Education Matters - Study in Abroad

About the GRE® test
GRE® test stands for GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATIONS®. There are two types of GRE® tests: (1) GRE® General test, and (2) GRE® Subject test

GRE general test

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The GRE® General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study. The GRE® General Test is required by many graduate and professional schools in the U.S and is an important criterion for admission to their graduate programs. Applicants must submit their GRE® scores together with certain other records/requirements as part of the process of admission to graduate schools. The GRE® is administered by Educational Testing Services (ETS). ETS is responsible for conducting the GRE® test under the guidance of the college education board of the U.S. GRE is a multiple-choice Computer Adaptive test and it is a mandatory for students seeking Masters Degree or PhD degrees in the USA for most of the Universities.

Test pattern

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Verbal section:
The skills measured include the test taker's ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it analyze relationships among component parts of sentences recognize relationships between words and concepts.
* 30 questions in 30 mins.
* Score range: 200 – 800 Analogies, Antonyms, Sentence Completion, Reading Comprehension.

Quantitative Section:
The skills measured include the test taker's ability to understand basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis reason quantitatively solve problems in a quantitative setting.
* 28 questions in 45 mins.
* Score range: 200 – 800
* Quantitative Comparison, Discrete Math, Data Interpretation

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA):
The skills measured include the test taker's ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively examine claims and accompanying evidence support ideas with relevant reasons and examples sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion control the elements of standard written English.
* 2 essays
* Analysis of an Issue (45mins.)
* Analysis of an Argument (30 mins.)

Total score range for the test: 400 – 1600 (Verbal + Quantitative); 0 – 6 (AWA)
The GRE® scores are technically valid for five years however, most of the top universities do not consider scores more than two years old. Being a Computer Adaptive Test, it is conducted throughout the year, on all weekdays you can register for the test online at www.gre.org OR by post/ telephone/ fax.

Test fee is US$140*.This includes reporting your scores to 4 universities of your choice, on the day of the test. If you want to report your scores to additional universities (or if you do not report your scores to any university on your test day, and would like to do so later), the fee is US$15* per university.(*Subject to change. Please refer website for updated information)

The GRE is a computer-adaptive test, which means your performance on previous questions determines which question you'll be asked next.

What we refer to as the 'post graduate' level in India is called the 'graduate school stage' by Americans.

GRE Subject Tests

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ETS also administers the GRE Subject Tests that gauges undergraduate achievement in specific fields of study and can help forecast a candidate's potential for success in graduate school. Each subject test is intended for students who have majored in or have extensive background in that specific area.

The GRE subject tests assess and evaluate your undergraduate achievement in the eight disciplines listed below.

Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
Chemistry, Computer Science
Literature in English, Mathematics
Physics and Psychology

Not all graduate programs require you to take the subject test. So, before you register yourself make sure that you've checked with the programs to which you're applying. Or else, consider taking the Subject Test if you're applying to courses outside of your undergraduate major.

In simple terms, the Test goes a long way in adding value to your score line. Once you have factored in your chances to make it to your college of choice, the Subject Tests become the launch vehicle to drive up your grades. Of course, we are not saying the Tests are going to be a cakewalk, but you can practice hard and get round to answering the questions with depth and clarity.