All I Need to Know About GRE

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The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test commonly required for admission to graduate schools, especially for those pursuing advanced degrees like a Master’s or PhD. It evaluates a student’s readiness for graduate school by testing various skills, from verbal reasoning to quantitative analysis. If you’re considering grad school and need to take the GRE, here’s everything you need to know to prepare!

What is the GRE?

The GRE is a computer-based test administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), designed to assess your skills in three key areas:

• Verbal Reasoning: Tests your ability to analyze written material, evaluate arguments, and understand relationships between words and concepts.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Measures your ability to reason with numbers and solve problems involving basic math concepts.
• Analytical Writing: Assesses your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively in writing.

The GRE is typically used for admission to programs in the United States and other countries, but some schools use it for scholarship purposes as well. It’s an essential tool for demonstrating your academic abilities to potential graduate schools.

The Structure of the GRE

The GRE is broken down into three main sections:

1. Verbal Reasoning (2 sections, 20 questions each)
   • Time: 35 minutes per section
   • This section includes reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence questions. You’ll need to interpret and analyze complex texts and understand the context of various written arguments.
2. Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections, 20 questions each)
   • Time: 35 minutes per section
   • You will answer questions that test your understanding of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The goal is to measure your ability to solve problems and reason quantitatively.
3. Analytical Writing (2 tasks)
   • Time: 60 minutes total (30 minutes per task)
   • In this section, you’ll write two essays: one analyzing an issue and the other analyzing an argument. Your writing will be evaluated for clarity, structure, and the logic behind your arguments.

There’s also a Research Section (which doesn’t count toward your score) included randomly. It helps ETS test new questions.

Scoring

• Verbal Reasoning: 130 to 170 (in one-point increments)
• Quantitative Reasoning: 130 to 170 (in one-point increments)
• Analytical Writing: 0 to 6 (in half-point increments)

The total possible score ranges from 260 to 340, combining your verbal and quantitative scores. The analytical writing section is scored separately, so your score will be reported as three distinct scores.

How to Prepare for the GRE

1. Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the structure of the test and the types of questions asked. This can help reduce anxiety on test day and improve your performance.
2. Take Practice Tests: Taking full-length practice exams under timed conditions will help you build stamina and improve your time management skills.
3. Study Materials: Invest in GRE prep books or online resources, and consider enrolling in prep courses if you prefer a structured study plan. Some well-known study resources include the Official GRE Guide by ETS and Kaplan’s GRE Prep.
4. Focus on Weak Areas: If you struggle with certain sections, dedicate more time to improving your weakest skills. Whether it’s verbal reasoning or math, targeted practice can lead to noticeable improvements.
5. Practice Writing: For the analytical writing section, practice writing essays within the time limit. Review sample responses and familiarize yourself with the types of arguments you may need to evaluate.
6. Consider a GRE Tutor: If you’re looking for personalized help, a tutor can provide customized strategies to improve specific areas of your preparation.

When to Take the GRE

The GRE is available year-round at test centers worldwide. The best time to take the GRE depends on your application deadlines for graduate programs. Be sure to check the application deadlines for the programs you’re interested in and plan to take the GRE well in advance, giving yourself enough time to retake it if necessary.

GRE vs. GMAT: Which Should You Take?

If you’re applying for business school, you might be wondering whether you should take the GRE or the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). The GRE is more broadly accepted across many graduate programs, including those for engineering, science, and social sciences, while the GMAT is primarily used for business school. Some business schools now accept both GRE and GMAT scores, so the choice depends on your specific program requirements and your strengths. The GMAT, however, tends to focus more on business-related skills, while the GRE is a more general test.

Tips for Test Day

1. Get Plenty of Rest: Resting the night before the test is crucial. A fresh mind will help you perform better.
2. Bring Valid ID: You’ll need valid photo identification to enter the testing center.
3. Arrive Early: Make sure you arrive with plenty of time to settle in before the test begins.
4. Don’t Panic: The GRE is just a test, and it’s okay if you don’t know every answer. If you get stuck, move on and return to difficult questions later.

After the Test: What Happens Next?

Once you complete the GRE, you’ll receive your verbal and quantitative scores immediately after the exam, while the analytical writing scores will be available about 10-15 days later. If you’re happy with your score, you can send it directly to the schools you’re applying to. ETS allows you to send your scores to up to four graduate programs for free on test day.

Final Thoughts

The GRE can be intimidating, but with the right preparation, you can perform well and improve your chances of gaining admission to your desired graduate programs. By understanding the structure, familiarizing yourself with the test content, and practicing regularly, you’ll feel confident and ready to tackle the GRE when it’s time. Good luck!