More MBA Applicants Taking GRE Test

A record 800,000 people took the GRE last year, a 13% increase over 2010, the Educational Testing Service announced today.

ETS officials said the rise is due to the newly revised general test along with growing acceptance of GRE scores worldwide by thousands of graduate institutions, including business schools.

“We are excited to see such a sharp rise in interest in the GRE revised General Test because it ultimately leads to more people pursuing higher education,” said David Payne, vice president of ETS’s Higher Education Division, in a statement. “In addition, the growing use of GRE scores by business schools is great news for prospective students who now have more opportunities for success — applicants can take one test to pursue either graduate school or an MBA,”

In 2011, the GRE Program recorded growth in all major markets around the world. U.S. volumes increased nearly 10% from 2010, and ETS saw solid increases in important segments such as underrepresented groups, the variety of undergraduate degrees and individuals planning to pursue an MBA. Internationally, GRE test volumes increased nearly 25% over 2010. While growth was recorded throughout the world, including Europe, Africa and other regions, China saw a noteworthy 28% increase and India a 43% increase in test volumes.

More schools than ever, including business schools around the world and international institutions, are accepting GRE scores for admission, according to ETS. In 2011, the number of business schools accepting GRE scores for their MBA programs climbed to nearly 800, up from 450 in 2010. International institutions accepting GRE scores also grew by nearly 10% in 2011. “GRE test takers now have access to more institutions than ever before with substantial growth in acceptance by business and international schools,” added Payne in his statement.

Leading schools who accept GRE scores for their MBA program reported to ETS that they are now seeing a growing applicant pool of GRE test takers. In addition, GRE score reports sent to international schools rose more than 17% in 2011 compared to the prior year.