Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The GRE General Test measures critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study. It is to be given by students who plan to pursue Master (M S) or Doctoral (Phd) program in US universities. GRE Test is developed and administered by the US-based “Educational Testing Service” (ETS) under the direction of the Graduate Record Examination Board, The GRE tests the fundamental skills – Reasoning and Comprehension included – and does not require any subject-specific theoretical study. (This is true only for the General GRE Test, and not the GRE Subject, which is required by certain universities. In this section, we mean the General GRE Test whenever we refer to the GRE Test)
The test is designed in such a way that it would be unlike any other test you would have taken at school or college. First, the test has no question paper or answer sheets, nor does it have the same set of questions for all the examinees. Further, it does not give you the option of not answering a question (unless, of course, you run out of time at the end). All this because the GRE Test is an entirely Computer based test. The test is scored out of 1600 (in multiples of 10).
The GRE Test is only one of several parameters which the graduate schools look at to determine the selection of an applicant. A high score alone does not translate into an admission offer from a great school. But the test can be looked upon as the first major hurdle to be cleared in the process of getting admission into a Graduate school of your choice.
Anyone and everyone are eligible for taking the GRE Test – there are no restrictions based on age or qualifications. The test scores are valid for five years, i.e., most universities accept scores up to five years old.
GRE test is held all round the year. September to December is the peak time for GRE test, so in incase you intend to take the test during this period, you need to register very early (say 90 days in advance) to get a date of your choice. Otherwise, registering at least 15 days in advance is mandatory.
GRE General Test
Analytical Writing — the skills measured include the test taker’s ability to
articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively
examine claims and accompanying evidence
support ideas with relevant reasons and examples
sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion
control the elements of standard written English.
Verbal Reasoning — the skills measured include the test taker’s ability to
analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it
analyze relationships among component parts of sentences
recognize relationships between words and concepts.
Quantitative Reasoning — The skills measured include the test taker’s ability to
understand basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis
reason quantitatively solve problems in a quantitative setting.
GRE Subject Tests Overview
The GRE Subject Tests gauge undergraduate achievement in the eight disciplines listed below. Each Subject Test is intended for students who have majored in or have extensive background in that specific area. Prospective graduate applicants take the Subject Tests. GRE test scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement undergraduate records and other qualifications for graduate study.
The scores provide common measures for comparing the qualifications of applicants and aid in the evaluation of grades and recommendations. Some Subject Tests yield sub scores that can indicate the strengths and weaknesses of individual students’ preparation and may be useful for guidance and placement purposes.
The Subject tests are given at paper-based test centers worldwide three times a year in:
November
December
April
For more information on GRE, registration process, preparation resources, test fee and other details, click on the links on the left or below:
www.ets.org