The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools in the United States and other countries. Here are some key details about the GRE exam:
Purpose:
The GRE is designed to measure general academic readiness for graduate-level work. It assesses a candidate’s verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
Sections:
Analytical Writing: This section measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, specifically the ability to articulate and support complex ideas clearly and effectively.
Tasks: “Analyze an Issue” and “Analyze an Argument”
Time: 30 minutes per task
Verbal Reasoning: This section measures the ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences, and recognize relationships among words and concepts.
Question types: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence
Time: Two 30-minute sections with 20 questions each
Quantitative Reasoning: This section measures problem-solving ability, focusing on basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
Question types: Quantitative Comparison, Multiple-choice questions, Numeric Entry questions
Time: Two 35-minute sections with 20 questions each
Unscored and Research Sections: In addition to the scored sections, the GRE may include an unscored section or a research section. The unscored section does not count toward the final score and can appear in any order after the Analytical Writing section. The research section, if present, is always at the end of the test and is also not scored.
Scoring:
Verbal Reasoning: Scores range from 130 to 170 in 1-point increments.
Quantitative Reasoning: Scores range from 130 to 170 in 1-point increments.
Analytical Writing: Scores range from 0 to 6 in half-point increments.
Registration:
The GRE is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service). Candidates can register online, by phone, or by mail.
Test Formats:
The GRE is available in two formats: computer-based and paper-based. The computer-based test is more common and available year-round at testing centers worldwide. The paper-based test is available in locations where the computer-based test is not offered.
Preparation:
There are various preparation resources available, including official GRE guides, online courses, practice tests, and study groups.
Use:
GRE scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement undergraduate records, recommendation letters, and other qualifications for graduate-level study.