GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

Description:

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that is widely used for admissions to graduate programs, including master’s, doctoral, and some MBA programs, at universities around the world. The GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and measures a candidate’s readiness for graduate-level academic work.

Key Features of the GRE:

• Purpose: The GRE assesses a candidate’s verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills. It is used for admissions to a wide range of graduate programs, including but not limited to fields such as science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and business (including some MBA programs).
• Global Recognition: The GRE is accepted by thousands of graduate schools and business schools around the world, including top universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and many others.
• Eligibility: There are no specific eligibility criteria for taking the GRE. Anyone can register for the exam, regardless of age, education level, or nationality.
• Mode: The GRE is primarily a computer-based test, though a paper-based version is available in locations where the computer-based test is not accessible.

Exam Structure:

The GRE is divided into three main sections:

1. Analytical Writing:
   • Duration: 60 minutes (30 minutes per task).
   • Content: This section requires candidates to write two essays:
     • Issue Task: You are given a topic of general interest and asked to present your perspective on it, supported by reasoning and examples.
     • Argument Task: You are given an argument and asked to critique its logic, identifying assumptions and evaluating the strength of the evidence.
     • Score Range: 0-6 (in half-point increments).
2. Verbal Reasoning:
   • Duration: 60 minutes (two sections of 30 minutes each).
   • Content: This section tests your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, understand relationships between words and concepts, and complete text passages. It includes:
     • Reading Comprehension
     • Text Completion
     • Sentence Equivalence
   • Score Range: 130-170 (in 1-point increments).
3. Quantitative Reasoning:
   • Duration: 70 minutes (two sections of 35 minutes each).
   • Content: This section tests your mathematical skills and your ability to reason quantitatively and solve problems using basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
   • Score Range: 130-170 (in 1-point increments).
4. Unscored and Research Sections:
   • Unscored Section: An additional Verbal or Quantitative section that does not count toward your score but is included to test new questions.
   • Research Section: Replaces the unscored section in some cases and is used for ETS research purposes.

Computer-Adaptive Format:

• Section-level Adaptivity: The GRE is adaptive at the section level. This means that the difficulty of the second Verbal or Quantitative section depends on your performance in the first section. The final score is based on the number of questions answered correctly and the difficulty level of those questions.

Scoring:

• Total Score: The total GRE score ranges from 260 to 340, combining the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores.
• Analytical Writing: Scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6.
• Percentiles: In addition to the raw scores, candidates receive percentile rankings that compare their performance to other test-takers globally.

Test Availability:

• Frequency: The GRE is offered year-round at test centers and as a home-based test option.
• Cost: The GRE costs around $220, though this may vary depending on the location.
• Retakes: Candidates can take the GRE up to 5 times within a 12-month period, with a gap of at least 21 days between attempts.

GRE Subject Tests:

In addition to the general GRE, there are also GRE Subject Tests that focus on specific fields, such as:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Literature in English
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Psychology

These subject-specific tests are used by some graduate programs to assess knowledge in a particular academic discipline.

Preparation Strategy:

• Verbal Reasoning: Build a strong vocabulary, practice reading comprehension, and work on text completion and sentence equivalence questions. Regular reading and practising sample questions are key to improving performance.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Focus on revising basic mathematical concepts and improving problem-solving speed. Practice questions related to data interpretation, algebra, arithmetic, and geometry.
• Analytical Writing: Practice writing essays that are well-structured and logically sound. Focus on clarity, coherence, and developing strong arguments.

Benefits of the GRE:

1. Versatility: The GRE is accepted by a wide range of graduate programs, making it a versatile test for applicants considering multiple fields of study.
2. Sectional Retakes: ETS allows test-takers to retake individual sections of the GRE through their “ScoreSelect” option, giving candidates more flexibility in improving their scores.
3. Global Acceptance: The GRE is accepted by institutions worldwide, making it a good option for international applicants.

Use of GRE Scores:

• Graduate Programs: GRE scores are used as part of the admissions process for master’s and doctoral programs in various fields, including engineering, sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
• Business Schools: An increasing number of MBA programs accept the GRE as an alternative to the GMAT.
• Scholarships: High GRE scores can help candidates secure scholarships or fellowships for their graduate studies.

Course Structure:

• 120+ hours of classroom sessions
• 50+ mock tests
• One-on-one mentoring sessions
• Regular doubt-clearing sessions

Key Features:

• Personalized study plans.
• Detailed analysis of mock tests.
• Access to an online portal with additional resources.