Introduction
If you are one among those millions of students applying for a graduate program abroad then you need to learn all about GRE (Graduate Record Exam). Taking a GRE test is the most important step in the application process. Here, we have explained all the things pertaining to GRE that help you in executing this important step successfully.
What is GRE?
GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination. It is a universal test designed and administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), an independent non-profit organization. Universities /colleges abroad use this test result along with other factors like academic details, GPA, Recommendation Letters (LoRs) and Statement of Purpose (SOP) to evaluate a candidate’s profile while giving admission to a particular graduate program.
Who takes the GRE and Why?
Students aspiring to do their masters and doctoral programs abroad take this test. Graduate, Law and Business schools all over the world consider this exam result as part of their evaluation criteria for the admission process. However, there are few colleges which don’t require you to take the GRE test. It is advisable to check on your preferred university website to understand their application requirements. One important point to consider here is that even though your desired University doesn’t mandatorily require you to take GRE Test; your GRE test score can be of good help while applying for scholarships and fellowships!
Types of GRE
There are two types of GRE
· Revised General test
· Subject test
GRE: General Test
This GRE General Test is taken by the students who want to pursue their masters in the US as well as other countries across the world. This test evaluates candidate’s analytical, quantitative, verbal and reasoning skills. You can take this test throughout the year. If you are not satisfied with the result and have enough time before applying, you can retake it. You can re-take it for a maximum of 5 times in a rolling 12-month period time with a gap of 21 days between the tests. This test can be given either online or in a traditional paper delivery manner.
GRE Subject Test
GRE Subject Test is to evaluate the candidate’s ability in that particular subject. This test is conducted for subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Psychology, Literature in English and Chemistry. This test will help you in getting admission to those specialized courses. And this test can be taken only in April, September and October. This test can be given only in a paper delivery manner.
GRE Exam fee
GRE General Test fee: $205 (approximately Rs.14,150/-)
GRE Subject Test fee: $150 (approximately Rs.10,350/-)
Test Duration
GRE General Test Duration
The duration of the GRE General Test is of 3 hours 45 minutes. There are a total of six sections and after the third section you will have a break for about 10 minutes.
GRE Subject Test Duration
The duration of GRE Subject Test is of 2 hours 50 minutes. There are no timed sections and you can take the complete test sitting at your own provided place.
Exam Pattern
GRE General Test Exam pattern
| Measure | Number of Questions | Allotted Time |
| Analytical Writing( two tasks in one section) | Task 1: Analyze an IssueTask2 : Analyze an Argument | 30 minutes each taskTotal 60 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning( Two sections) | 20 questions each section | 30 Minutes each sectionTotal 60 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning(Two sections) | 20 questions each section | 35 Minutes each sectionTotal 70 minutes |
| Unscored Section | Varies | Varies |
| Research Section | Varies | Varies |
For both ‘Unscored’ and ‘Research’ sections, score doesn’t count. But you will not have the option to skip these sections as you will not be able to identify them.
‘Unscored’ and ‘Research’ sections can come anywhere after the ‘Analytical Writing’ section. So, you need to consider and answer them as if they count to your score.
GRE Subject Test Exam pattern
| Subject | Number of Questions |
| Chemistry | 130 Multiple Choice Questions |
| Biology | 190 Multiple Choice Questions |
| Literature in English | 230 Questions |
| Mathematics | 66 Multiple Choice Questions |
| Physics | 100 multiple choice questions |
| Psychology | 205 multiple choice questions |
Good and Cut-off GRE Scores
ETS does not define any predefined good score or cut off for the GRE Test. Based on the expectations set by the Universities, your score is considered to be good if it places you in an excellent university or college with your intended graduate program.
The GRE General Test score that is above 317 is considered to be a good score as it gets you placed in the top 25% Universities. However, getting a seat in one of the top colleges requires you to have a consistent profile.
A test score of 260 can be considered as cut-off as you can still get admission with this score in some colleges but those colleges might not be on the top universities list.
The GRE Subject Test score ranges between 200 – 990 and a score that is above 790 is considered to be a good score that can get you admission in one of the top universities.
GRE Validity
GRE Test Scores are valid for five years from the day of your test administration. For example, if you have taken the test on 15th July 2019, then your test score is valid till 14th July 2024. This is applicable only for those who have taken the test after 01st July 2016.
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Eligibility Criteria for GRE (both General Test and Subject Test)
There is no particular eligibility criterion for writing this test. Anyone with any qualification and of any age can apply for this test, provided one must submit original passport as a proof of identity at the time of exam at the exam center. So, you need to ensure that you have a valid passport before registering for the exam.
Test Dates and GRE Slot Booking:
GRE General Test: ETS conducted GRE General Test is open all year round. You have the freedom to choose the dates as per your needs and requirements. However, you need to make the decision early as GRE test centers considers aspirants in FCFS (First Come First Serve) manner. While booking a slot, ensure that you have enough time to apply for the universities as the test scores takes at least 15 days to arrive.
GRE Subject Test: Unlike GRE General Test, GRE Subject test is conducted only three times in a year.
· April
· September
· October
·
GRE Subject Test scores take at least six weeks to arrive. So, while booking your slot and test dates, make sure that you have enough time for getting the scores and reaching the universities before the deadline.
Rescheduling the GRE Test Registration
Life doesn’t always go the way you planned and GRE Test is no exception. You might need to reschedule GRE Test for some reason.
Rescheduling policies remains same for both the GRE General Test and Subject Tests. The rescheduling policies of test registration are as follows:
· If you are planning to reschedule your GRE Test, make sure you do that at least four full days prior to your test date. For example, if you have scheduled your test date on Friday then the deadline to reschedule your registration is Monday. You won’t get your refund if you fail to do so.
· Fee for rescheduling your Test Date is US$50 (approx. INR Rs. 3,500/-)
· You are not eligible to reschedule your test date beyond one year from the original date of appointment
· The Test fees cannot be swapped between General and Subject Tests
· Rescheduling the test can be done online (through ETS account) or through Phone, Fax or Postal Mail
When sending your reschedule request through postal mail or fax, make sure you enclose all your details like name, date of birth, registration number, preferred test center, old test date and new test date along with the rescheduling charges. Make sure your mail reaches four days prior to your test date.
Changing your GRE Subject Test
· You have the option to change your GRE Subject Test from one subject to another provided you pay a fee of US $50 (approx. INR Rs. 3,500/-).
· Changing of subject can be done within the regular registration deadline
· However, change of subjects are not guaranteed and depends on the availability of the spaces
Change of subject request can be raised online or through phone. Be prepared to provide all your details along with your request.
Change of Test Center
Change of Test Center option is available only in case of GRE Subject Test and can be done only if space permits. However, you need to pay US $50 (approx. INR Rs. 3,500/-) in order to change your Test Center. You can also walk-in to the test center on the day of test with the confirmation email and if the center can accommodate and the test is available, then you can take the test at no additional cost. But, there are risks like unavailability of Test and Seats at your preferred Test Centre and you might end up not taking the test.
Cancelling the Test Registration
Cancelling the Test Registration either for General Test or Subject Test requires you to raise the request at least four full days prior to the test date. Otherwise, you will not get a refund. If you cancel your request four days prior as per the policy, then you will get a refund which is equivalent to half of your original Test fee.
Refund Policy
You will get a refund only if you follow proper registration procedures and provide all the documents as per the requirement.
· You will get the refund in US dollars
· No Cash Refunds
· If you have done payment via debit/credit card, once you cancel, the refund will be credited to your original Debit/Credit card or Bank account
· If you did the payment via PayPal or E-check, the refund is processed and credited to original PayPal account or Bank account
· If you have done the payment via check, then you need to wait for 8 weeks after cancelling to get the refund processed
GRE Centers in India
Usually, GRE General Test can be given in two formats –
1. Computer-Based and 2. Paper-Based.
In India, GRE General Test can be given online only. GRE Subject Test is given in paper based manner only.
There are about 22 centers for GRE General Test (online) and 7 centers for GRE Subject Test (paper delivered) in India.
How to Register for the GRE Test?
You can register for GRE General Test in four different ways. But, GRE Subject Test registration can be done either Online or by Mail Registration. However, the process remains the same.
1. Online Registration
You can register for your GRE exam online. You need to create an ETS account for the same. You need to fill in basic requirements like name, age, address etc. This account is used to view your score report and send them to your preferred universities and colleges. Online registration allows you to pay through your credit and debit cards only.
2. Mail Registration
Download the application form and complete it. Mail that form to the address mentioned in the form along with the payment. You can make the payment via credit/debit card, money order or certified bank check. When you are applying through mail, make sure that you send the form at least three weeks prior to processing. You will receive a confirmation number, test date and center via postal mail, email or fax. If you are applying from India, then the mailing address is
Prometric Testing Private Limited
2nd Floor, DLF Infinity Tower A, Sector-25, Phase-II, DLF City, Gurgaon 122002, Haryana, India
3. Phone Registration
To register via phone, you need to call Regional Registration Center (RRC) (Phone Number: 91-124-4147700) at least two working days prior to your preferred test date. You need to provide them with your details and preferred test date. They will provide you with confirmation number, test date and exam center on the same call. You can make the payment via Debit/Credit cards
4. Fax Registration
If you opt to register via fax, then you need to download the form and complete the same and fax it to 91-124-4147773 along with the payment. Ensure that you send it at least 7 days prior to the preferred test date.
GRE Exam Syllabus
General Test Exam Syllabus
There are three main segments
Analytical Writing
In the analytical writing section, you will be tested on your ability to effectively communicate complex ideas, support your ideas with proper reasons, observe the claims and collect evidence, sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion and control the elements of standard written English.
In this section, you will be given two tasks and you should provide focused responses for the given tasks. Remember that the tasks given are not to understand how well you know about that particular topic but to understand your power of expression.
Verbal Reasoning
It has two sections and these sections will have questions that will test your ability to read and understand the type of text and language used in the academia. The questions under this section are divided into three different types;
1. Reading comprehension
2. Text completion
3. Sentence equivalence
In order to answer the questions in these sections, you should be able to understand the meaning of the words, relationship between the words and sentences and the concepts.
Topics that are covered under this segment are
· Nouns, pronouns, adjectives, basic sentence structure
· Verbs and tenses
· Idioms and its expressions
· Pronoun and subject verb agreements
· Modifiers
· Parallelism
Quantitative Reasoning
This segment will have questions on the basic math concepts of high-school level like Algebra, Geometry, and Arithmetic. This is to assess your ability of grasping, data analyzing and problem solving skills.
In these two sections, there are four types of questions:
· Quantitative Comparison
· Multiple-Choice with One Correct Answer
· Multiple-Choice with One or More Correct Answers
· Numeric Entry Questions
In the ’Quantitative Comparison’ section, you are required to write a short explanation. You will be asked to compare two quantities and choose one statement from the list of four answers that best fits and describes the comparison.
Topics that are covered under this segment
· Maths Formulas List
· Number properties
· Order of operations
· Percentage
· Ratio and proportion
· Profit and loss
· Simple and compound interest
· Speed, distance and time
· Permutation & combination
· Linear equations
· Quadratic equations
· Sets Theory
· Statistics: Average, Median, Mode, Range, Standard deviation
· Powers and roots
· Probability
· Pipes, cisterns, work, time
· Lines and angles
· Triangles
· Polygon
· Quadrilateral
· Circles
· Coordinate geometry
· Volume and surface area
GRE Subject Test syllabus
GRE Subject Test is to assess your ability in specific field of study. Below are the subjects and their syllabus for that particular Subject GRE Test –
Biology
Approximately 190 Multiple-choice questions are asked related to Biology in this test.
The topics covered are:
· Cellular and Molecular Biology
· Organismal Biology
· Ecology and Evolution
Chemistry
Approximately 130 multiple-choice questions are asked related to chemistry in this test.
The topics covered are:
· Analytical Chemistry
· Inorganic Chemistry
· Organic Chemistry
· Physical Chemistry
Literature in English
Here approximately 230 questions are asked and these questions will be on various segments like poetry, drama, literary theory, criticism, short story and the history of the language.
Topics covered under this segment are:
· Literary Analysis
· Identification
· Cultural and Historical Contexts
· History and Theory of Literary Criticism
Mathematics
66 multiple-choice questions are asked from the courses commonly offered and topics covered at the High-School level.
Topics covered under this segment are:
· Algebra
· Calculus
· Additional Topics
Physics
100 Multiple-choice questions are asked in this subject test.
Topics covered under this segment are:
· Classical Mechanics
· Electromagnetism
· Optics and Wave Phenomena
· Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
· Quantum Mechanics
· Atomic Physics
· Special Relativity
· Laboratory Methods
· Specialized Topics
Psychology
About 205 multiple-choice questions are asked here. Each question has five options and you need to select that one option you think is correct or best fit for the question.
Topics covered under this segment are:
· Biological
· Cognitive
· Developmental
· Social
· Clinical
· Measurement/Methodology/Other
Test Scores
GRE General Test Score
On the test day, at the end of the test, you are given an option to either Report or Cancel the scores. If you choose to Report, then you will be able to view your unofficial Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning Scores at the Test Center itself soon after your test. But, you will not be able to view your analytical writing scores as it involves essay writing which needs time for evaluation.
However, you will receive your official test scores in about 10-15 days after the Test. You can view your scores from your official ETS account. If you have designated test recipients (Universities where you want your score reported directly by ETS) on the test day, then your scores will be automatically sent to them.
GRE General Test Score Scale
The scores of three segments in your GRE General test are reported on the following scale –
· Verbal Score is reported on a scale of 130-170, with 1 point increment for every correct answer
· Quantitative Reasoning is also reported on a scale of 130-170, with 1 point increment for every correct answer
· Analytical Writing is reported on a scale of 0-6, with half point increments
If you do not answer at least one question from any of the sections, then it is noted as NS (no score).
GRE Subject Test Score
You will receive your Subject Test score within five weeks from your test date. You can view your scores directly in your ETS account. You can designate the recipients of your scores the day before your test.
GRE Subject Test Score Scale
Every subject score is reported on a scale of 200 -990, in 10 point increments for every correct answer. But, Biology and Psychology are reported on a scale of 22-99, in 1 point increment for every correct answer.
Score Report
GRE General and Subject Test Score Report
The official score report displayed in your ETS account will include
· Name
· Date of Birth
· Gender
· Intended Graduate Major
· Test dates
· Test Scores
· Authorized Score recipients
· Cumulative Test scores recorded from the past 5 years
On the test day, after completion of the test and viewing your unofficial scores you are given an option to designate the scores to any of the four universities of your choice for free.
After the test date, if you want to order any additional score cards, you need to pay a fee of
US$27 (approx. Rs. 1,865/-) per recipient.
Official Score Report that you want to send to Universities contains –
· Contact Details (Name, Contact Number, Email Id, Address)_
· Intended Graduate Major
· Test Scores
You will have the option to either send the most recent scores or all the scores of the past five years to the designated Institutions/Universities. The score report doesn’t include any information about the university you chose to send the report to and there won’t be any indication on the number of tests taken till date.
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