Should You Put GRE Scores on a Resume? How-to-do-it Guide

Similar to SAT, GRE scores also measure test-takers expertise, but in a slightly different way. What makes the GRE test special is that it focuses on measuring one’s verbal and quantitative reasoning, as well as analytical writing.  Although these all seem like relevant aspects of one’s capability, putting GRE scores on resume is not necessarily a good choice.

Here we will go over who should put GRE score on resume, and how to put GRE scores on resume. It’s similar to using GMAT score and ACT score on resume. So, if you are fresh out of the academy and eager to get your first job, make sure to stick around, as you will undoubtedly find the following tips useful.

Who Should and Who Should Not List GRE Score on Resume

If you are a university student who is applying for a business school or for a graduate program, then it would be good to include your GRE score on a resume. That being said, if the test results are poor then it would be better to omit them.

Furthermore, it’s not a common practice for working professionals to add a GRE score on resume. This is mainly because your real-life experience better reflects your practical skills or expertise in certain areas.

As Kirk Douglass said – “The learning process continues until the day you die,” and employers are more interested in things you learned after these exams.

When and Where to List GRE on Your Resume

Now that we’ve answered the question – should I put my GRE score on my resume, let’s see when and where to list those results.

When to Add GRE Score in the Resume

As mentioned, including a GRE score is not typically a good idea, which is why it’s uncommon. Given how the numbers do not reveal any specific aptitude about you, including them indicates you don’t have relevant experience for a job. That being said, if it’s your first job application as you are new on a job seeker market then you should add them to the resume, provided that they are admirable.

Basically, the score will only look good if the results are admirable and if you are applying for higher education or business school. In any other scenario, they might do more harm than good to the overall perception of you as a candidate. There are a few exceptions though, as some employers do value impressive GRE scores. A good example is an employer from the financial or banking sector.

What Is a Good GRE Score

We noted a how only good score should be included on a resume, so let’s briefly address or define what we mean by this. Verbal and quantitative reasoning are scored separately and on each of these, you can get 170 max, meaning the combined total is 340. Also, you can get a maximum of 6 points for writing.

If you have above 150 points on verbal and on quantitative reasoning then you should include those results. Just make sure to check the national average first. This way you avoid giving off an impression that you are underperforming compared to your peers. Generally having above 160 is very impressive, so it’s unlikely that the national average will be above 160.

Where to List GRE on Your Resume

If you are in a situation where including GRE on resume is a good idea, then you need to ensure they are placed in an appropriate section. There are 3 sections in your resume where GRE score won’t look out of place:

• Achievements or accomplishments section – GRE score can be included here, but if you have other accomplishments then it’s better to display those instead of test results.
• Education section – This is another good place for GRE scores on a resume, especially if high results are one of the prerequisites for the program you wish to enter.
• Skills section – Use the score here only if you don’t have any other relevant skills or practical experience.

When you include the results in one of the mentioned sections, format them in the following way:

1. Verbal Reasoning
2. Quantitative Reasoning
3. Analytical Writing
4. GRE Overall Score

Displaying results this way ensures there is no confusion.

You can also get help from resume professionals from this list as they can aid in putting together an impressive resume.

FAQ

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Should I Put My GRE Score on My Resume?

If you scored above 150 points then in some rare instances you should include it. If you don’t have other meaningful accomplishments or practical experience then yes. Also, if you are applying for another graduate program or school it would be a good idea to include them on your resume.

Is It a Good Idea at All?

If applying for a job, then generally speaking no. If you apply for another education program then yes. The resume is there to show your work experience, or what you are good at. It is why test scores look out of place when they are on a job application. Unless a high GRE score is one of the requirements.

Can Employers Check Your GRE Score?

GRE scores are confidential and can only be released with your permission. Given how the majority of employers don’t evaluate you based on these results, there is little chance they would go out of their way to verify the information you included in your CV.

Do Employers Look at Your GRE Test Scores?

Typically no, as employers are primarily interested in your practical skills and other relevant accomplishments. There are rare instances in which your GRE score on your resume has an impact on the employer’s decision. If it’s your first job, or if you are working in the financial sector.

If you’re contemplating a significant shift in your career path, your resume needs to reflect that change.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this clarifies the dilemma of whether should you put GRE scores on a resume. Be very cautious with this decision, and consider your circumstances before you opt to go through with it. The only time you should include them without a doubt is when it’s one of the requirements.