GRE

GRE

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test used for admission to graduate and business schools in many English-speaking countries, including the U.S., Canada, and some other parts of the world. The GRE measures a student's readiness for graduate-level academic work, focusing on skills that are critical for success in graduate school, such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Here's an overview of the GRE exam:

1. Test Format

The GRE consists of three main sections:

• Verbal Reasoning (V): This section measures your ability to understand and analyze written material, evaluate arguments, and identify relationships between words and concepts. It includes reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence questions.
  • Number of questions: 40
  • Time: 35 minutes
• Quantitative Reasoning (Q): This section assesses your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information, solve problems using mathematical concepts, and apply basic mathematical techniques.
  • Number of questions: 40
  • Time: 40 minutes
• Analytical Writing (AW): This section evaluates your critical thinking and analytical writing skills. You are required to write two essays:
  • Issue Task: You write an essay based on a given issue or argument, presenting your perspective.
  • Argument Task: You analyze a given argument and evaluate its reasoning.
  • Time per essay: 30 minutes each (60 minutes total)

In addition to these sections, there may be an unscored research section, which is a pretest section used to help ETS test new questions. It doesn't count toward your score but looks like a regular section.

2. Scoring System

• Verbal Reasoning: Scores range from 130 to 170, in 1-point increments.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Scores range from 130 to 170, in 1-point increments.
• Analytical Writing: Scores range from 0 to 6, in half-point increments.

The total score for the GRE (combining the Verbal and Quantitative sections) ranges from 260 to 340.

3. Test Duration

The GRE takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete, including breaks:

• Verbal Reasoning (35 minutes per section, 2 sections)
• Quantitative Reasoning (40 minutes per section, 2 sections)
• Analytical Writing (30 minutes per essay, 2 essays)
• Breaks (one 10-minute break between sections)

4. Test Types

There are two main formats for the GRE:

The content and sections remain the same for both versions, but the delivery format differs.

• Computer-based Test (CBT): The most common format for test-takers.
• Paper-based Test: Offered in locations where computer-based testing is not available.

5. Registration and Test Dates

• Registration: You can register for the GRE online through the ETS (Educational Testing Service) website.
• Test Dates: The GRE is offered year-round, but the availability depends on your location and test center. You can check the available test dates during registration.
• Cost: The fee for the GRE is typically around $205 USD (subject to change). Additional fees may apply for rescheduling or changing test centers.

6. How is the GRE Used?

• Graduate Admissions: Many graduate schools require GRE scores as part of the admissions process. The scores help schools assess a candidate's preparedness for the rigors of graduate study.
• Business School: Some business schools accept the GRE in place of the GMAT for MBA admissions. However, the GMAT is still the preferred test for many business programs.
• Scholarships and Funding: Some graduate programs use GRE scores as part of the criteria for awarding scholarships or funding.

7. Preparing for the GRE

• Study Materials: There are many resources available to help you prepare for the GRE, including prep books, online courses, practice tests, and tutoring services.
• Official GRE Study Materials: ETS offers official prep materials such as practice tests, the Official GRE Guide, and sample questions.

8. Tips for Success

• Time Management: During the test, managing your time effectively is essential to ensure that you can complete all questions in each section.
• Practice: Take full-length practice tests to simulate the actual test experience and build stamina.
• Review: Spend time reviewing the concepts tested in both the verbal and quantitative sections, and practice your essay-writing skills for the Analytical Writing section.
• Stay Calm: Focus on staying calm during the test. Take deep breaths during breaks to recharge.

9. Sending Scores

• Score Reports: After taking the GRE, you can send your scores to up to four graduate schools for free. Additional score reports may incur a fee.
• Score Validity: GRE scores are typically valid for 5 years. After this period, the scores are no longer available.

Conclusion

The GRE is a crucial part of the graduate school application process for many programs, and preparing well for the exam can improve your chances of admission to top programs. A strong score demonstrates your ability to handle graduate-level work in a variety of subjects.