What is GRE ?
A standardized test, the Graduate Record Examination(GRE) measures Verbal, Mathematical and Analytical Writing skills of students aspiring to undergo their Graduate studies abroad. The test intends to aid Graduate Schools (of all fields other than business) assess applicant’s potential for advanced study. Most universities in the US, while inviting applications from prospective students, ask for GRE® scores.
The examination is entirely a Computer-based Test, and no two students get an identical set of questions. The test is scored on a maximum of 340. The GRE® Score alone cannot guarantee admission into a school – the test is only one of the major factors taken into consideration in the long process of an applicant getting admitted into a graduate school that they desire.
The GRE® test has three parts – Quantitative, Verbal and Analytical Writing Assessment. The following is the GRE® test structure:
An unidentified un-scored section is included and will appear in any order after the Analytical Writing section. It is not counted as part of your score. An identified research section that is not scored may be included, and it is always at the end of the test.
The US-based “Educational Testing Service” (ETS), which works under the direct of the Graduate Record Examination Board, develops and administers the GRE®. ETS is responsible for setting questions, conducting the test and sending score reports to each examinee. For detailed information about GRE®, please refer to the official website of GRE®.
What is the scoring scale for the GRE®?
- The AWA section grades are from 0-6 in 0.5 point increments.
- The Quantitative Reasoning section grades are from 130-170 in 1 point increment.
- The Verbal Reasoning section grades are from 130-170 in 1 point increment.
- Total scores are from 260-340 in 1 point increment; AWA scores are separate.
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GRE® FAQs
It is one of the various criteria that the admission council looks at. However, a good GRE® score does improve your chances of getting admission and financial aid.
Anybody can take the GRE exam irrespective of their educational qualification. But you have to be a graduate to start your Masters Program.
The registration fee for taking GRE® is USD 205. After the test, the test takers are asked to submit the names of 4 colleges that they would like to send their scores to. This facility is part of the USD 205 fee that is charged for the test.
You can register online or by phone or mail. The detailed information about registering for the GRE® can be found at www.gre.org.
GRE® is offered usually on all working days in India (ie, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). The test schedule can be obtained from www.gre.org
GRE® can be taken an unlimited number of times with a gap of a minimum of 21 calendar days between 2 tests. However, one can give the test only 5 times in a calendar year.
Your GRE® score will be valid for 5 years from the date the test was taken.
You will see your score for the maths and verbal sections the moment you finish the exam but official scores (with scores for AWA) will take about 7-10 days to reach you.
The universities only accept official scores sent directly by ETS. Scores to four colleges can be sent free of cost while taking the exam. Subsequently, for each score report sent to a college, you would have to pay $27.
Almost all the universities take the best score. If you have taken the GRE multiple times, you can choose the score that you want to send to the university.
Technically, you can take it as late as July 15. However, it is best to take the GRE® at least 15 days before the deadline so that you have enough time to prepare for the other parts of your application.
Yes, you need to have the GRE® score with you at the time of applying. However, you need not have the AWA score.
If the test registration is cancelled till 4 days ahead of the test, 50% of the fees will be refunded. After that, there will be no refunds. (So, it’s advisable for students to reschedule rather to cancel.)
The test date and the test centre can be changed to 4 days ahead of the test date by paying a fee of USD 50.