What is GRE ? Why Is It Important For Masters in Foreign Universities ?
The GRE, which stands for Graduate Record Examinations, is a standardized test that is widely used for admission into graduate and business schools in the United States and other countries. The test is administered and managed by Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is designed to assess the readiness of prospective students for graduate-level education and to provide graduate schools with a common benchmark to evaluate applicants from diverse educational backgrounds.
Here’s a more detailed overview of the GRE :
1. Sections:
The GRE consists of three main sections – Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Additionally, there may be an unscored research section or a scored experimental section that ETS uses to test out new questions. However, these sections are not identified, so test-takers should treat every section as important.
2. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA):
This section evaluates the test-taker’s ability to critically analyze and articulate complex ideas effectively. It requires two essays:
- Issue Task: The test-taker must provide an opinion on a general topic and support their stance with relevant examples and reasoning.
- Argument Task: The test-taker must critically analyze a given argument and identify its strengths and weaknesses.
3. Verbal Reasoning:
This section assesses the test-taker’s ability to understand written material, analyze relationships among words, and identify relationships between different concepts. It includes various question types, such as sentence equivalence, text completion, and reading comprehension.
4. Quantitative Reasoning:
This section measures the test-taker’s ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information. It includes questions on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Both multiple-choice and numeric entry questions are present.
5. Scoring:
The GRE is scored on a scale of 130 to 170 for both the Verbal and Quantitative sections, with 1-point increments. The AWA section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, with half-point increments. The total testing time for the GRE is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, including breaks.
6. Computer-based and Paper-based:
The GRE is predominantly offered as a computer-based test at various testing centers worldwide. The computer-based format allows some flexibility in how questions are presented based on the test-taker’s performance. The paper-based GRE is less common and usually administered in areas where computer-based testing is not available.
7. Test Dates and Registration:
The GRE is offered year-round, and test-takers can register for the test online through the ETS website. There may be a registration fee, and additional fees may apply for late registration, rescheduling, or other services.
8. Score Validity:
GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date. If you are not satisfied with your score you can retake the test, but you can take the GRE once every 21 days and up to 5 times in a 12-month period.
It’s essential to research the specific requirements of the graduate programs you are applying to, as some schools may place different weight on GRE scores in their admissions process. Some schools also offer GRE waivers for applicants who meet certain criteria, especially for specific graduate programs. Better GRE score can help you to get good amount of scholarship and admission to better universities.
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FAQs :
What is the GRE?
The GRE is a standardized test used for admissions to graduate and business schools in various countries, including the United States. It assesses the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills of applicants.
Who administers the GRE?
The GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), a non-profit organization based in the United States.
What does the GRE test consist of?
The GRE General Test consists of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. There is also an optional research section that is not scored, used for ETS research purposes.
How is the GRE scored?
The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are scored on a scale of 130 to 170, with one-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments.
How long is the GRE test?
The GRE General Test takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, including one-minute breaks between sections and a 10-minute break after the third section.
How often is the GRE offered?
The GRE General Test is offered year-round at authorized test centers around the world. You can check the available test dates and locations on the ETS website and register for a suitable date.
Can I retake the GRE?
Yes, you can retake the GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period. However, you should be aware that some institutions may consider your highest scores, while others may consider the most recent scores.
How long are GRE scores valid?
GRE scores are typically valid for five years from the test date. After that period, the scores expire, and you may need to retake the test if required for graduate school admissions.
Is the GRE required for all graduate programs?
The GRE is not required for all graduate programs. Its importance varies depending on the university and the specific program you are applying to. Some programs may accept other standardized tests or have no standardized test requirement at all.
How can I prepare for the GRE?
There are various resources available for GRE preparation, including official study materials from ETS, practice tests, online courses, and study guides. Additionally, there are GRE test prep books and study resources from third-party publishers.