What the Potential Sale of the GRE and TOEFL Means for Graduate School Applicants
News that the GRE and TOEFL may be sold by ETS has sparked widespread discussion among graduate school applicants, universities, and admissions experts. These exams have long been central to graduate admissions—especially for international students—and any ownership change could reshape how they are administered, scored, or even required.
While the sale is not yet finalized, it’s worth exploring what this shift could mean for applicants preparing for the 2026 admissions cycle and beyond.
🌟 Why the GRE and TOEFL Sale Matters
The GRE and TOEFL are two of the most widely used standardized tests in the world. A change in ownership could influence:
- Test availability
- Pricing
- Scoring methods
- Security and proctoring
- University acceptance policies
Because these exams play such a large role in graduate admissions, even small changes can have big implications.
📈 Potential Advantages for Applicants
1. Improved Test Experience
A new owner may invest in better technology, faster score reporting, or more flexible testing options. Many applicants hope for smoother online testing and fewer technical issues.
2. More Competitive Pricing
If the new owner aims to expand market share, test fees could become more affordable—especially beneficial for international applicants who often face higher costs.
3. Expanded Global Access
A buyer with a larger international footprint could increase the number of testing centers or remote‑testing options, making the exams more accessible worldwide.
4. Faster Innovation
New leadership may modernize the exams, update question formats, or streamline registration and accommodations processes.
⚠️ Potential Disadvantages or Uncertainties
1. Changes to Test Prep Strategies and Score Percentiles
If the new owner updates question types, scoring methods, or test difficulty, prep materials may become outdated quickly. This could force applicants to adjust study strategies mid‑cycle. Additionally, any recalibration of score percentiles could shift how competitive certain scores appear, creating uncertainty for applicants trying to benchmark their performance.
2. Policy Changes During Transition
Any major organizational shift can lead to temporary confusion. Applicants may see updates to test formats, score reporting, or registration systems.
3. Possible Delays or Technical Issues
Transitions often come with growing pains. Test‑takers could experience scheduling delays or system updates that affect preparation timelines.
4. Shifts in University Requirements
If the GRE or TOEFL changes significantly, some programs may adjust their testing policies—either tightening or relaxing requirements.
5. Pricing Could Increase
While competition could lower costs, a new owner might also raise prices to recoup acquisition expenses.
🎓 What Applicants Should Do Now
Even with uncertainty, applicants can stay ahead by:
- Monitoring announcements from ETS and major universities
- Taking the GRE or TOEFL earlier if you want to avoid potential transition issues
- Considering alternative tests (e.g., GMAT, IELTS, Duolingo English Test) if programs allow them
- Staying flexible with timelines and test-prep strategies
Graduate programs typically give applicants plenty of notice before making major admissions changes, so no one will be caught off guard.
🧠 Final Thoughts
The potential sale of the GRE and TOEFL represents a major shift in the graduate admissions landscape, but it’s not a reason to panic. Most changes—if they occur—will roll out gradually. For now, applicants should stay informed, plan ahead, and remain adaptable.
The core of a strong application remains the same: academic performance, research or professional experience, compelling essays, and strong recommendations.