The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a widely accepted entrance exam conducted for the purpose of admission in several courses offered at various foreign universities. The objective of GRE test is to evaluate the verbal, mathematical and also analytical skills of the students and to check whether they are eligible to apply for various courses.
GRE helps the admission committee in the universities to gauge students applying from across the world on the same platform, the exams are of same for all the students taking GRE across the world. Also, GRE scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement your undergraduate records, recommendation letters and other qualifications for graduate-level study.
GRE is mandatory for most students aspiring for a Master Degree (except Business, Law and Medicine) and PhD courses in several universities in the US. The GRE revised test is accepted at thousands of graduate and business schools as well as departments and divisions within three schools.
GRE Exam Details
The GRE is a generalized test that isn’t related to any particular discipline or field. It has been designing to evaluate skills that you’ve already picked up over the years. This allows a wide range of universities to use it to benchmark applicants from diverse backgrounds applying to a big mix of degrees. If you were to look at the overall GRE exam pattern, it has 3 sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning.
1. Verbal reasoning
This section checks your capacity to understand the content author’s perspectives and intentions, prioritise the points made, and connect the dots across various ideas presented, even if they may not necessarily be documented in a coherent manner. This is the tricky section for non-native English speakers. The computer-based verbal sections assess reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and vocabulary usage. The verbal test is scored on a scale of 130-170, in 1-point increments (Before August, 2011 the scale was 200–800, in 10-point increments). In a typical examination, each verbal section consists of 20 questions to be completed in 30 minutes.
2. Quantitative reasoning
This is where you comfort level with numbers and quantitative data is tested. You’ll have to understand the problem and use models and mathematical formulas (from geometry, algebra, arithmentic) to solve them. The good news is that you will have access to a calculator. So no complex mental arithmetic to be done. The computer-based quantitative sections assess basic high school level mathematical knowledge and reasoning skills. The quantitative test is scored on a scale of 130–170, in 1-point increments (Before August 2011 the scale was 200–800, in 10-point increments). In a typical examination, each quantitative section consists of 20 questions to be completed in 35 minutes.
3. Analytical writing critical thinking skills
Analytical writing This section tests your ability to analyse facts, dissect arguments, judge the presented evidence and put forth your views in the most convincing and structured manner. The analytical writing section consists of two different essays, an “issue task” and an “argument task”. The writing section is graded on a scale of 0–6, in half-point increments.
Why HASSS
Qualified Trainer with 25 years experience
Career Counseling
Mock Tests and interviews
Updated Course Material
Online & Offline Classes
FAQ's
The GRE is administered year-round in testing centers all across the country. The only restriction on taking the test is that you may not take the GRE more than one time in any calendar month, even if you have taken the test and canceled your scores. When you should take the GRE depends on the application deadline of the school to which you are applying to and if you think you may need to take it more than once. For students taking the GRE in August or September 2011, scores will not be available until November. Consult the admissions offices of your prospective schools about their schedule.
To register online, visit www.ets.org
GRE Exam
GRE Exam Fees
GRE Exam Fee in INR
GRE General Test
$213
INR 15,857.70
GRE Subject Test
$150
INR 11164.92.
The only chance you have to cancel your score is immediately after you finish the exam but before you see your scores. After they have been reported to you, they cannot be canceled. If you cancel your scores, they cannot be reinstated, and you will not be eligible for a refund.
Score Reporting
You may take the GRE no more than once in any calendar month. If you take the GRE multiple times, some graduate schools may average your scores. You should call the schools to which you are applying to find out their policy and then plan your strategy accordingly. If you repeat the test, your scores from the latest test date and the two most recent test administrations in the last five years will be reported to the institutions you designate as recipients.
The average student scores around a 150 on both the GRE Verbal and Quantitative sections and a 4 on the Analytical Writing Section. A good score might be considered anything above 155 on the Verbal section and above 160 on the Quantitative section. However, what constitutes a good score will vary by school and by program. You will likely need a higher score to be admitted to a prestigious graduate program. Also consider that programs in mathematics and sciences will place more emphasis on Quantitative scores, while Verbal section scores are more important for programs in the humanities. To determine your specific goal, research the admissions requirements for the school and program you are interested in. This table represents information compiled from the websites of individual programs. It is subject to change and should be verified with the school.
For more information on the GRE, visit www.ets.org.
In addition to the GRE, admission officers generally look at your transcript, prior work experience, recommendations, and your essays in your application packet. While the GRE is not the only criterion used for admissions, it can have a big impact on whether or not you are accepted to the graduate school of your choice. While admission requirements vary widely among schools and among programs within a school, most graduate programs require scores for the GRE General Test or a GRE Subject Test or both.
The choice of school depends on financial factors, overall academic rank, specialty degree areas, locality, and more. Generally speaking, it is best to get into the highest ranked school for your targeted specialty area that you can; otherwise, pick your nearest best option that leverages your personal situation.
