Why GRE?
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized exam that helps international institutes see the preparedness of applicants for taking graduate coursework and provides an objective measure to compare applicants from different backgrounds. All top universities in US, UK, Australia, and Europe accept GRE for admission application. There are several GRE Exam benefits apart from being one of the admission requirements.
GRE assesses a candidate based on three sections:
• Verbal Reasoning,
• Quantitative Reasoning, and
• Analytical Writing.
The GRE's curriculum is divided into sections covering algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and language. The GRE General Test is a computer-based exam conducted in Prometric-owned or authorized testing sites and institutions. The weight given to GRE scores in the graduate school admissions process varies significantly between schools and departments within institutions. A GRE score might be anything from a minor admissions requirement to a critical selection determinant.
1. A Ticket to Prestigious Graduate Programs
Are you dreaming of pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in a top-tier graduate program? The GRE is your golden ticket to achieving that dream. Many esteemed universities and colleges worldwide require GRE scores as part of their admissions criteria.
2. Showcasing Your Intellectual Aptitude
Think of the GRE as a showcase of your intellectual firepower. Your GRE scores reflect your critical thinking abilities, analytical acumen, and verbal prowess. Admissions committees use these scores as a standardized measure of your readiness to take on the academic challenges that await you in graduate school
3. Unleashing Career Opportunities
The benefits of impressive GRE scores extend far beyond academia. Employers in various industries recognize the value of GRE scores as an indicator of problemsolving capabilities and cognitive agility.
4. Flexibility to Pursue Diverse Career Paths
Embracing a career change or moving into a specialized field often requires additional education and training. With a strong GRE score, you can take a leap of faith into a new domain, as many graduate programs welcome candidates from diverse educational backgrounds.
5. A Bridge to International Education
For aspiring scholars seeking global exposure, the GRE serves as a bridge to international education. With its worldwide recognition, GRE scores streamline the application process for universities abroad, creating a level playing field for students from different countries.
6. Fostering Personal Growth and Tenacity
Preparing for the GRE is no easy feat; it demands dedication, perseverance, and meticulous planning. The journey of GRE preparation cultivates valuable life skills such as time management, discipline, and self-motivation.
7. Access to Research Opportunities
Graduate students often engage in cutting-edge research, and universities prefer candidates with strong GRE scores for research assistantships and other researchbased roles.
Types of GRE Test
There are 2 types of GRE tests:
▪ GRE General test
▪ GRE Subject test
GRE Computer-Based Test- GRE general test can be taken on a computer at authorized test centres with access to the internet and computer. GRE Paper-Based Test- the GRE paper-based test can be taken on pen and paper at the designated test centres. However, this model of the test is currently unavailable in India. GRE at Home Test- the ETS has launched GRE at Home due to the ongoing pandemic situation. This mode of the test is feasible only if the examinee meets the requirements determined by the examination committee.
1. GRE General Test
The GRE General Test is designed to measure a test taker’s ability in verbal reasoning, analytical writing, critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning skills. In a computer-based general test, the performance of a candidate on earlier sections determines the difficulty level of subsequent sections. The GRE General Test is available in 3 formats:
2. GRE Subject Test
The GRE Subject Test is taken by candidates to get enrolment in specialized or technical courses. The subject test evaluates a candidate’s knowledge of a specific subject. The subjects for the general test include Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Psychology. The exam duration is 170 minutes.
Modes of GRE Test
• GRE Computer-Based Test
• GRE Paper-Based Test
1. GRE Computer-Based Test
The GRE computer-based test or CBT is taken on a computer at designated test centres. The requirement for CBT is an internet connection and computer accessibility. The duration of the test is 3 hours 45 minutes. The tests are conducted all through the year and you can attempt the verbal and quant sections on the test day altogether.
2. GRE Paper-Based Test
The GRE paper-based test or PBT is offered in paper and pen mode with a duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes. The test is conducted 3 times a year.
Eligibility for GRE
Age criteria
ETS, the conducting body of the GRE examination, has not set any official age criteria or prerequisites for test-takers. No upper age limit is set for candidates wanting to appear for their GRE test. The GRE examination is intended for applicants who are graduates or undergraduate students who are about to graduate. The test is taken for taking admission to master’s, MBA, and doctoral degrees. It is not meant for high school or school-level graduates. The difficulty level is set per a regular graduate students’ ability, so the ideal applicants are usually the graduates. A good percentage of GRE applicants are above 30 years.
Education Qualification
ETS has not given any official statement regarding the qualification required to appear for the GRE Exam. However, candidates must have a graduate degree from a recognized university in any discipline. There is no official educational requirement as well. Since the test is meant to evaluate the readiness of graduate students to be admitted to postgraduate programs, the ideal academic degree would be a full-time and recognized graduate degree.
Best GRE Materials
▪ ETS Official Guide to the GRE Revised General Test
▪ Magoosh GRE Prep
▪ Kaplan GRE Prep Plus
▪ The Princeton Review GRE Prep
▪ GRE Prep Book: Official GRE Super Power Pack