The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools in the United States and Canada. It is also accepted by some law schools. The test is designed to assess certain aspects of your understanding and command of general academic skills, quantitatively measuring your critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning abilities. It is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
Taking the GRE is crucial for students aspiring to enroll in graduate programs, particularly Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS) degrees, and for PhD programs that require a detailed assessment of specific subject knowledge. A high GRE score enhances your graduate school application, demonstrating your capability to handle graduate-level academic challenges and can be influential in securing scholarships or other financial assistance.
The GRE can be taken at over 1,000 test centers across more than 160 countries. Additionally, ETS offers the option to take the GRE at home under strictly proctored conditions.
| Section | Number of Sections | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 1 | 2 tasks | 60 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 2 | 20 questions each | 30 minutes per section |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 2 | 20 questions each | 35 minutes per section |
The three main sections of the GRE General Test: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning:
This section tests your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. It consists of two tasks:
This section assesses your ability to understand and analyze written material and synthesize information obtained from it. It includes:
This section measures your basic mathematical skills and ability to analyze data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills. Question types include:
The GRE can be taken at over 1,000 test centers across more than 160 countries. Additionally, ETS offers the option to take the GRE at home under strictly proctored conditions.
| Test Section | Score Range | Score Increments | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 0 to 6 | Half-point increments | Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills. |
| Verbal Reasoning | 130 to 170 | 1-point increments | Assesses reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, and vocabulary usage. |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130 to 170 | 1-point increments | Evaluates quantitative reasoning, mathematical skills, and problem-solving ability. |
Candidates can register for the GRE through the official ETS website. The process involves creating or signing into an ETS account, selecting a test date and center, and completing the registration by paying the applicable fees.
Preparation for the GRE involves several strategies:
