Everything You Should Know About Your GRE Test

GRE or Graduate Record Examinations is a test administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) which is targeted at target individuals who wish to join institutions of higher learning. Individual GRE tests show the student’s reasoning abilities required to be successful in graduate schools.

GRE test can either be a general test or a subject test. The GRE general test can be used to gain admission to a graduate school, business or law school. On the other hand, the GRE subject test is designed to highlight the candidate’s strengths in a specific area. It measures an individual’s knowledge in a particular field of study such as Biology, English Literature, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Psychology. Read more on the website.

GRE tests are accepted worldwide and are used to measure and compare the candidates’ qualifications regardless of their previous educational and cultural backgrounds. Below we will discuss the details of the GRE general test and give you some valuable tips on how to pass it on the first try.

GRE test details

The GRE test is intended to assess critical thinking, analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning skills that the student will need at the institutions of higher learning. The test includes three distinct sections:

• Verbal Reasoning

This section is designed to measure one’s ability to analyze and draw conclusions from discourse and incomplete data. It also tests the candidate’s understanding at multiple levels of meaning, such as figurative, literal or author’s intent. Candidates are involved in activities such as summarizing texts and distinguishing major points from minor ones. Candidates should show that they are able to understand the meanings of words, sentences or entire texts and the relationships among concepts.

• Quantitative Reasoning

This section measures the degree to which a candidate can understand, analyze and interpret quantitative information, solve problems with the help of mathematical models, and apply basic arithmetic, algebra, data analysis, and geometry concepts.

• Analytical Writing

This unit assesses critical thinking and analytical writing skills. Candidates should also be able to articulate and support complex ideas giving relevant reasons and examples as well as examine accompanying evidence and claims. To succeed in this section, you need to be able to provide a focused answer and support coherent discussion.

General structure of GRE test

While answering GRE test questions, the candidate is allowed to skip questions within a section, change answers in previous sections, and choose the questions they wish to answer first. The test can either be computer-delivered or paper-delivered. The computer-delivered test is offered at Prometric test centers throughout the year. There are also additional testing centers offering GRE tests on specific dates.

The paper-delivered tests are available in areas where computer-delivered tests cannot be held. Paper-based tests are offered up to three times a year – in February, October, and November. Score reports for the computer-delivered test are usually sent to the candidates in approximately 10-15 days after the test date. In the case of paper-delivered tests, this period is extended to 5 weeks.

Exam costs

GRE test fees are usually inclusive of value-added tax or any similar taxes that ETS is liable to pay. However, in the case where there are local taxes applied, it is the responsibility of the candidate to pay those taxes. For most areas of the world, the GRE general test costs $205, while GRE subject tests cost $150.

About the scores

Here is how the GRE general test sections scored:

• Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning – on a scale of 130-170 (in 1 point increments)
• Analytical Writing – on a scale of 0-6 (in half point increments)

After receiving the results, candidates can choose which scores to send to their prospective institutions and which ones not to send. This is called the ScoreSelect option. This option allows you to select and send only certain GRE scores: Any Specific, All or Most Recent. The schools that receive GRE test results only see the scores you send to them. There are no indications of whether you have taken additional GRE tests, so you can send the best result.

Preparing for GRE test

Here are some of the ways to prepare for GRE test:

• POWERPREP online tool

This is an online, computer-delivered GRE practice test. With this option, candidates can prepare for the exam, wherever they are. The practice test covers all the three measures of the exam and provides the results within minutes. The results are also accompanied by reviews and explanations.

• GRE test books

There are a few GRE books you can use for your preparation including the Most Comprehensive GRE Guide: Kaplan’s GRE Prep Plus 2020 and the Best Testing Strategies: GRE Prep by Magoosh. Some of the books may provide practice tests, strategies for solving problems, and sample responses with comments.

• Mobile application

The Official GRE Guide is an application offered by ETS which contains authentic test questions with answers and explanations. You can use this app on the go, at any time.

• ScoreItNow online writing practice

This is a service that helps candidates sharpen their writing skills in preparation for the GRE Analytical Writing measure. The exercise involves candidates writing an essay and submitting their responses to obtain immediate scores and feedback.

• Preparation with exam dumps

There are websites that specialize in compiling exam questions and answers in order to help candidates understand whether they are adequately prepared and ready for their GRE exam. One of such websites is PrepAway. By visiting this platform, you can access quality exam dumps for GRE test.

Closing remarks

GRE test is a sure way to boost your chances of being accepted to institutions of higher learning. Passing the test shows that you can cope well with the program at these institutions. With the tips shared above, passing your GRE exam should not be difficult. You can now make your way easily to the place of your dreams!