Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is an exam that aims to measure verbal reasoning capability, quantitative reasoning, analytical thinking and writing skills of the students.
It is required to enter most of the US graduate programs. It should be presented by Americans and international students in different disciplines, however, it is important that it is required in certain disciplines; for example, for law, arts, and music, GRE is not always required.
GRE can be a decisive factor in the admission process to postgraduate programs in the USA, since it allows universities to compare applicants from different countries and universities. It is also used to decide who to award scholarships and to offer grants. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare for this exam well.
Remember that for certain areas of study such as engineering and applied sciences, it is possible that the quantitative part is more important, whereas, in the case of others, such as humanities and social sciences, the decision focuses more on the verbal and writing part of the exam.
Why Take GRE?
Normally the examination is a fundamental requirement to apply for the admission to graduate programs in the USA and other countries, especially those in English speaking countries. With the results obtained in the exam, the admission offices seek to know how the candidate thinks and reasons on the academic subjects to see if the student can do well in a particular study program.
Modes Conducting Exam
GRE is s computer-based as well as a paper-based test, where a computer-based test is not possible. Both versions of the exam are valid for universities.
1 – Computer-Based
It is administered via computer.
2 – Paper-Based
It is solved on paper in ink.
In most countries of the world, computer-based GRE is available. You can choose to take paper-based GRE if you live in a country where there are not enough resources to take the exam on a computer.
Types of GRE
There are two types of GRE:
General Test
It is the most common and measures general knowledge. It has the following sections:
- Verbal reasoning
- Quantitative reasoning
- Analytical writing
Subject Test
It measures knowledge in specific areas and is only required in certain specific contexts. For example, for admission in a postgraduate program in biochemical engineering, the university can ask for this examination in Chemistry or Biology.
Duration
Completing computer-based test will take you a total of three and a half hours. To complete the first section of Analytic Writing, you will be given 60 minutes. You will have 30 minutes to write each of the two tasks that make up the section.
The section of Verbal Reasoning is also divided into two parts of 35 minutes each, in which you will have to complete a total of 50 questions.
The final section of Quantitative Reasoningconsists of two 40-minute parts during which you must answer 50 questions.
Scores
The sections of Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning are measured on a scale between 130 and 170. The score you get in these sections will depend not only on the number of questions you have answered correctly but also on the level of difficulty.
The section of Analytical Writing is measured on a scale between 0-6. Generally, educational institutions do not set a minimum score in the GRE to be able to apply to their programs, so the test results are complementary to the other admission requirements.
Acceptance
It is a globally recognized test for graduate programs, so it is accepted by several institutions, not only in the United States but also in other English speaking countries.
Result Announcement
Immediately after you have finished the exam, you will be able to see your unofficial results from the sections of Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning in the center where you have taken the test. Your official results, including those in the Analytical Writing section, will be available online 10 to 15 days after you take the test. It is important that you know that by enrolling in GRE, you can request that your results be sent directly to our educational institution.
Validity
The results obtained in GRE are valid for five years.
Locations
More than 700 GRE test facility centers are available in 160 countries.
Test Schedule
The computer-administered exam is offered year-round, while the written exam is offered up to three times a yearin areas where it is not possible to offer the computerized exam.
Paper-based is only offered two or three times a year. It is in any case necessary to register in advance to secure your seat.
Number of GRE Attempts
It can be presented every 21 days and up to five times a year.
How to Apply for GRE?
You can simply visit the site www.ets.org/gre and create a free account. Then you can check the dates and places available and proceed with the registration process.
- Payment is made by credit card.
- The exam has a fee of $205.
Importance of GRE Preparation and Practice
This is a complex exam which requires an academic level of English language expertise. Thus, it is essential to prepare on time with lots of practice.
You must imprint this fact in your mind that abundant practice of the GRE is an essential step to get through the test, or else you must be ready to reappear in the test. Simply put, the time you spend on GRE practice tests plays the fundamental role in your success.
Importance of Vocabulary
While preparing for the GRE test, giving special importance to the vocabulary is a crucial factor. Since the Verbal Section requires different types of analytical skills from the reader, the critical element of each question is the vocabulary. The GRE and SAT have always been intense with respect to the vocabulary, and the GRE Revised Test is no different.
Learning new vocabulary in great quantity will be of great assistance to you, even if you can already handle the language quite well. Memorizing a large number of big words will optimize your chances of achieving an excellent score.
Unlike math skills, vocabulary skills are harder to master in a short period of time. You should start your preparation a few weeks before the test to study and memorize new words. Remember: vocabulary is one of the key points in your test preparation.
You can find a great deal of GRE prep material and practice tests for free, so it is advisable that you avail every prep and practice opportunity before you appear in the final exam.
Author Bio: Michael Broman is professional research writer and has been providing affordable essay help to high school, college and university students globally. He also loves to write informative articles on business courses, planning, strategies, issues in business and their solutions, marketing plans and entrepreneurship.
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