Should I Take GRE and TOEFL for Doctoral Program in Canada?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the necessity of taking the GRE and TOEFL tests for applying to doctoral programs in Canada, particularly from the perspective of an international student with a background in physics. Participants explore the relevance of these tests, their requirements, and the implications of existing qualifications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the necessity of the GRE and TOEFL tests for Canadian doctoral programs, noting that their current university does not emphasize such tests.
  • Another participant clarifies that the GRE is often required or strongly recommended for graduate school admissions, including for Ph.D. programs, and that TOEFL is typically required for international students.
  • A different participant mentions that the GRE is undergoing changes and emphasizes the importance of preparing for the verbal section, which may require extensive vocabulary memorization.
  • One participant expresses intent to take both the GRE and TOEFL tests but seeks clarification on whether to take the GRE subject test or the general test, indicating uncertainty about the requirements.
  • Another participant asserts that most institutions require both the GRE general and subject tests.
  • A participant discusses the comparison between the CAE and TOEFL tests, suggesting that the CAE may be more difficult, and questions whether Canadian universities accept the Cambridge Certificate as an alternative to TOEFL.
  • Another participant responds that acceptance of the Cambridge Certificate may vary by graduate school and advises inquiring directly with each institution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and requirements of the GRE and TOEFL tests, indicating that there is no consensus on whether both tests are essential for applying to Canadian doctoral programs.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the specific requirements of different graduate schools, as well as the evolving nature of the GRE test format and its scoring criteria. Participants also highlight the need for direct confirmation from institutions regarding accepted qualifications.

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I have a Bachelor degree in Physics and will finish my Master studies in approximately 3 semesters time (quantum field theory). Here at the university in Switzerland, nobody cares about tests like GRE and TOEFL. But since I'm planning to apply to a doctoral program in Canada (maybe Toronto or so), I'm wondering if I should do this tests.

I have already a Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), which I passed whith a C (I did it more than four years ago...). As I have improved my English skills since then, I'm wondering if I should take the TOEFL test. What do you think?

Someone told me that you normally do the GRE test when you want to do your Master studies abroad. So, is it advisable to take the GRE after finishing the Master program? Or is this rather useless because it is designed for undergraduate students (Bachelor students)?
 
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I think you are misunderstanding something here. GRE is part of a requirement (or strong recommendation) when it comes to graduate school admission, which includes both Master's and Ph.D. Since you are an international student, chances are, the school you are applying to (If it is US or Canada) will require you to take TOEFL as well.

Judged from your writing skill, I think you'll do well on TOEFL. GRE however, is a different story, you want to make sure you are prepared for the verbal section.
 
I46kok makes a good point about the GRE. Actually, the GRE is in the process of being changed, but at this moment scoring well on the verbal section basically comes down to memorizing a very large number of english words that are rarely used today. Make sure you study hard for that portion!

And yes, chances are you'll need both to attend a Canadian university anyways, so you might as well get started.
 
Okay, I think I will do both tests...

Yet, I've got another question: When you talk about the GRE, you mean the subject test, do you? I read on the homepage of the GRE examinations that there exists also a more general exam. Is it enough to do the subject test, or is it advisable to do the general test as well?
 
Most places require both
 
I found an article in the internet which states that TOEFL is a level B2 test while CAE is a C1. Therefore, I think the CAE exam should be the more difficult one.

However, do you know if the American and Canadian universities do accept the Cambridge Certificate?
 
Hmm I think it might vary depending on the graduate school. Most graduate schools only mention the TOEFL test on their website. You should inquire at each graduate school whether they will accept the Cambridge certificate in place of the TOEFL.
 

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