The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test used for admissions to graduate schools and business programs in various countries, especially in the United States. The GRE measures a candidate’s readiness for graduate-level academic work and assesses skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.

The GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is accepted by thousands of universities, business schools, and other institutions worldwide. It’s a key part of the admissions process for a wide range of graduate and business programs, including master’s, MBA, and doctoral programs.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the GRE exam:

1. GRE Test Versions

There are two primary formats of the GRE:

a. GRE General Test

  • The most common version of the GRE.
  • Purpose: Assesses your general academic abilities that are relevant to graduate and business school programs.
  • Sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing.
  • Format: Computer-based test (in most locations), but a paper-based version is available in regions where the computer-based test is not offered.

b. GRE Subject Tests

  • Purpose: These are specialized tests in specific academic subjects (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Literature in English).
  • Format: Paper-based and only offered on specific dates.
  • Use: Primarily used by graduate programs that require a deeper understanding of a specific field.
  • Not as commonly required: Most graduate programs prefer the GRE General Test, but some specific programs may require a Subject Test.

2. GRE General Test Format

The GRE General Test consists of three main sections:

  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Analytical Writing

a. Verbal Reasoning (Time: 60 minutes)

  • Content: This section assesses your ability to understand and analyze written material, evaluate arguments, and draw conclusions.
  • Question Types:
    1. Reading Comprehension: Questions based on short passages of text. Test-takers must determine the main idea, tone, or specific details of the passage.
    2. Text Completion: Sentences with one or more blanks. You need to choose the correct words from a list of options to complete the sentence meaningfully.
    3. Sentence Equivalence: A sentence with a blank, and you need to choose two answer choices that best complete the meaning of the sentence.
  • Skills Tested:
    • Vocabulary and understanding of context.
    • Ability to identify the relationships between ideas in a passage.
    • Logical reasoning and inference skills.
  • Scoring: 130-170 points, in 1-point increments.

b. Quantitative Reasoning (Time: 35 minutes)

  • Content: This section measures your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information, as well as solve problems involving mathematical concepts.
  • Question Types:
    1. Problem Solving: Traditional multiple-choice questions testing basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
    2. Quantitative Comparison: Questions that ask you to compare two quantities and select the correct relationship between them (e.g., “greater”, “lesser”, “equal”, or “cannot be determined”).
    3. Data Interpretation: Questions based on data presented in tables, graphs, or charts. You need to analyze the data and answer questions accordingly.
  • Skills Tested:
    • Arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
    • Data analysis and interpretation.
    • Problem-solving using quantitative methods.
  • Scoring: 130-170 points, in 1-point increments.

c. Analytical Writing (Time: 60 minutes)

  • Content: This section evaluates your ability to think critically, analyze arguments, and express your ideas in clear, coherent writing.
  • Tasks:
    1. Issue Task: You are given a statement on an issue and asked to construct a well-organized essay expressing your views on the matter.
    2. Argument Task: You are provided with an argument and asked to critique its reasoning, pointing out logical flaws and weaknesses.
  • Skills Tested:
    • Critical thinking and reasoning.
    • Ability to structure and communicate ideas effectively in writing.
    • Logical analysis and evaluation of arguments.
  • Scoring: Scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments. Scores are based on quality of writing, including clarity, coherence, and organization.

3. GRE Test Structure

  • The GRE General Test consists of 4 sections:
    • 1 Verbal Reasoning section (20 questions) – 35 minutes
    • 1 Quantitative Reasoning section (20 questions) – 35 minutes
    • 1 Analytical Writing section – 60 minutes
    • 1 Unscored Research section (experimental section): This is an unscored section used by ETS to test out new questions. It may be included in either the Verbal or Quantitative sections but does not affect your score. You will not know which section is the experimental one.
  • The total test time is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, including the breaks.

4. Scoring and Results

  • GRE Scoring Scale:

    • Verbal Reasoning: 130–170 points (in 1-point increments).
    • Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170 points (in 1-point increments).
    • Analytical Writing: 0–6 points (in half-point increments).

  • Total Score Range: The Verbal and Quantitative sections together give a total score range of 260–340 points.

    • The Analytical Writing score is reported separately and does not affect the combined score.

  • Reporting Scores: After completing the GRE, you will receive your scores for the Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing sections. Scores for the Verbal and Quantitative sections are available immediately after the test (on the computer screen), but your Analytical Writing score is available after about 10-15 days.

    • Your official score report will also include the date you took the test, your test scores, and the score ranges for each section.

  • Score Validity: GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date.

  • Sending Scores: You can send your scores to up to 4 graduate programs for free when you register for the test. Additional score reports can be sent to other programs for a fee.

5. GRE Test Dates & Locations

  • Test Dates: The GRE General Test is offered year-round at computer-based test centers, and candidates can schedule their test at any time. Subject Tests are offered on specific dates, usually in September, October, and April.
  • Test Locations: The GRE is offered at ETS-authorized test centers in more than 160 countries around the world.

6. GRE Registration & Fees

  • How to Register: Registration can be completed online through the official ETS website or by phone. You need to create a My GRE Account, choose a test date and location, and pay the registration fee.

  • Test Fee: The registration fee for the GRE General Test is approximately $205 (fees may vary by location).

    • Subject Tests: Approximately $150.

  • Payment Methods: You can pay via credit card, debit card, PayPal, or other accepted payment methods.

7. GRE Preparation

  • Official GRE Preparation Materials:

    • ETS GRE PowerPrep: Free official practice tests and study guides from ETS.
    • GRE Official Guide: A comprehensive study book by ETS.
    • GRE Preparation Courses: Many institutions, both in-person and online, offer GRE preparation courses.

  • Study Materials:

    • Books: Many test prep publishers (such as Kaplan, Princeton Review, Manhattan Prep, Barron’s) offer study guides and books specifically designed for the GRE.
    • Online Resources: Websites like Magoosh, Test Prep, and others provide online practice materials and courses.

  • Study Tips:

    • Focus on Weak Areas: Identify areas of weakness (e.g., quantitative reasoning or verbal reasoning) and focus your preparation efforts on those.
    • Practice Under Timed Conditions: The GRE is a timed test, so practicing with a timer is crucial to ensure you can complete each section in the given time.
    • Work on Analytical Writing: Practice writing essays on a variety of topics to improve your writing skills. Focus on structure, clarity, and argumentation.

8. GRE Test-Day Tips

  • Arrive Early: Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time.
  • Bring Necessary Items: Bring your valid photo ID, and make sure you know the test center location in advance.
  • Stay Calm and Focused: The GRE can be a long test, so staying calm and pacing yourself is important.
  • **Use Breaks Wis
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