What is GRE?
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardised test that is an admissions requirement for most graduate schools in the United States.Created and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) in 1949, the exam aims to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study. The GRE General Test is offered as a computer-based exam administered at Prometric testing centers.
In the graduate school admissions process, the level of emphasis that is placed upon GRE scores varies widely between schools and between departments within schools. The importance of a GRE score can range from being a mere admission formality to an important selection factor.
Students seeking admission into any Masters Program in the US and many other European countries are required to take GRE. Individuals applying to graduate schools in order to pursue a Masters in Arts (MA) or Science (MS) are required to take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination).
Eligibility for GRE
A Bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for seeking admission in any Masters Program in US and therefore, it is also an essential qualification for taking GRE.
Most US Universities have made it mandatory for a student to complete 16 years of education for admission to Science and Engineering programs.
However students holding BE, B. Tech, B. Sc (Agriculture) or B.Arch degrees, i.e. students who have spent four years for their Bachelor’s degree can directly seek admission in Science and Engineering program in any US University.
Fee Structure
Subject Tests for United States, U.S Territories and Puerto Rico – USD$140
For other locations including India – USD$160 (Rs. 7,615.20)
Types of GRE
Types of Graduate Record Examination Test
1) Revised General Test
2) GRE Subject Tests
Format of Exam
The GRE consists of three main sections:
1)Verbal Reasoning: 30 Minutes/30 Questions
2)Quantitative Reasoning: 40 Minutes/28 Questions
3)Analytical Writing
Scoring Pattern
1. The total (maximum) marks allotted in GRE is 340
2. Sectional scores (for verbal and quantitative sections) – allotted is 170 marks (maximum) per section.
3. Analytical writing assessment scoreis scored separately on a scale of 0-6 based on the overall impact of the essays written by the student.
Countries Accepting the GRE Score
All the top universities around the world in US, UK, Europe, Singapore and Australia accept GRE score. More than 600 business schools accept the GRE score world-wide.
In the past, business schools have only accepted the Graduate Management Admission Test or GMAT, which looks more at reading, comprehension and reasoning. The GRE has a stronger focus on vocabulary and straightforward quantitative skills.
GRE Subject Tests
GRE Subject Tests are meant to test your knowledge and skill level in a particular subject area. These subject tests are emphasized by undergraduate programmes.
The GRE subject test is available only in the paper and pencil version.
Eight different GRE subject tests are available:
GRE Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Subject Test- 180 Questions
GRE Biology Subject Test- 200 Questions
GRE Chemistry Subject Test- 130 Questions
GRE Computer Science Subject Test – 70 Questions
GRE Literature in English Subject Test- 230 Questions
GRE Mathematics Subject Test- 66 Questions
GRE Physics Subject Test- 100 Questions
GRE Psychology Subject Test- 205 Questions