is covid-19 a roadblock on your path to graduate school?

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is affecting our lives in countless ways.  It may be confusing to sort out how this affects your path to applying to graduate school.  Are all GRE and GMAT tests canceled?  Are business and graduate programs waiving the need for these test scores for their applications?  Can you even study effectively in this stage of social distancing and sheltering in place?  In this time of flux and uncertainty it can all be a little overwhelming.
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We’ll do our best to help you sort it all out here.

If you’re already signed up to take an exam, you can get up to date information about your specific test date and location here for the GMAT exam and here for the GRE exam. Both the GMAT and the GRE will soon be able to be accessed as online tests from home.  The GRE is already available as of March 27, 2020 and the GMAT will be available mid April.  These tests are practically identical to their originals (although the GMAT will not include the AWA section) and are proctored remotely by trained individuals.

While some schools are waving the need for the GRE or GMAT, most schools are postponing application deadlines or adding additional application rounds to allow those who haven’t taken the exams to access their remote online formats.  If a school you are thinking of attending is temporarily waving the need to take the GRE or the GMAT, this does not mean they have lowered their standards for candidates.  You will still need to brush up of the topics covered in these exams to be prepared for the first semester of graduate school.  Its a good idea to brush up on arithmetic, geometry, algebra, data analysis, writing skills, vocabulary and critical reasoning skills as preparation for graduate study.

The stress and uncertainty of the state of flux we are all in now can make studying for the GMAT or GRE feel like just too much.  On the other hand, most people currently have much more time than prior to the outbreak of coronavirus since they are not commuting to work and are unable to attend usual social gatherings.  In periods of transition and uncertainty, routine and purpose are important to solidify.  Continuing or creating a consistent study routine is one small way to achieve this.  Having a set goal with concrete steps you can take to improve can provide great satisfaction. Use your study plan as a way to stay grounded and keep you on track to meet your professional goals!

If you need a little more structure, accountability and support to stay motivated in your studying, many test prep companies (PrepCorps included) are offering online study programs.  There are options of online individual tutoring where you can customize a study plan to suit your unique needs with a highly qualified tutor.  For those missing group activities, there are also options of fully interactive online courses for GRE prep or GMAT prep that can be accessed from the comfort and safety of your home.

Don’t let this pandemic get in the way of getting into your dream school!  We’re here on the other side of the computer screen to support you in this crazy time.
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A group of students participating in our one day math bootcamp program while at the same time social distancing :)