GRE: Graduate Record Examination

What is the GRE Exam? 

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that is widely accepted by graduate and business schools around the world as part of the admissions process. The GRE assesses your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills—essential skills for success in graduate and business school programs. 

Why Take the GRE?

1. Graduate School Admissions:
   • The GRE is required or accepted by thousands of graduate programs across various disciplines, including sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and business. 
2. Graduate School Admissions:
   • The GRE is required or accepted by thousands of graduate programs across various disciplines, including sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and business.
3. Business School Admissions: 
   • Many MBA programs now accept GRE scores as an alternative to the GMAT, offering flexibility for applicants who may be considering both types of graduate programs. 
4. Showcase Your Skills:
   • A strong GRE score demonstrates your readiness for the rigorous academic work expected in graduate school and can strengthen your application.
5. Scholarships and Fellowships:
   • High GRE scores can improve your chances of receiving scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships from graduate programs.

Structure of the GRE Exam

The GRE General Test is a computer-based exam, though a paper-based version is available in regions where computer-based testing is not available. The exam consists of three main sections: 

1. Analytical Writing: 
   • Time: 60 minutes (two tasks, 30 minutes each)
   • Tasks:
     •  Analyze an Issue: You are required to write an essay in which you respond to a statement or claim, developing your own argument.
     •   Analyze an Argument: You are required to critique the logic of an argument provided in the prompt.
   • Skills Tested: Critical thinking, ability to construct and evaluate arguments, and clarity in written communication

• Verbal Reasoning:
  • Time: 60 minutes (two sections, 30 minutes each)
  • Number of Questions: 20 questions per section

Question Types: Reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence.

• Skills Tested: Ability to analyze and evaluate written material, understand relationships among words and concepts, and interpret meaning from context.
• Quantitative Reasoning:
  • Time: 70 minutes (two sections, 35 minutes each)
  • Number of Questions: 20 questions per section
  • Question Types: Quantitative comparison, problem-solving, and data interpretation.
  • Skills Tested: Basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis, and ability to reason quantitatively

Additional Sections 

• Unscored Section: 
  • The GRE may include an unscored section, which is either a verbal or quantitative section that does not count towards your score. This section is used by ETS (the test maker) to test new questions. You will not know which section is unscored. 
• Research Section: 
  • In some cases, the test may include a research section instead of the unscored section. This section is always placed at the end of the test and is used for ETS research purposes. 

Scoring 

• Total GRE Score: 
  • GRE Score: ○ The total score is based on the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. Each section is scored on a scale of 130 to 170, in one-point increments. The combined score ranges from 260 to 340. 
• Analytical Writing Score:
  • Scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments. This score is separate from your Verbal and Quantitative scores. 
• Score Validity:
  • GRE scores are valid for five years, providing flexibility in your application timeline. 

Registration and Exam Dates 

• Registration:
  • You can register for the GRE online through the official ETS website. The exam fee is around $220, though this can vary by country. 
• Test Dates:
  • The GRE is offered year-round at test centers worldwide. You should register early to secure your preferred test date, especially during peak application seasons. 

Preparing for the GRE 

1. Understand the Format:
   • Familiarize yourself with the GRE’s structure and types of questions. Knowing what to expect will help reduce anxiety and improve your time management on test day. 
2. Practice with Official Materials: 
   • Use official ETS GRE prep materials, including practice tests and questions. These resources are designed to closely match the actual test in terms of content and difficulty.
3. Develop a Study Plan: 
   • Create a study schedule that allows ample time to cover all sections of the exam. Focus on your weaker areas while reinforcing your strengths. 
4. Take Practice Tests: 
   • Regularly take full-length practice tests to build stamina and get used to the timing of the exam. Review your answers to understand where you went wrong and how to improve.
5. Consider Prep Courses: 
   • If you need additional guidance, consider enrolling in a GRE prep course. These courses offer structured learning, expert instruction, and access to additional study materials. 

Test Day: What to Expect 

• Arrival:
  • Arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Bring a valid ID that matches the name on your registration. 
• Security Measures:
  • Expect strict security protocols, including digital fingerprinting and photograph verification. Personal items are not allowed in the testing room.
• Breaks:
  • You will have a 10-minute break after the third section and a one-minute break between the other sections. Use this time to refresh yourself and stay focused

Sending GRE Scores to Schools

• Score Reporting:
  • After completing the exam, you can choose up to four graduate programs to receive your GRE scores at no additional cost. You can send scores to additional programs for a fee
• Score Reporting:
  • The GRE offers a "ScoreSelect" option, allowing you to send only your best scores to schools. This is especially useful if you have taken the test multiple times
• Retaking the GRE:
  • You can retake the GRE every 21 days, up to five times within a rolling 12-month period. Schools generally consider your highest score, though all scores from the past five years may be visible on your report. 

GRE Subject Tests

• What are GRE Subject Tests?
  • In addition to the General Test, ETS offers GRE Subject Tests in specific disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. These tests are designed to measure your knowledge in a particular field of study. 
• When to Take GRE Subject Tests:
  • Some graduate programs may require or recommend a GRE Subject Test as part of their application process. These tests are offered three times a year, in September, October, and April. 
• Structure and Scoring:
  • Each Subject Test is a paper-based exam scored on a scale of 200 to 990, with subscores for specific areas within the discipline

GRE vs. GMAT

• Choosing Between GRE and GMAT:
  • While both the GRE and GMAT are accepted by many business schools, the GRE is generally more versatile, as it is accepted by a broader range of graduate programs. The GRE has a more diverse verbal section, while the GMAT focuses more on data interpretation and problem-solving. Consider your strengths and the requirements of your target programs when deciding which test to take.