The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test required for admission to many graduate programs in the United States, Canada, and a few other countries. The GRE is owned and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS).
The GRE is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam that evaluates a student’s analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning abilities. Each verbal and quantitative component of the test is rated on a scale from 130 to 170, and the analytical writing section is scored on a scale from 0 to 6.
Students who intend to attend graduate school in fields like business, law, education, and the humanities usually take the GRE. Certain employers evaluate job seekers’ talents with the GRE. Let’s have a look at some specifics.
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What To Expect On The GRE
The GRE consists of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
Verbal Reasoning
The GRE Verbal Reasoning section assesses a student’s ability to read and comprehend complex texts, as well as to write clear and effective prose. Poetry, non-fiction, and fiction are among the many genres represented in the Verbal Reasoning section. Students are required to respond to questions concerning the passages’ primary concepts, illustrative details, and conclusions.
Quantitative Reasoning
The GRE’s Quantitative Reasoning section assesses a candidate’s proficiency in coordinate geometry, plane geometry, trigonometry, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, and pre-algebra. There are both multiple-choice and free-response questions in the section on quantitative reasoning.
Analytical Writing
The GRE’s Analytical Writing section tests a candidate’s capacity to produce meaningful essays in response to two prompts. The first prompt is a task-based essay in which the student is asked to assess an argument or explain a subject. In response to the second essay prompt, which is discussion-based, students are expected to share their opinions on a certain subject.
How To Prepare For The GRE
There are numerous approaches to GRE preparation. In addition to working with a tutor, students can read review materials and take practice tests. Additionally, there are numerous online and in-library GRE preparation materials at your disposal.
Here are some tips for preparing for the GRE:
- Start early: It’s crucial to begin studying early for the GRE because it’s a challenging test. Allow yourself three months or more to study for the test.
- Take a practice test: You can find out your strengths and shortcomings and acquire a sense of the GRE format by taking practice tests. GRE practice tests are widely available online and in libraries.
- Review the study materials: There are numerous GRE review materials available, both online and in libraries. You can study test-taking techniques and revise GRE-related material with the aid of these resources.
- Work with a tutor: You should think about engaging with a tutor if you are having trouble with a specific GRE section. A tutor can assist you in identifying your individual needs and developing a personalized study plan.
2023-2024 GRE Test Dates
In the 2023–24 testing year, the GRE Subject Tests will be administered worldwide on the following dates:
- September 25, 2023, through October 8, 2023
- October 24, 2023, through November 6, 2023
- April 7, 2024, through April 20, 2024
You can take a GRE Subject Test once every 14 days. This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously. When selecting a test date, make sure your scores will be reported in time for your application deadlines. When choosing a test date, allow time for delivery of scores and processing by the institution.
The Importance Of The GRE
For individuals who intend to pursue graduate school, the GRE is a crucial exam. Students can raise their chances of getting into their top-choice institutions and being eligible for financial aid by doing well on the GRE. Some employers also use the GRE to assess job applicants’ skills. For instance, several investment banks and consulting organizations demand that job candidates provide their GRE results. In general, students who intend to pursue professions in particular fields or further education find the GRE to be a useful exam. Students can improve their chances of success by doing well on the GRE.
Latest News
What’s new for the GRE is that it will now take less than two hours to finish, which is the most significant change. Given that the present GRE exam takes more than three hours to complete, this is a substantial adjustment. Additionally, the modified GRE will be more effective because it will include fewer questions in the verbal and quantitative reasoning parts.
The GRE’s unscored section has likewise been eliminated. The fact that test-takers will now receive their final scores in just 8–10 days is another significant piece of the most recent GRE news. The turnaround time is now less than 10 to 15 days, which is faster than before.
The new GRE test was launched in September 2023, just ahead of the launch of the new GMAT Focus exam. Since both tests are approved by MBA programs, applicants to business schools compete fiercely on the GRE and GMAT. Test takers generally benefit from the GRE test’s modifications. The GRE exam will be more convenient and accessible for test takers due to its reduced duration, improved format, and quicker score turnaround time.
