Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
-The GRE exam is a standardized test required by many graduate schools for admission. Understanding what is GRE exam entails is crucial for applicants aiming to pursue advanced degrees.
-It evaluates verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
-The exam is computer-delivered and adaptive, adjusting difficulty based on performance.
-Scores are valid for five years, giving flexibility in application timing.
-Preparation strategies include practice tests, review materials, and time management skills.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), commonly referred to as the GRE, is a vital standardized test for those aspiring to pursue graduate-level education. Understanding what is GRE exam involves is crucial as this comprehensive test evaluates your preparedness for advanced academic study and is a critical component of many graduate school applications. Whether you're applying to a master's program, a doctoral degree, or a specialized graduate course, knowing what the GRE exam entails is essential for navigating your academic path. Let's dive into what the GRE exam covers and why it plays a significant role in shaping your future educational pursuits.
What is GRE Exam?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a widely recognized standardized test that evaluates a candidate's readiness for graduate-level academic programs. Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE is used by universities around the world to assess applicants for master's and doctoral programs.
The test focuses on three main areas: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each section evaluates key skills required for success in advanced academic studies, such as critical thinking, data interpretation, and writing proficiency. Understanding what is GRE exam is essential for students aiming to apply to programs like MBA, MFin, and other specialized master's courses.
| Section | Time Allowed | Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 60 minutes | 130-170 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 70 minutes | 130-170 |
| Analytical Writing | 60 minutes | 0-6 |
The GRE General Test is conducted throughout the year at testing centers worldwide or online, making it accessible to a global audience. The test scores remain valid for five years, which gives students ample time to apply for graduate programs. Knowing what is GRE exam involves understanding its structure and how to prepare for each section effectively.
For those preparing to take the GRE, it's important to register well in advance, plan your study schedule, and practice with test-like questions to increase your chances of scoring high on the exam.
Why is GRE Exam Important for Graduate Admissions?
The GRE exam plays a critical role in the graduate admissions process for several reasons. First, it provides a standardized metric that allows admissions committees to compare applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. Since applicants often come from different universities and have varied experiences, the GRE offers a common yardstick to measure core skills such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, which are essential for graduate-level work.
Moreover, the GRE acts as a filtering mechanism for schools to narrow down the applicant pool efficiently. Competitive graduate programs often receive a large number of applications, and a strong GRE score can help differentiate top candidates. Understanding what is GRE exam can help you realize how it strengthens your application, especially if other components like GPA or work experience are not as strong.
| Benefit of GRE in Admissions | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Standardized Metric | Provides a uniform way to compare candidates from diverse backgrounds. |
| Filtering Mechanism | Helps schools efficiently select top candidates from a large pool. |
| Academic Preparedness | Demonstrates the candidate's readiness for the rigors of graduate-level study. |
| Scholarship Opportunities | Many schools use GRE scores as a basis for awarding financial aid. |
By understanding what is GRE exam, you can see how it enhances your chances for admission to top graduate programs and provides a gateway to scholarships and research opportunities.
What Are the Different Sections of the GRE?
The GRE exam, also known as the Graduate Record Examination, consists of three main sections that test different skills necessary for success in graduate-level education. These sections are Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each of these sections in what is GRE exam measures specific abilities required for both academic and professional success.
- Analytical Writing: This section comes first in the exam and includes two tasks—Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument. Test-takers are evaluated on their ability to articulate complex ideas and support arguments with examples. Each task is allotted 30 minutes.
- Verbal Reasoning: This section tests your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and ability to evaluate written material. It consists of two sections, each with 20 questions, and you have 30 minutes per section to complete the tasks. The types of questions include reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence.
- Quantitative Reasoning: This section measures your problem-solving ability using basic mathematical concepts, such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Like Verbal Reasoning, it has two sections with 20 questions each, and you are given 35 minutes per section.
Understanding the structure of what is GRE exam helps you better prepare for each section and manage your time efficiently during the test.
| Section | Number of Tasks | Time Allotted | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 2 | 60 minutes | Analyze an issue, analyze an argument |
| Verbal Reasoning | 2 | 60 minutes | Reading comprehension, vocabulary |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 2 | 70 minutes | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data |
By knowing what is GRE exam, you can structure your preparation effectively to succeed in each section.
What Types of GRE Exams Are Available?
What is GRE exam? The GRE exam is divided into two main types: the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test.
- GRE General Test: This is the most common GRE exam and is typically required for admissions to various graduate programs across a wide range of fields. It assesses Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. You can take the GRE General Test either at a designated test center or from the comfort of your home, depending on your preference and location.
- GRE Subject Test: This exam is more specialized, focusing on specific subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Chemistry. The GRE Subject Test is only available in a paper-based format and is offered less frequently than the General Test, with set testing dates each year. These subject-specific tests help schools assess your expertise in particular fields, which can be crucial for admission into specialized graduate programs.
| Type of GRE Test | Format | Sections | Test Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRE General Test | Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing | Computer or Paper | Available at center or at home |
| GRE Subject Test | Subject-specific (Math, Physics, etc.) | Paper-based only | Only at test centers |
Understanding what is GRE exam and its different types can help you select the right test for your academic goals.
How to Register for the GRE?
Registering for what is GRE exam is a simple process. You need to create an online account on the GRE registration homepage as the first step. After that, you can select your test date and location and confirm your personal information. To validate your registration, you must make a $213 payment as the final step. For the GRE General Test, candidates can also enroll by phone, mail, fax, or online. Registration for the GRE Subject Test is available online or by mail.
The registration process for the GRE examination is straightforward. There are seven simple steps to register:
1- Visit the official website of ETS
Visit the ETS’s official website, conduct the GRE examination, and have an official website where all the updates regarding the GRE are given. When you open the ETS website, you will have to select the grey ETS account option.
2- Create an account
After the first step, you will create an account. As with any other website, you need to create an account if you have not created it earlier. You will then click on the “Create an Account” button on the website.
3- Fill up personal information
The third step will include giving your personal information. The website will redirect the page to a form where you will have to fill up personal details. The details will be fundamental, like your Name, Address, E-mail, Gender etc.
4- Username and Password
The fourth step will be to set up a username and a strong password for your account. Make sure to keep a solid and new password that you do not use for any other account. There will also be a security question. Then, you will receive an e-mail on your registered e-mail id, and you will have to verify it. Understanding what is GRE exam during this process can also help as you proceed with further steps.
5- Registration for the appointment
The fifth step is to book yourself an appointment by registering yourself. After completing the basic login steps, a home page will open up for you in which a button saying “Register/Find Test Centres, Dates” needs to be selected. You will have to select that button for the registration process. Make sure you are familiar with what is GRE exam to smoothly complete this part.
6- Fill up the GRE form
The sixth step is to fill in your options about the GRE. You will then see a new form in which you will have to fill up test type, test centre, date etc., as per your own choice.
7- Payment of GRE fees
The last and final step is how to pay for GRE in India. After verifying all your details, you need to pay the GRE fees through different payment option like debit card, credit card, PayPal etc.
GRE Subject Test Scores
The subject test in the GRE exam is graded on a scale ranging from 200 to 990 points, with increments of 10 points. It's important to understand that these separate test scales only cover a fraction of this 200-900 point range. Specifically, the actual score range for any GRE subject test is smaller, typically falling between 20 to 99 points in one-point increments. This variability in scoring helps gauge proficiency in specific subject areas, which is a critical aspect of what is GRE exam in relation to subject-specific knowledge.
| Psychology |
200-990, in 10-points increments. Subscores: 20-99, in one-point increment. |
| Chemistry | 200-990, in 10-points increments. |
| Literature in English | 200-990, in 10-points increments. |
| Physics |
200-990, in 10-points increments Subscores: 20-99, in one-point increment. |
| Mathematics | 200-990, in 10-points increments. |
| Biology |
200-990 score scale, in 10-points increments. Subscores: 20-99, in one-point increment. |
GRE Total Marks
The GRE total score are calculated only based on your Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning section. The maximum GRE score for both the quantitative and verbal reasoning portions is 170, while the lowest GRE score for both sections is 130. As a result, the greatest GRE score you can achieve is 340, while the lowest GRE score you can get is 260. Understanding what is GRE exam and its scoring system is essential to plan your test preparation effectively.
The subject test has a GRE total marks distribution ranging from 200 to 990. Sub scores are also reported on a 20-99 score scale, with one-point increments, for Physics, Biology, and Psychology examinations.
However, unlike the SAT and ACT, combining section scores into a single GRE total mark is uncommon. So instead, when submitting your GRE results, you’d publish your three-part scores separately.
What is GRE exam section reporting for? Graduate schools are often more interested in one specific section score than others, depending on the specialized nature of their programs. Those reviewing your GRE results typically focus on the component that aligns with the subject matter of your program.
How long is the GRE Score Valid for?
The concept of GRE score validity refers to the time period during which your GRE scores remain acceptable for application purposes. So, if you're wondering what is GRE exam score validity, the simple answer is that GRE scores are valid for five years. However, there’s more to this than just a number. While ETS sets the validity at five years, certain prestigious schools and institutions may only accept scores that are no older than two or three years.
This difference arises because some schools place a higher emphasis on recent academic performance or current skill levels. Therefore, even though your GRE score remains officially valid for five years, you may need to retake the test to meet specific program requirements within a shorter timeframe. Staying updated with individual school policies is crucial, especially if you aim to secure your position in top programs.
While the five-year validity seems like a relief, it also keeps you alert and focused, as relying on an old score for five years might not serve your best interests in a competitive academic environment. By understanding what is GRE exam and its nuances, you can make strategic decisions for your application.
Conclusion
The GRE, or Graduate Record Examinations, is a standardized test commonly used for admissions into graduate programs in various disciplines worldwide. Understanding what is GRE exam is crucial as it assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills. With thorough preparation, achieving a good score on the GRE is entirely attainable. By dedicating time to study and employing effective strategies, such as practicing with sample questions, familiarizing yourself with the test format, and honing your analytical writing skills, you can significantly increase your chances of obtaining a competitive score on the exam.
