AcademicApplicationGraduate / PhDOptional

GRE / GMAT Scores

Graduate-level standardised tests. The GRE is required by many Master's and PhD programs; the GMAT by most MBA programs. Increasingly waivable since 2022.

Time

2-4 months prep + ~2 weeks for scores

Cost

$220 (GRE) or $275 (GMAT) per attempt; ~$30 per score report

Where

ETS (GRE) or GMAC (GMAT) — accredited centres in major African cities

What it is

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination, by ETS) tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test, by GMAC) tests similar areas plus integrated reasoning and is the preferred test for business schools.

Why it matters

Strong scores demonstrate analytical readiness for graduate work and are often a soft minimum for funded programs (full assistantships, fellowships). Programs that "do not require" the GRE often still consider it positively when submitted.

How to get it

  1. 1

    Decide GRE vs GMAT based on your target programs. Engineering, sciences, and most non-business graduate fields take the GRE. MBAs usually prefer the GMAT (though many now accept the GRE).

  2. 2

    Register on ets.org (GRE) or mba.com (GMAT). Test centres operate in Accra, Lagos, Nairobi, and other major African cities.

  3. 3

    Prepare for 2-4 months. Magoosh, Manhattan Prep, and the official ETS PowerPrep tests are the gold standards for the GRE; the official GMAT Focus question banks for the GMAT.

  4. 4

    Aim for GRE 320+ (verbal + quant) for competitive programs, 325+ for top programs. For the GMAT, target 700+ for top business schools.

  5. 5

    Send official score reports directly from ETS / GMAC to your target programs.

Tips & best practices

  • •Many programs offer GRE waivers for strong undergrad GPAs (3.5+) or relevant work experience. Always check the waiver policy first.
  • •For PhD applicants in particular, the GRE Subject Test in your field (e.g. Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science) carries weight. Check whether your target programs accept or require it.
  • •GRE General Test scores are valid for 5 years — take it once, use it for multiple application cycles if needed.
  • •For African applicants, ETS occasionally offers fee reductions (~50%) for low-income test-takers; visit ets.org/gre/fee-reduction to check eligibility.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • •Sitting the test cold. Both GRE and GMAT are heavily coachable — raw scores almost never beat prepared scores by more than a few points.
  • •Sending official score reports to schools that explicitly do not require them. ETS charges per report; over-sending wastes money.
  • •Submitting late. Score reports take 10-15 days to reach schools electronically; plan accordingly.
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Ghana-specific notes

GRE testing centres in Ghana operate in Accra. Pearson VUE handles GMAT testing — the closest centre is in Accra. Expect ~$220-275 per attempt; budget for at least one practice attempt before the real one.

Official sources & references

GRE — ETSGMAT — OfficialGRE Fee Reduction

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