GRE
The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test widely used for graduate school admissions in the United States and in other English-speaking countries. Here’s a breakdown of its key components and other relevant information:
- Sections: The GRE consists of three main sections:
a. Analytical Writing: This section evaluates your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. It comprises two tasks: Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument.
b. Verbal Reasoning: This section assesses your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, as well as to understand and evaluate relationships between words and concepts. It includes reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence questions.
c. Quantitative Reasoning: This section measures your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information, solve problems using mathematical models, and apply basic mathematical skills and concepts. It includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis questions.
- Scoring: The GRE is scored on a scale of 130 to 170 for both the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections, in one-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments.
- Test Format: The GRE can be taken on a computer or on paper, depending on the test-taker’s preference and location. The computer-based test is the most common format. It is administered year-round at designated testing centers around the world.
- Test Duration: The computer-based GRE test typically takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete, including breaks. The Analytical Writing section is always the first, followed by the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections. There is also a 10-minute break between sections 1 and 2, and a 1-minute break between sections 2 and 3.
- Registration: Test-takers can register for the GRE online through the official website of the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization that administers the GRE. Registration typically requires creating an ETS account, selecting a test date and location, and paying the applicable registration fee.
- Preparation: Many resources are available to help test-takers prepare for the GRE, including study guides, practice tests, and preparatory courses. These resources can be found online, in bookstores, or through test preparation companies.
- Score Reporting: After completing the test, test-takers can view their unofficial scores for the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections immediately after the test. Official scores, including Analytical Writing scores, are typically available within 10-15 days after the test date and can be accessed online through the ETS website.
- Validity: GRE scores are typically valid for five years from the date of the test. However, some graduate programs may have their own policies regarding score validity, so it’s essential to check the requirements of each program to which you plan to apply.
- Test Fees: The registration fee for the GRE varies by country but is typically around $205 USD as of the time of this writing. Additional fees may apply for services such as late registration, rescheduling, or score reporting to additional institutions.
Overall, the GRE serves as a crucial component of the graduate school application process, providing admissions committees with a standardized measure of a candidate’s readiness for advanced study in various fields.