GRE stands for Graduate Record Examinations. It is a standardized test conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is broadly used by individuals to get admission to Masters programs such as MS or MBA abroad.
What is the GRE Test?
The GRE is a multiple-choice, computer-based exam structured to evaluate an individual’s critical thinking, analytical writing, and problem-solving skills. There are two types of GRE tests. The GRE General Test measures an individual’s typical academic skills such as verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and quantitative reasoning. The GRE Subject Test is an assessment of an individual’s knowledge in specific academic disciplines like Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology. The testing time, syllabus and structure for the GRE Subject Test varies by discipline. Hence, it is advisable to refer to the official ETS India website for updates on the same.
Why Should You Take the GRE Test?
Graduate schools abroad prefer a consistent method of assessing their candidate’s academic skills. The GRE test fulfils this requirement. Additionally, it also helps admission committees to fairly compare applicants who may have differing backgrounds in undergraduate studies and experiences.
If you are looking to study abroad, many graduate programs like those in the US and Canada demand GRE scores as a part of the application process. For example, top universities such as Harvard Law School (USA) for LLM, Technical University of Munich (Germany) for engineering and computer science, University of Melbourne (Australia) for MBA, require prospective applicants to provide their GRE scores.
Furthermore, if you decide to apply for an education loan, a good GRE score can act as an indicator of your academic potential to the lender. This can significantly boost your application and enhance your chances of acquiring a loan.
Eligibility
The ETS has not listed any specifications regarding a candidate’s eligibility for the GRE test. Registration is open for individuals from all backgrounds. While you do not need to be a graduate in order to qualify for the test, the GRE is only for admission to Masters or PhD programs.
Masters programs, especially those in STEM fields, usually call for GRE scores. Some of the more popular programs that require it include engineering, computer science, and mathematics.
Registration Process
To schedule your GRE Test, you first need to create an ETS account.
Once you Login, you can visit https://www.ets.org/gre.html and commence your registration process.
Select the mode of test you want to take and enter your city or postal code to find test locations and dates as per your preference. Note that the test dates are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Hence, it is recommended to start the registration process early to get your choice of test center and date. The overall registration process is simple and usually takes up to 15-20 minutes.
You can take the GRE General Test once every 21 days and up to 5 times in a year (any 12-month period). This rule counts even if you cancel your previous score. The GRE Subject Tests are available for two weeks during the months of September, October and April.
ID Requirements: The name you use during the registration process should match the name on the identification document you use on the day of the test. ID requirements may differ from country to country. In India, the acceptable primary document is your passport with name, photograph and signature.
As per the ETS India website, the current fees for GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test are ₹22,000 and ₹14,500 respectively.
Test Content and Structure
The GRE General Test measures your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing skills. The overall test is divided into 5 sections. Analytical Writing makes up one section, while Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are divided into two sections each. The complete test time is about 1 hour and 58 minutes. For the GRE Subject Test, the content and structure vary by subject. You can visit the ETS India website for the specifics of the same.
Getting Your Scores
The GRE does not have a negative marking policy, meaning you will not lose marks for incorrect answers. Therefore, it is practical to attempt all questions, even if you are uncertain about the correct option.
Your GRE scores can be viewed 8-10 days after the test day in your ETS account. Your test fee is inclusive of the option to send your scores directly to four available graduate institutions of your choice.
The GRE does not have a pass/fail limit. Your scores depend on the competitiveness of the university and program you are applying to. Typically, a score between 310 to 340 is considered strong and competitive for top programs.
GRE Preparation Tips
Preparing for a competitive exam like GRE can feel overwhelming. Whether you are just starting out, or knee-deep in flashcards and mock tests, here are some smart strategies to help you to excel on the test day.
- Get familiar with the sections of the test. Remember that each section is timed, so pacing is key.
- Make optimal use of the official prep options and practice tests available on the ETS website.
- The website also offers several Mentor Courses and Live Prep Events that you can avail yourself of.
- Practice Tests are your best prep tool. However, with these mock tests it is also vital to analyze why you got something wrong. That is where the real learning happens.
- Apart from the official ETS resources, you could also consider learning with a private tutor or use other online resources available.
The GRE is a crucial step for many graduate and business school applicants. Understanding its format, scoring, and prep strategies can make all the difference. This article has covered the key things you need to know- now go show the GRE what you are made of! Good Luck!
