All about GRE

Write-up by Devanshik

GRE or Graduate Record Examination tests the verbal and mathematical reasoning, analytical writing and vital reasoning abilities. Over 2,300 universities (for fields other than organization) in U.S.A require GRE scores as an eligibility criterion for admission into Graduate programs.

Subject-certain theoretical study is not needed in General GRE test. It is required for GRE Topic test that evaluates candidate’s undergraduate achievements in 8 specific study fields.

The GRE is administered and conducted by US based Educational Testing Service. In India, the GRE is held at 9 cities- Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Hyderabad and Trivandrum.

A high GRE score does not guarantee admission into a excellent graduate school, but it is undoubtedly a consideration. The GRE test is computer-based and the score is reported on a scale of 200-800 (in 10-point increments) in verbal reasoning and quantitative sections. The analytical writing section is marked separately on a scale of -6.

The analytical writing section tests a candidate’s crucial thinking capabilities. The two distinct tasks here are to a) present one’s perspective (45 mins) and b) to analyze an argument (30 mins). The analytical writing section is usually the 1st 1 in the exam. The verbal section (30 minutes) consists of 30 questions on analogies, reading comprehension, antonyms and sentence completion. The quantitative section (45 minutes) has 28 questions and tests mathematical abilities/ concepts of high-school level. A verbal or quantitative experimental section may be included in the test. These sections might appear in random order.

Do keep in mind that for both essays in “analytical writing” section, the emphasis need to be on analysis and not writing. It means that language may be simple, but, you need to be clear and concise about your arguments and perspectives. Essays on high writing abilities will not fetch far better marks if your reasoning is not crisp.

The quantitative section topics consist of Algebra (which includes Quadratic Equations), Percentages, Fractions and Decimals, Ratio and Proportions, Area and Volume (2 and 3 dimensional figures included), Probability, Geometry (incorporate Coordinate Geometry), Number Systems and the like.

The GRE tests are held throughout the year. You can opt for your own date. September to December is the peak season for GRE. If you intend to give the exam during this time, register at least 90 days in advance.

You may possibly make GRE registrations on the internet, over the phone/fax and by means of a mail or courier. In case you are registering by mail, then send completed forms and draft (to appropriate regional registration center) at least three weeks in advance of your first choice date. Confirmation number and details would be either faxed or mailed to you. If you do not receive the details, intimate the regional registration center at least three organization days just before your scheduled test.

The fees for GRE is (excluding taxes) to be paid at the time of registration. Other fees such as rescheduling () or late registration () etc. are separate. You could pay via a globally accepted credit card (Visa, Master, Amex. Discover or JCB) or cash order/voucher/certified checks. Checks etc. need to be in the name of ETS-GRE. It should have a preprinted check number, payee’s name and address and should not be over 90 days old.

ETS reports your scores to four universities of your choice (price included in the fees) and any additional university costs each(maximum 8). You need to name these universities prior to leaving the test center (following the exam). You can view the unofficial quantitative and verbal reasoning scores after the examination and determine accordingly. The official scores, such as Analytical Writing scores will be mailed soon after 10-14 days of taking the GRE exam. You might receive the scores by phone ().

Any individual is eligible to take the GRE exam and the scores are valid for 5 years. GRE test can be taken only once a month and a maximum of 5 times in a year. This rule applies even if you get the GRE scores canceled. Unless you have scored extremely low marks (due to illness or other reasons) or considerably less than your usual practice tests scores, it is advisable not to take GRE tests again.

GRE Subject test is normally required by universities for Doctoral study, supplement undergraduate records and even for Masters level programs. It tests a candidate’s qualification for a specif field of specialization. The test may possibly be taken for 8 distinct subjects- Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry/Cell and Molecular Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Computer Science and English Literature.

In contrast to the GRE General test, the GRE Subject is a written exam and held thrice a year in October, November and April.

About the Author

This write-up is written as a part of the on the internet initiative of ICICI Lombard GIC, India, to develop awareness and present data to all Indian students going abroad for greater studies. Also check out Indian Student On the web blog – http://indianstudentonline.wordpress.com for more articles and tips.

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