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GRE Overview
What is GRE?
The Graduate Record Examination or GRE is a standardized test used by graduate schools (schools which offer degrees beyond the bachelor’s degree like MA, MS, PHD etc) and universities abroad for the purpose of admission in different streams like graduate studies, fellowships programs, research programs and all the other streams except management, medicines and law. For management streams admission is done through GMAT. For law streams admission is done through LSAT. This test is delivered in English. There are two types of GRE test: GRE General Test and one is GRE Subject Test.
Who administer GRE?
GRE is developed and administered by the US-based ‘Educational Testing Service’ (ETS). ETS sets the questions, conducts the test and sends the score report of the examinees. ETS has appointed Testing Agency in India which is the Prometric Testing (P) Ltd which administers the test at 10 centers in the country.
Who takes it and why?
Applicants who want to join a graduate school (school which offers degrees beyond the bachelor’s degree like MA, MS, PHD etc) or university abroad for the purpose of admission in any stream except management, medicines or law take this test. A candidate may take either GRE General Test or GRE Subject Test or both depending upon the courses and the Institute or University requirements.
What it measures and doesn’t measure?
The GRE General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study. The GRE Subject Tests gauge undergraduate achievement in the eight specific fields of study: Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology. Each Subject Test is intended for students who have majored in or have extensive background in that specific area.
What is the eligibility for writing GRE?
Anyone and everyone is 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. But it is always better if scores are not older than 2 years More>>
When and where you can write this test?
You can write GRE General Test anytime in a year at a computer based test centers in US, Canada and many other countries. If in your area/ country, computer based testing facility is not available then only you are eligible for GRE General Paper based test. The GRE General test which is given at a computer based test center is known as the GRE computer based general test. Similarly the GRE General test which is given at a paper based test center is known as the GRE General Paper based test.
In GRE Computer based test, you take exams using a computer. Whereas in a GRE paper based test you write exams on papers using a pencil and a rubber. Paper based testing facility is available in countries like China, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, India etc. In India we have paper based testing centers at: Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Tirvandrum and Hyderabad. The GRE Subject Tests are given at paper-based test centers worldwide three times a year in: November, December and April. More>>
Note: You may take the General Test (computer-based and/or paper-based) only once per month and not more than 5 times within a year.
Who Accepts GRE Scores?
Any accredited graduate or professional school, or any department or division within a school or any non-accredited institution (which is approved by GRE board) can accept GRE General Test Scores or GRE Subject Test Scores or both.
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GRE Test Content
GRE Computer Based General Test
This test has three sections:
* Analytical Writing Section
This is the first test you give in a GRE Computer Based General Test. It consists of two separate writing tasks—Analysis of an Issue and Analysis of an Argument. You have to complete analysis of an issue in 45 minutes and analysis of an argument in 30 minutes.
* Quantitative Section
This section may appear before or after the verbal section. It includes an unidentified verbal or quantitative pretest section. The pretest section is not counted as part of your score. This section consist of 28 multiple-choice questions of two types—Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving. You have to complete the entire section within 45 minutes.
* Verbal Section
This section may appear before or after the quantitative section. This section consists of 30 multiple-choice questions of three types—Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction. You have to complete the entire section within 30 minutes. An identified research section that is not scored may also be included in the final section of the test. Questions in the research section are included for the purpose of ETS research, and answers will not count toward your scores.
GRE Computer Based General Test Format
Section No of questions Maximum Time Allowed
Analytical Writing
Analysis of an Issue 1 Topic 45 Minutes
Analysis of an Argument 1 Topic 30 Minutes
Quantitative Section 28 Questions 45 Minutes
Data Sufficiency
Problem Solving
Verbal Section 30 Qestions 30 Minutes
Reading Comprehension
Critical Reasoning
Sentence Correction
Pretest Varies Varies
Research Varies Varies
GRE Paper Based General Test
This test has five sections:
* One Analytical Writing Section
* Two Quantitative Sections
* Two Verbal Sections
GRE Paper Based General Test Format
Section No of questions Maximum Time Allowed
Analytical Writing
Analysis of an Issue 1 Topic 45 Minutes
Analysis of an Argument 1 Topic 30 Minutes
2 Quantitative Section 30 Questions per section 30 Minutes per section
Data Sufficiency
Problem Solving
2 Verbal Section 38 Questions per section 30 Minutes per section
Reading Comprehension
Critical Reasoning
Sentence Correction
Pretest Varies Varies
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GRE Subject Tests
The eight subject tests are described below:
1. Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
The test consists of approximately 180 multiple-choice questions. The content of the test is organized into three major areas: biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology and genetics. Throughout the test, there is an emphasis on questions requiring problem-solving skills as well as content knowledge.
2. Biology
The test consists of approximately 200 five-choice questions. The content of the test is organized into three major areas: cellular and molecular biology, organism biology, and ecology and evolution. Approximately equal weight is given to each of these three areas.
3. Chemistry
The test consists of approximately 200 five-choice questions. The content of the test is organized into three major areas: cellular and molecular biology, organism biology, and ecology and evolution. Approximately equal weight is given to each of these three areas.
4. Computer Science
The test consists of approximately 70 multiple-choice questions. The approximate distribution of questions in each edition of the test according to content categories is indicated by the following outline: Software Systems and Methodology — 40%, Computer organization and architecture — 15%, Theory and Mathematical Background — 40%, Other Topics — 5%.
5. Literature in English
Each edition of the test consists of approximately 230 questions on poetry, drama, biography, the essay, the short story, the novel, criticism, literary theory, and the history of the language. Some questions are based on short works reprinted in their entirety, some on excerpts from longer works. The test emphasizes authors, works, genres, and movements. The questions may be somewhat arbitrarily classified into two groups: factual and critical.
6. Mathematics
The test consists of approximately 66 multiple-choice questions drawn from courses commonly offered at the undergraduate level. Approximately 50 percent of the questions involve calculus and its applications. About 25 percent of the questions in the test are in elementary algebra, linear algebra, abstract algebra, and number theory. The remaining questions deal with other areas of mathematics currently studied by undergraduates in many institutions.
7. Physics
The test consists of approximately 100 five-choice questions. The aim of the test is to determine the extent of the examinees' grasp of fundamental principles and their ability to apply these principles in the solution of problems. Most test questions can be answered on the basis of a mastery of the first three years of undergraduate physics.
8. Psychology
Most editions of the test consist of approximately 205 multiple-choice questions. Each question in the test has five options from which the examinee is to select the one option that is the correct or best answer to the question. Questions may require recalling factual information, analyzing relationships, applying principles, drawing conclusions from data, evaluating a research design, and/or identifying a psychologist who has made a theoretical or research contribution to the field.
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The New GRE Test Format
The GRE will undergo a significant changes from it’s current pattern. The new pattern is valid w.e.f. October 2007. A few salient features of the new test:
* It will be a linear computer test and not Computer Adaptive Test; therefore everyone gets the same set of problems and no adaptability across student performances
* Increased duration to around 4 hours (up from 3 hours)
* Shift of emphasis to analytical skills rather than the earlier focus on vocabulary and straight reasoning
The test sections in the new GRE are as follows:
1. Quantitative Reasoning: There will be 2 sections of 40 minutes each. There will be less of geometry, more of data interpretation and logical problems. The questions will try to map to real life scenario and use basic formula. Level would still remain 10th or 11th. Another new would be a small on-screen calculator with some commonly used basic functions. The section is scored out of 800 (scaled score and not absolute score).
2. Verbal Ability: There will be 2 sections of 40 minutes each. Shift would be away from vocabulary and more towards reading comprehension and reasoning. The new GRE could also see some sentence correction/ grammar kind of questions. The renewed focus would be to test the cognitive skills of the candidates. The level of difficulty again remains 10th or 11th. However many non-English countries face a problem in this section and need a rigorous preparation. This section will be scored out of 800 (scaled score and not absolute score).
3. Analytical Writing Ability: Two essays 30 minutes each and the section maximum is 6.0. This is a qualitative assessment and gets delivered later. The topics would be: a. argument; b. issue tasks. The new GRE aims to give specific topics and avoid ambiguity and therefore promote original writing.
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GRE Test Preparation
How to prepare for GRE?
You should begin preparing for the GRE one to three months before test day. You may need more time (two to five months) if you have been out of school for some time and need to brush up on material. To prepare for GRE there are three main options:
* GRE classroom courses
It is the most expensive and effective way of preparing for GRE. It covers following areas of preparation:
o Detailed classroom explanation
o Preparatory books and study material
o Mock-GRE tests
o Group Discussion and Interview Training
o Face to face interaction with the faculty
* Online courses.
Many students use an online course to start and then use a classroom course to focus on weak areas. Some reputed online courses for GRE are offered at:
www.800score.com
* Self Study
The best way to answer this would be to understand ones self despondency and ability to manage a tight preparation schedule. If someone can do this on his/ her own then self preparation is good enough.
Preparation Material and Strategy
Tons of preparation material for GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test are available on www.ets.org. Official Guide is the best reference material for problems, they are real GRE problems. For more help you can pick up any like: Kaplan, Princeton, or 800Score or any other online ones.
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GRE Registration Details
Select a Test Center
Select a test center location which is nearest to you. Most of the test centers are at the permanent locations. Some test centers are temporary and offer GRE exam only on a very limited schedule. In some countries supplementary test centers offer a paper based version of GRE exam once or twice in a year.
* List of Computer Based General Test Centers
* List of Paper Based General Test Centers (PDF)
* List of GRE Subject Test Centers
Registration for the GRE Computer based General Test
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. So you should register early to get your preferred test date, and to receive your test preparation material in time to prepare for the test.
If you are in US, US territory or Canada, then you can register for the Computer Based General Test either through online or by phone or mail. Click here to register for Computer Based General Test online.
Registration for the GRE Paper Based General Test
If Computer based testing facility is not available in your area/ country then only you are eligible for registering for Paper Based General Test. You can register for the test either online or by mail. Click here to register for Paper Based General Test online.
Registration for the GRE Subject Test
You can register for the test online or by mail. Click here to register for the GRE Subject Test online.
Note: For online registration you must have a Credit Card. However there is no compulsion that the credit card should be owned by the applicant for paying the GRE Fees.
Candidates can register for GRE Tests in India at:
Prometric Testing Private Limited
2nd Floor, DLF Infinity Tower - A
Sector 25, Phase ll
DLF City, Gurgaon
Haryana 122002
India
Tel: 91-124-5147700
Fax: 91-124-5147773
Website: www.prometricindia.com
Test Takers with Disabilities
If you have a documented disability and require special accommodations, then read the 2006-07 Bulletin Supplement for Test Takers with Disabilities for GRE (PDF). The Praxis Series contains contact information, registration procedures, and forms for these programs.
Send all completed requests for testing accommodations to:
ETS Disability Services
PO Box 6054
Princeton, NJ 08541-6054
Note: You can not register online for GRE if you are requesting special accommodation.
Test Fees:
GRE General Test fees (whether Computer based or Paper Based) is US$ 130 in US, US$ 175 in China and US$ 160 at all other locations.
GRE Subject Test fees is US$ 130 in US and US$ 150 at all other locations.
Rescheduling Fee: If you want to reschedule the date, time, or location of the GRE General Test (whether Computer Based or Paper Based) or GRE Subject Test, provided you reschedule or cancel your appointment at least three full days before the date and time of your original appointment (not including the day of your test or the day of your request) then you will have to pay a rescheduling fee of US $ 40.. In certain countries you may have to incur taxes if you reschedule your exam.
Cancellation Refund: If you cancel your test appointment no later than 3 full days prior to your test date, US $60 will be refunded to you. In case you cancel your appointment within 3 days of your appointment date and time, you forfeit your entire registration fee. This cancellation refund is applicable on both GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test.
Modes of Payment: Your payment must be made in US dollars if you write a check and it should be drawn on banks located in the United States. You can also pay through: Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), Debit card (Visa or MasterCard), Cashier’s check, US postal Money order, International Money Order, Personal check, UNESCO coupons. All payments must be made in full and be made payable to ETS-GRE.
Postdated checks are not accepted. If payment is not submitted in U.S. dollars, or otherwise does not comply with the specified requirements or other standard banking practices, then your registration or request for exam will not be processed and your payment will be rejected and/or returned.
Note: The drafts are usually issued at most of the cities' main branch offices of banks having a foreign exchange counter. To draw an US dollar denominated draft in India a service charge of about 200 rupees is levied on the student.
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GRE Scores
A GRE score is considered to be a good predictor of how you will perform in a graduate school, and is used to distinguish you from your fellow applicants. In fact, at many schools, the GRE is the main factor that determines not only your acceptance, but also what merit-based grants, fellowships, assistantships, and financial aid you may be eligible to receive.
GRE General Test Scores (Both Computer Based and Paper Based)
The processes for calculating scores for both Computer and Paper Based tests are similar, in that the number of questions answered correctly is adjusted according to the difficulty level of the questions on the test form. Research indicates that scores obtained from the computer-based General Test are comparable to scores from the paper-based General Test. Thus, the mode of testing, which is indicated on examinee score reports, is not indicated on score reports sent to institutions.
You will see four types of scores on your GRE Score report:
* Verbal score
* Quantitative score
* Total score
* Analytical Writing Assessment score
Total GRE Score is reported out of 1600. The verbal and quantitative scores each range from 200 to 800 in 10 points increment. Analytical writing Assessment score ranges from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. Any section in which you answer no questions at all will be reported as a No Score (NS). The standard scores for the Verbal Section and Quantitative Sections are about 470 and 570 respectively. Your scores will be calculated based upon the number of questions answered, and your score will decrease significantly with each unanswered question. The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) score is an average of the ratings given to the Analysis of an Issue and the Analysis of an Argument sections.
Note: Score reports include all your GRE scores from tests taken in the last five (5) years.
GRE Subject Test Scores
There are two types of GRE Subject Test Scores: Total Score and Sub Scores. Sub scores indicate relative strengths and weaknesses of preparation in subfield areas. For example, an examinee who obtains a score of 600 on the GRE Biology Test is likely to have sub scores of 60, in Cellular & Molecular Biology, Organism Biology and Ecology & Evolution, assuming the examinee is similarly able in the subfield areas measured by each sub score.
The range of total scores for each Subject Test is from 200 to 990. The possible range of sub scores is from 20 to 99. GRE Subject Test scores are calculated independently for each Subject test. GRE Subject Test scores should be compared only with other scores on the same GRE Subject Test. A score of 680 on the Computer Science Test, for example, is not equivalent to a 680 on the Physics Test.
Percentile Rank
For each of your scores (Verbal, Quantitative, Total, and Analytical Writing Assessment) on the GRE General test you will receive a percentile rank. Each rank indicates the percentage of examinees that scored below you based on the scores of the entire GRE testing population for the most recent three-year period. Your percentile rank may change from year to year. However, your scaled score never changes.
When GRE Scores are available
GRE Computer-Based General Test scores are mailed to you and up to 4 institutions approximately 10 to 15 days after you take the test. GRE Paper-Based General Test Scores and GRE Subject Test scores are mailed to you and up to 4 institutions approximately 4 to 6 weeks after your test date. These institutions must be designated prior to the test administration.
Who Accepts GRE Scores
Any accredited graduate or professional school, or any department or division within a school or any non-accredited institution (which is approved by GRE board) can accept GRE General Test Scores or GRE Subject Test Scores or both.
How Graduate Schools Use your Score
Each school evaluates the scores in its own way; there are no “passing” or “failing” GRE scores. If you have questions about how individual schools use your GRE scores, please contact the schools directly.
Factors involved in admission to foreign Graduate schools
Factors involved in admission to Top Graduate Schools
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GRE Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Computer Adaptive Test (CAT)?
In a computer-adaptive test, the computer screen displays one question at a time, which is chosen from a very large set of questions categorized by content and difficulty. The first question is always of a medium difficulty, and each subsequent question is determined by your responses to all the previous questions. In other words, the CAT adjusts itself to your ability level.
A subsequent question is displayed on the screen only after you have answered the previous question, so you cannot skip a question. You cannot also go back to a previously answered question to change your answer. Thus, if you guess a correct answer or answer a question incorrectly by mistake, your answers to subsequent questions will lead you back to questions that are at the appropriate level of difficulty for you. Each question in the GRE CAT or GMAT CAT has five answer options, and you are required to select one of these five as the correct answer by clicking on it. You’ll get few questions that are either too easy or too difficult for you.
Note: GRE Computer based General test is a GRE CAT.
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Ideal time for preparation
Q2: What should be an average and ideal time line for the prep?
GRE would require a sustained preparation of around 3-4 months study with an average of 2-3 hours a day. If not 2-3 hours a day, then try doing it 4-5 hours every alternate day. The duration will depend on your present work schedule and your personal weak and strong points. For many Indians the vocabulary list is the most challenging and most time consuming. So focus on your weak spots and spend adequate time to give yourself confidence.
Books for GRE
Q3: It would be very helpful if you could throw some light on what are the must / best books for the GRE? Is there any Big book for the GRE?
The standard books which have worked well for many people are the Barron’s, Arco’s, Princeton Review and Kaplan. Big Book is now out of publish but a good resource in case you can get an old copy for yourself. PowerPrep is an original compilation of GRE tests by ETS, a good resource. www.majortests.com is a good Web site for free GRE questions.
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Admission criteria of US colleges/ MS programs
Q4: I have completed my BE in mechanical engineering this year. Now, I am preparing for GRE to get admission into one of the US 100 best colleges. I want to know what GRE score I need to get into these colleges. I got a GPA of 3.9. Can u please help me to find out the requirements of these colleges?
A typical US college looks at your academic, application, Statement of Purpose (SOP), GRE and TOEFL scores. Build on your strengths and cover your weaknesses. A good engineering score would definitely give you an edge. A good GRE score is around 1500+. Again, the better the application the better the chances of scholarships and assistantships. The most important thing is the SOP. Ensure that it captures everything, is well written and professionally formatted. If you can get someone to help, no harm. Someone who is familiar with US English and culture would be ideal to help you polish your SOP and create a good impact.
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Is Math easy enough for a Medical student?
Q5: I am a final year MBBS student. I want to apply for MSc course in Pathology in US, Canadaor Germany. For this reason I need to pass the GRE general test.
The test includes portion of mathematics, I have not studied mathematics since I passed my matriculation (7 years ago) therefore I have forgotten mathematics; I want to know how should I prepare for the mathematics? What level of mathematical skill should I acquire for this test, I mean matriculation level or intermediate level? And suggest some books?
The Math is of 10th or 11th grade level. Pretty conceptual in it’s coverage. You would need to brush it up. Start with some standard books like Baron’s etc. If you face difficulty refer to any 10th or 11th class guides for more details on specific topics.
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Scope of MSc/PhD in Pathology
Q6: Please give me some information regarding scope of doing MSc/PhD in Pathology in Canada or USA because I am aiming to work and settle out there?
In general the scope is average unless you do it from a good university. I do not have specific university information.
Going to USA via GRE for USMLE?
Q7: Is it a right way to go to USA through GRE and then clear MLE?
With PLAB becoming tougher and tougher with each day passing, I think many medicos like me who want to be abroad would like to change their mind to something impossible called MLE. Wouldn’t it be a right option to get through GRE first and then shift to MLE?
Going to the US first through GRE and then writing USMLE is now becoming pretty popular. It is a way out. Having said that the competition would still be the same, it will not decrease. USMLE would still be as tough or as easy. However if you are desperate and you feel that you will have access to better facilities to prepare for USMLE then go first with GRE then prepare for USMLE. If you are serious, focused and have access to material in your home country then writing your USMLE now is a better option. Why spend extra money on GRE and waste 1-2 years?
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MS in Canada through GRE
Q8: What is the procedure to pursue MS program in Canada?
Canadian MS programs usually take students based on academic score and IELTS or TOEFL. Not many schools need a GRE score. In general scholarships are hard to come in Canada. Loans are tough too. Part-time jobs and assistantships are good options. A couple of good Universities to try out and find out more are www.mcgill.ca and www.ubc.ca.
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