GRE

Overview


The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and widely utilized for admissions to graduate and professional programs worldwide.

Purpose of the GRE: The GRE serves to evaluate a test-taker's preparedness for advanced academic work at the graduate level, assessing critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning abilities.

Sections of the GRE: The GRE General Test comprises six sections:

  1. Analytical Writing: Assesses the ability to critically analyse complex issues and effectively communicate arguments through tasks like Analyse an Issue and Analyse an Argument.
  2. Verbal Reasoning: Measures comprehension and analysis of written material through Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence questions.
  3. Quantitative Reasoning: Evaluates mathematical skills, focusing on problem-solving, data interpretation, and quantitative comparison.
  4. Research Section: May include an unscored section used for testing purposes. Test-takers are unaware of its presence as it is indistinguishable from scored sections.
  5. GRE Subject Tests: Offered in specific subject areas like Biology, Chemistry, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology, assessing a candidate's knowledge in these fields.

Scoring:

  • Analytical Writing: Scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments.
  • Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning: Scored on a scale of 130 to 170, in one-point increments.
  • The total GRE score combines Verbal and Quantitative scores, ranging from 260 to 340.

Registration: Test-takers create a My GRE account on the ETS website to register, selecting test dates, centres, and paying the registration fee.

Fees: As of my last update, the GRE General Test registration fee is $205.

Test Duration: Typically lasts about 3 hours and 45 minutes, including breaks.

Test Delivery Options: Offered as computer-based or paper-based tests, with at-home testing options available.

Score Reporting: Scores are usually available within 10-15 days after the test date, with free score reports to four graduate programs. Additional reports may incur fees.

Score Validity: GRE scores remain valid for five years.

Retaking the GRE: Test-takers can retake the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within a continuous 12-month period.

Accommodations: ETS provides accommodations for test-takers with disabilities.

Eligibility


The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) stands as a widely recognized standardized test utilized for admissions into graduate and business schools. Unlike some other examinations, there exist no stringent eligibility criteria for individuals intending to undertake the GRE.

  • Educational Level: Typically, the GRE is pursued by candidates aiming to apply to graduate or business programs, including Master's, Ph.D., or MBA programs, as part of their application process. It is not confined to recent graduates, as individuals at various stages of their educational or professional journeys may opt to take the GRE.
  • Age Requirement: The GRE does not impose any minimum or maximum age restrictions on test-takers. Individuals of all ages are eligible to undertake the exam.
  • Identification Requirements: During GRE registration, it is imperative to furnish valid and acceptable identification documents, such as a passport or national ID. The name provided during registration must precisely match the name on the identification document.
  • Undergraduate Degree: Although the GRE is commonly linked with graduate-level programs, completion of an undergraduate degree is not a prerequisite for taking the exam. However, to apply to graduate programs, candidates typically require a completed bachelor's degree. It is advisable to review the specific admission criteria of the desired programs.
  • Frequency of GRE Attempts: There exist certain limitations on the frequency with which one can undertake the GRE. As of my last update, individuals can sit for the GRE once every 21 days, up to a maximum of five attempts within any continuous rolling 12-month period. Following the test, test-takers retain the option to send their scores to their chosen institutions.
  • Special Accommodations: ETS (Educational Testing Service), the entity overseeing the GRE, offers special accommodations for test-takers with disabilities or health-related requirements. To avail of accommodations, candidates must adhere to ETS guidelines and furnish documentation substantiating their condition.
  • GRE Subject Tests: Besides the GRE General Test, GRE Subject Tests are available for specific subjects. While not mandatory for general graduate admissions, certain programs or departments may stipulate or suggest their completion.
  • At-Home Testing: ETS has introduced at-home testing alternatives for the GRE, enhancing accessibility, particularly during periods when physical test centres may be inaccessible or inconvenient. Eligibility for at-home testing is contingent upon meeting specific technical and environmental prerequisites, such as a quiet and private testing environment.

Registration


Registering for the GRE is a straightforward process, and you can do it online. 

Create an ETS Account:

  • Visit the official ETS (Educational Testing Service) website at www.ets.org.
  • Click on "GRE" in the top menu to navigate to the GRE section.
  • Under "Create an ETS Account," click "Get Started" to initiate the account creation process. You'll be required to input personal details like your name, contact information, and choose a username and password.

Sign In to Your ETS Account:

  • After creating your account, log in using your newly established username and password.

Select GRE Test Type:

  • Upon signing in, choose the GRE test type you intend to take. The GRE General Test is commonly selected for graduate school admissions.

Choose Your Test Location and Date:

  • Proceed to select your preferred test location. You can search for available test centers based on your city or region. Additionally, choose a suitable test date.

Complete Your Registration:

  • Follow the prompts to furnish personal information, including identification details (passport or national ID), contact particulars, and educational background.

Payment:

  • Pay the requisite test fee using accepted payment methods, typically credit or debit cards. As of my last update, the GRE General Test fee was approximately $205.

Review and Confirm:

  • Before finalizing your registration, meticulously review all provided information, ensuring accuracy in your chosen test date, location, and personal details.

Receive Confirmation:

  • Upon successful registration and payment, expect to receive a confirmation email containing essential details such as your test date, location, and a test appointment confirmation number. Safeguard this information for reference on test day.

Additional Services (Optional):

  • During registration, opt for any supplementary services like sending scores to additional institutions, if needed. Note that these services may involve additional fees.

Prepare for the Test:

  • Commence your GRE preparation post-registration, utilizing official GRE test prep materials or other reputable study resources.

Important Tips:

  • Register well in advance of your desired test date to secure your preferred location and date.
  • Refer to the official ETS website for the latest information regarding test fees, available test dates, and test centre locations.
  • If necessitated by a disability or health-related issue, adhere to ETS guidelines for requesting accommodations during registration.
  • Retain your confirmation email and appointment confirmation number securely for reference on the day of the test.

Dates


GRE Test Dates in India:

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) General Test offers year-round testing options, providing students in India with flexibility in choosing their exam dates.

  1. Year-Round Availability: Unlike some standardized tests that have limited testing windows, the GRE General Test is available throughout the year. This allows test-takers to select a date that suits their schedule and aligns with their application deadlines.
  2. Computer-Based Format: In India, the GRE General Test is primarily administered in a computer-based format, offering enhanced flexibility to test-takers. They can conveniently choose their preferred test date from the available options.
  3. Registration Process: To register for the GRE test in India, candidates need to create an ETS account, select their desired test location, and choose an available test date. Registration and payment of the test fee can be completed online through the ETS account.
  4. Test Centre Locations: GRE test centres are situated in various cities across India, including major urban centres. During the registration process, candidates can search for a test center near their location.
  5. Availability of Test Dates: Test dates are typically accessible throughout the year in India. Candidates can check specific test dates on the official ETS website or by contacting their nearest test centre.
  6. Test Appointment Confirmation: Upon successful registration and payment, candidates receive a confirmation email containing essential details of their test appointment. This includes information such as the test centre location and the scheduled test date.
  7. Rescheduling Options: If necessary, candidates can reschedule their test date by accessing their ETS account. However, it's important to note that rescheduling may incur a fee, and the availability of new test dates will depend on the chosen test centre.
  8. Test Preparation: Following registration, candidates should dedicate time to thorough test preparation. ETS offers official GRE test prep materials, including practice tests and study guides, which are valuable resources for effective preparation.

By leveraging the flexibility of GRE test dates in India and engaging in comprehensive preparation, candidates can maximize their chances of achieving their desired scores and pursuing their academic aspirations.

Pattern


The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) serves as a standardized assessment for admission into various graduate and business programs globally, evaluating a candidate's readiness for advanced academic work. The GRE General Test predominantly scrutinizes analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills.

Analytical Writing:

The GRE initiates with the Analytical Writing section, gauging the candidate's ability to articulate intricate ideas cogently with logical reasoning and apt examples. This section encompasses two tasks:

  • Issue Task: Responding to a presented issue statement by expressing one's opinion and substantiating it with rationale.
  • Argument Task: Critiquing an argument by assessing its logical coherence and furnishing supporting evidence.

Each task is scored on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments, with the average constituting the final Analytical Writing score.

Verbal Reasoning:

  • Verbal Reasoning evaluates the candidate's capacity to analyse written material, synthesize information, comprehend sentence structures, and discern word-concept relationships. Comprising two segments, each with roughly 20 questions, this section is scored from 130 to 170 in one-point increments.

Quantitative Reasoning:

  • Quantitative Reasoning scrutinizes problem-solving prowess, including proficiency in basic mathematical concepts and their application across diverse scenarios. Similar to Verbal Reasoning, it comprises two segments, each with around 20 questions, scored from 130 to 170 in one-point increments.

Unscored Research Section:

  • The GRE may feature an unscored research section, which could be either Verbal or Quantitative, dedicated to piloting new questions. Although it doesn't contribute to the final score, candidates should approach it diligently, as its identity remains undisclosed.

Unscored Verbal/Quantitative Sections:

  • Additionally, the GRE might include unscored Verbal or Quantitative sections for quality control purposes. While these sections do not impact the score, candidates are unaware of their designation.

Total Score:

  • The cumulative GRE score, derived from Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections, spans from 260 to 340, incremented by one point.

Test Duration:

  • The GRE General Test encompasses approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, inclusive of breaks.

It's vital to recognize that the GRE employs a computer-adaptive format, adapting question difficulty based on previous responses. Adequate preparation involves studying content and engaging in practice tests to acclimate to the test format and question types, ensuring optimal performance on exam day.

Syllabus


What each section of the GRE test covers:

Analytical Writing:

This section evaluates your ability to analyse and assess complex issues critically. While there isn't a specific syllabus, you should expect to:

  • Construct well-supported arguments on given topics.
  • Evaluate arguments by examining their logical coherence and identifying strengths and weaknesses.
  • Effectively organize and articulate your ideas in writing.

Verbal Reasoning:

This section tests your capacity to comprehend, analyse, and assess written material. It comprises questions that evaluate:

  • Reading comprehension: Your skill in understanding and drawing conclusions from written passages.
  • Text completion: Your vocabulary and sentence completion abilities.
  • Sentence equivalence: Your comprehension of sentence structure and word relationships.

Although there's no designated vocabulary list for the GRE, a strong vocabulary and adept reading comprehension skills are crucial for success.

Quantitative Reasoning:

This section measures your problem-solving skills and grasp of fundamental mathematical concepts. It covers:

  • Arithmetic: Concepts like integer properties, rational and irrational numbers, and basic operations.
  • Algebra: Topics including algebraic expressions, linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, and functions.
  • Geometry: Areas such as lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and coordinate geometry.
  • Data analysis: Questions pertaining to interpreting data presented in various formats like tables, graphs, and statistical measures.

While the GRE doesn't prescribe a specific math syllabus, it's recommended to be proficient in high school-level mathematics, encompassing algebra, geometry, and basic statistics.

It's important to emphasize the development of robust critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, alongside enhancing reading comprehension and vocabulary.

GRE preparation typically involves utilizing official GRE test prep materials, practice tests, and study guides. Getting accustomed to question formats and practicing under timed conditions are essential strategies for GRE success.

FAQ'S

The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test used for admissions into various graduate, engineering and business programs worldwide.

The GRE takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete, including one 10-minute break.

The Verbal and Quantitative sections are scored on a scale of 130 to 170, in one-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored from 0 to 6, in half-point increments.

You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within a continuous rolling 12-month period.

The timing depends on your application deadlines. Its recommended to take the GRE at least 2-3 months before your earliest application deadline.

The GRE General Test is required for most graduate programs, while GRE Subject Tests focus on specific subjects and are typically required for particular programs.

The GRE is primarily computer-based in India, but a paper-based version is offered in areas where computer testing is not available.

No, personal calculators are not allowed. An on-screen calculator is provided for the Quantitative section.

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