GRE EXAM

GRE refers to Graduate Record Examination. It is a standardized exam for students who want to pursue postgraduate courses, specifically in English-speaking nations. GRE is one of the main admissions eligibility criteria for many courses like master’s, MBA, or doctoral degrees. The test is accepted as one of the most prominent assessment exams worldwide.

GRE Eligibility

Anyone having a bachelor's degree is eligible to appear for the GRE exam. There is no specified age limit eligibility criteria for GRE. The only requirement is that you should have a valid document as identity proof specified by ETS. To successfully clear the exam, English fluency is necessary as there are writing and reasoning sections too. However, if you are not fluent in the English language, you are still eligible to appear for the GRE.

Sections in the GRE test

There are 2 types of GRE tests, the General test and the Subject Test.

GRE General test:

1. Verbal Reasoning -This section evaluates your ability to interpret the content, author’s viewpoint, and intentions, arrange the points made, and connect the dots over several ideas presented.
2. Quantitative reasoning - Here your skills related to numbers and quantitative data are evaluated. You will be required to solve problems with the help of formulas and models of mathematics. The good news is that you will be allowed to use a calculator, which will make your task a bit easier.
3. Analytical writing - This section checks your skills in examining facts, judging the given evidence, dissecting arguments, and putting forward your views most convincingly and logically.

GRE Subject Test

Target the subject you want to pursue in higher education abroad. It is required by only a few selected universities for specific courses. You can choose anyone from the 4 specific subjects.

• Chemistry,
• Mathematics,
• Psychology,
• Physics.

How to Register for the GRE Exam?

You can register for GRE online by following the 4 simple steps given below:

• Visit the official website of the GRE.
• Create your GRE test-taker profile on a website
• Fill in all the details as asked and then submit the form.
• Choose a date and GRE test centre that is nearest to you.
• Check all the details once again before paying the fees.

GRE Exam Pattern

GRE is 3 hours and 45-minute-long exam. GRE Exam Pattern is specified by Educational Testing Services (ETS). Here are the details:

Verbal Reasoning

• Two sections of 20 questions each.
• You will be allotted 30 minutes per section.
• Score Range from 130 to 170, 1 point Increment.
• The types of question asked in this section are as follows:

Quantitative Reasoning

• 40 questions are asked, 20 questions each from two sections.
• You will get 35 minutes per section.
• Score Ranges from 130 to 170, 1 point Increment.
• The types of question asked in this section are as follows:

Analytical Writing

• This section asks you to write two essays:
  • Analyse an issue
  • Analyse an argument.
• You will be allotted 30 minutes for each essay.
• Score Ranges from 0 to 6, 0.5 point Increment.

GRE Syllabus

The GRE syllabus measures skills that are necessary for success in higher education. Here is the details syllabus for different sections in GRE:

GRE Syllabus for Analytical Writing

The Analytical Writing section of the GRE targets to test the candidate’s skills and ability to deal with logic and clarity of complex ideas. This section also assesses whether the candidate is capable enough to write a logical and evidence-based argument, put the idea, and take control of the writing flow.

GRE Syllabus for Verbal Reasoning

The verbal reasoning section of GRE measures the candidate’s analytical skills, the ability to conclude, summarize, break down word meanings, and more.

• Basic Sentence structure: Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives
• Verb Tense
• Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions
• Pronoun Agreement
• Subject-Verb Agreement
• Modifiers
• Parallelism, etc.

GRE Syllabus for Quantitative Reasoning

The quantitative reasoning section of GRE evaluates the ability to understand quantitative information, apply mathematical concepts of geometry, algebra, statistics, etc., analyze and interpret quantitative information, solve mathematical problems, etc. Some of the topics covered under this section of the GRE are:

• Percentage
• Number properties
• Profit and loss
• Order of operations
• Ratio and proportion
• Linear equations
• Lines and angles
• Probability Statistics: Average, Median, Mode, Range, Standard deviation
• Coordinate geometry
• Quadratic equations
• Speed, distance, and time
• Simple and compound interest
• Circles Triangles, etc

GRE Score/Results

You can access your GRE scores by logging into your GRE account using your credentials. For a computer-based GRE test, GRE score results will be available within 10 to 15 days from the test date. For the paper-based GRE test, the results of the GRE score will be available within 5 weeks from the test date. Each GRE score is evaluated on two factors, scaled score and a percentile rank.

GRE Important tips

The GRE score is widely accepted by universities across Canada, the United States, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and many other countries. You need to score well to get admission to the universities in one of these countries. Here are some important GRE tips you need to follow to gain high score:

• Solve as many mock tests as possible. This will help you understand the GRE pattern and increase your response speed.
• GRE requires a rich vocabulary. So start working on your vocabulary. You might lose points if you don’t prepare well.
• Use good materials and resources. The preparation materials you use should have detailed explanations. For example why the right answers are right, and why the incorrect answers are incorrect.
• Target your weakness. Practice more on your weak parts rather than on your strengths.
• You can get GRE preparation books and join online GRE forums, which will help you prepare well for the exam.

GRE fees

Except for some countries, the Fee structure for GRE is the same for anyone who wants to appear for the GRE. In China, the fee is $231.30. In India, the GRE fee is $213.00. For all other countries, it is around $205.00. The fees keep on changing, so it is advisable to check before you apply.