The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test conducted globally. In particular, it is mandatory for admissions to graduate schools in the USA. The test is owned and conducted by Educational Testing Service (ETS), who first formulated the test in 1949.
As per the ETS, the GRE test aims to measure verbal reasoning, analytical writing, quantitative reasoning and skills of critical reasoning which have been acquired from a long period of education. The GRE content is based on vocabulary, arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. One can get training in GRE preparation course in Bangalore.
The GRE is conducted mainly as a computer-based test, administered at pro-metric testing centres. In the process of admission to graduate schools, level of importance placed on GRE scores differs between departments and schools. The value of GRE scores can vary from a major selection factor to a simple qualifying formality for admission.
The GRE was overhauled in 2011, which created an exam that is not adaptive on the basis of question-by-question but instead, section wise such that the performance on initial math and verbal sections establishes the difficulty of the subsequent sections provided. In all, the test retained most sections and question types from the previous format, but the scoring scale was altered to a 130 to 170 score as opposed to 200 to 800 previously.
The GRE scores are valid for 5 years. GRE tests are of two types: General and Specific. Specific testes cover 6 subjects: chemistry, biology, mathematics, English literature, Psychology, and Physics. Length of each specific exam is 170 minutes.
Over 100,000 aspirants for graduate schools from around 160 countries take the GRE General test. In most countries, the computer-administered test is available on a continuous basis, all through the year. In Hong Kong, Mainland China, Korea and Taiwan, the computer-administered test is available for 3 times a year. In locations worldwide where computer-based tests are unavailable, paper-based tests are conducted 3 times a year in February, October, and November.
Eligibility:
There is no specific criterion for eligibility to appear in GRE. Potential aspirants can apply for the test regardless of qualification and age. But all the same, candidates have to qualify for admission criteria specified by individual institutes where she/ he apply.
Test Pattern:
The computer-based test is the most common type of test. But where computers are not available, paper-based tests are conducted. The total duration of General Test is 3 hours, 40 minutes. There are six sections, and a 10-minute break is provided after 3rd section.
Test Dates:
The computer-based GRE tests are conducted year-round at Prometric test centres. One can take GRE every 21 days, up to 5 times within a 12-month period. This is possible even if you have cancelled your previous scores. For registering for a specific date, you have to create a‘My GRE Account.’ You can register for a general test by 4 means: Fax, Mail, Phone, and Online. It is good to take guidance of GRE prep classes in Bangalore.
Scores
There are 3 types of scores:
- Verbal reasoning -score scale of 130 to 170 and point increments.
- Analytical Writing- score level of 0 to 6 in half-point increments.
- Quantitative reasoning- the scale of 130 to 170 with single point increments.
Official scores are mailed to the candidate in 10 to 15 days after the test.
These are some important facts about GRE.
