Removing the Graduate Record Examination as an Admissions Requirement Does Not Impact Student Success
Lisa M Sullivan1, Amanda A Velez1, Nikki Longe1
1School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States.
Public Health Reviews
|October 13, 2022
Summary
Eliminating the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) for Master of Public Health admissions increased diversity without impacting student quality or program success. This change supports a more diverse public health workforce.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Higher Education Admissions
- Health Workforce Development
Background:
- The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) has shown inconsistent predictive validity for graduate success.
- The GRE can act as a barrier for underrepresented minority groups in graduate education.
- Concerns exist regarding the GRE's impact on diversity and application quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of removing the GRE requirement on diversity, quality, and outcomes in a Master of Public Health (MPH) program.
- To assess changes in student diversity, academic performance, and employment post-GRE elimination.
- To provide policy recommendations for graduate admissions in public health.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of three admissions cycles before (2016-2018) and after (2019-2021) GRE elimination for an MPH program.
- Comparison of applicant and student diversity metrics (race/ethnicity).
- Evaluation of academic quality using undergraduate GPAs and core course passing rates, alongside graduate employment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Increases observed in self-identified Black/African American and Hispanic student representation post-GRE elimination.
- No decline in academic quality, with median undergraduate GPAs remaining stable.
- Consistent student performance in core courses and graduate employment rates before and after GRE removal.
Conclusions:
- Eliminating the GRE as an admissions requirement for MPH programs can enhance diversity.
- Removing the GRE does not compromise student quality or program performance.
- Further development of student support programs is crucial for ensuring success.
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