the testing service for your application

to be reviewed.