Gre Overview
GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is conducted for those students who want to get an admission in any foreign university for graduate programmes. GRE is conducted by the Education Testing Service. The pattern of the exam is objective with multiple-choice questions. This exam score plays a key role in taking admission in one of the foreign universities.
GRE is a standardized test that is required for admissions for many graduate schools in the United States as well as other English-speaking countries world-wide. The exam aims to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills that have been acquired over a long period of time irrespective of the field of study.
Being the standardized test used to get admissions in various graduate schools or business graduate schools in various English speaking countries especially the US, more than 600,000 prospective graduate school applicants from approximately 160 countries take the GRE Test at 700 test centers.
Computer-based test is the most commonly used GRE test format. However, paper-based format is available at centers where Computer-based GRE technology is not there.
The test contains three sections verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Verbal reasoning and Quantitative reasoning are for 170 marks each, out of 130 comes by default, if the student attempts the exam. Each question carries 1 point. Analytical writing is for 6 marks. Each question carries half-point. Official scores are mailed after 10–15 days of the test.
GRE scores are valid for 5 years. But recent scores may be preferred. Students can request a rescore up to 3 months after your test date. Students can check the preparation material by visiting the official website of the GRE test.
Anyone can take up the GRE Test irrespective of qualifications and age, but one need to keep a few things in mind:
- The candidate should have his or her High School Certificate or any other course equivalent to the same.
- A valid passport is needed.
- A valid identity proof is required.
- The student should have a clear idea of the Institute the candidate wants to study in and whether it will accept the GRE Test scores or not.
Although taking the GRE is mandatory if a candidate wants to secure an admission to a good Institute, the time when the candidate plans to take it is also equally important.
Below are some important criterions to be considered:
- The candidate’s verbal and writing skills and analytical ability
- Any practice GRE test taken (this will help the candidate’s current skills)
Though, the GRE Test can be attempted anytime during the year, different Universities have different deadlines to send the Application forms. They usually accept students in the fall (Aug- Sept) or spring (June- July). It is recommendable and suggestible to take the exam at least one year before applying to any Universities for further studies.
Students who hold a valid international passport are eligible to take admission in any University abroad provided they have a valid GRE score. But that Test should not exceed 5 years. The same will be applicable to native students as well.
For handicapped students and for those who are having disabilities, ETS has put in a number of measures in place to make their test easier:
Students, who are having the health-related issues, are allowed to bring equipment, beverages or snacks into the examination room, or they can take extra and extended breaks, as per the accommodation request procedures detailed in the ETS website. Also the ETS provides alternate Test formats like Braille, recorded audio, and Readers script etc for the convenience of the candidate. The candidates can select any one of them.
The candidates should register through the ETS disability services providing a letter of recommendation from a Medical professional.
The registration formalities and the Fees along with the Applicant’s request should be submitted through online on a prior basis, as it takes approximately 6 weeks to process upon receipt.
The GRE test comprises of two types of tests. First one is the General Test which is compulsory and second is an optional Subject Test. The general test is to evaluate the students’ basic knowledge, learning capacity, analytical abilities, and logical, reasoning, and understanding skills. And the subject test measures subject specific abilities of the students. This test gives you a score, and hence a certification.
Test fees for the GRE may vary from country to country. The worldwide fee is U.S. $185 (approx Rs. 10,000). Test fees should be paid at the time of registration. Payments can be done in U.S. dollars only.
ETS also promote financial aid to those GRE applicants who prove economic hardship.