In the graduate school admissions process, the level of emphasis that is placed upon GRE scores varies widely between schools and between departments within schools. The importance of a GRE score can range from being a mere admission formality to an important selection factor.
The GRE was completely overhauled in August 2011, creating an exam that is not adaptive on a question-by-question basis, but rather by section, so that the performance on the first verbal and math sections determine the difficulty of the second sections shown. Overall, the test retained the sections and question types from its predecessor, but the scores were changed to a 130 to 170 scale. The cost to take the test varies between US$130 and $210, depending on the country in which it is taken, although ETS will reduce the fee under certain circumstances. They are promoting financial aid to those GRE applicants who prove economic hardship. ETS erases all test records that are older than 5 years, although graduate program policies on the admittance of scores older than 5 years will vary.
Exam Structure
The computer-based GRE General Test consists of six sections. The first section is always the analytical writing section involving separately timed issue and argument tasks. The next five sections consist of two verbal reasoning sections, two quantitative reasoning sections, and either an experimental or research section. These five sections may occur in any order. The experimental section does not count towards the final score but is not distinguished from the scored sections. Unlike on the computer adaptive test prior to August 2011, the examinee is free to skip back and forth within sections. The entire testing procedure lasts about 3 hours 45 minutes.One-minute breaks are offered after each section and a 10-minute break after the third section.
The paper-based GRE General Test consists of six sections and is only available in areas where computer-based testing is unavailable. The analytical writing is split up into two sections, one section for each issue and argument task. The next four sections consist of two verbal and two quantitative sections in varying order. There is no experimental section on the paper-based test.
Verbal section The computer-based verbal sections assess reading comprehension, critical reasoning and vocabulary usage. The verbal test is scored on a scale of 130-170, in 1-point increments (Before August, 2011 the scale was 200–800, in 10-point increments). In a typical examination, each verbal section consists of 20 questions to be completed in 30 minutes.Each verbal section consists of about 6 text completion, 4 sentence equivalence, and 10 critical reading questions. The changes in 2011 include a reduced emphasis on rote vocabulary knowledge and the elimination of antonyms and analogies. Text completion items have replaced sentence completions and new reading question types allowing for the selection of multiple answers were added.
Quantitative section:
The computer-based quantitative sections assess basic high school level mathematical knowledge and reasoning skills. The quantitative test is scored on a scale of 130–170, in 1-point increments (Before August 2011 the scale was 200–800, in 10-point increments). In a typical examination, each quantitative section consists of 20 questions to be completed in 35 minutes.Each quantitative section consists of about 8 quantitative comparisons, 9 problem solving items, and 3 data interpretation questions. The changes in 2011 include the addition of numeric entry items requiring the examinee to fill in a blank and multiple-choice items requiring the examinee to select multiple correct responses.
Analytical writing section:
The analytical writing section consists of two different essays, an "issue task" and an "argument task". The writing section is graded on a scale of 0-6, in half-point increments. The essays are written on a computer using a word processing program specifically designed by ETS. The program allows only basic computer functions and does not contain a spell-checker or other advanced features. Each essay is scored by at least two readers on a six-point holist scale. If the two scores are within one point, the average of the scores is taken. If the two scores differ by more than a point, a third reader examines the response.
Issue task
The test taker is given 30 minutes to write an essay about a selected topic.Issue topics are selected from a pool of questions.
Argument task
The test taker will be given an argument (i.e. a series of facts and considerations leading to a conclusion) and will be asked to write an essay that critiques the argument. Test takers are asked to consider the argument's logic and to make suggestions about how to improve the logic of the argument. Test takers are expected to address the logical flaws of the argument, not to provide a personal opinion on the subject. The time allotted for this essay is 30 minutes.Arguments are selected from a pool of topics.
Experimental section
The experimental section, which can be either a verbal, quantitative, or analytical writing task, contains new questions ETS is considering for future use. Although the experimental section does not count towards the test-taker's score, it is unidentified and appears identical to the scored sections. Because test takers have no definite way of knowing which section is experimental, it is typically advised that test takers try their best on every section. Sometimes an identified research section at the end of the test is given instead of the experimental section.There is no experimental section on the paper-based GRE.
Structure of the GRE :
The computer-based General Test is composed of 3 sections:
Test Pattern :
Section | Revised Pattern & Content | Changes from Previous Pattern |
| Quantitative | - Data Sufficiency - Data Interpretation & Statistics - Problem Solving - 2 Sections (20 Q's/35 Minutes per section) | - Calculator Allowed - No Choice for Problem Solving - Statistics part of new pattern - 2 Sections instead of 1 but less time |
| Verbal | - Reading Comprehension - Sentence Correction - 2 Sections (20 Q's/30 Minutes per section) | - Stress on Comprehension and Less on Etymology - 2 Sections instead of 1 - Less Questions but more time as it involves RC |
| AWA | - Issue essay: 30 minutes* - Argument Essay: 30 Minutes** | Time reduced for Issue essay by 15 minutes |
| Test Format | - No Computer Adaptive Test - Skipping Questions Permitted | - Skipping questions are NOW ALLOWED - Scores not based on solving the first few questions correctly |
| Scoring Scale | 130 -170 with 1 point Increment. | Earlier it was 200-800 with 10 point increment |
| Score reporting to University | 5 Years Validity | No change |
* For the Issue task, two essay topics will be presented and you will choose one. In this type of essay, you usually agree and disagree with the author. There is no need to take a stand. You can state the pros and cons of the topic.
** The Argument task does not present a choice of topics; instead, one topic will be presented. In this type of essay, you should disagree with the author. As the name suggests, you should argue with the author’s views.
After all the verbal and quant sections, a research section follows. This section is like essay writing on a topic presented to you. However, it is NOT evaluated towards the final score. Hence, a lot of people skip this section and proceed to the last part of checking their score.
Note: The AWA section is always first, followed by two Verbal sections and two Quantitative sections, in any order. Basically, you will have two verbal sections and two quantitative sections and will contribute towards your final score. You will not be informed prior to or during the exam about which section will be taken into account and hence you must give cent percent effort in all the sections.When should I take the GRE?
GRE takes place round the year. It is not like any other exam where the dates will be announced in the newspaper or any official website. So, anytime you feel you are in a position to go and take your best shot, GO FOR IT.GENERALLY, engineering students prefer to take GRE in their third year either in March or August. No superstitious connections but some logical reason behind it. GRE is an exam which requires you to be tension-free and relaxed. Most engineers remain free during these two months as they aren’t occupied with any work like exams, submissions, etc. There are a few advantages of choosing March over August as enumerated below :
Reasons to choose March as the GRE month:
- March is the ideal time to take GRE because you get one more chance to take the exam in August if suppose you don’t score well in the March attempt.
- Giving GRE in March won’t clash your deadlines with final year project, placements (some companies do come in August-September) and most importantly you get more time for your Application Process for USA.
- You can take TOEFL without any pressure, if your GRE is over in March.
- If you're planning to appear for MBA entrance exams as well, you get sufficient time.
- You might have to bunk a lot of lectures for the GRE preparation. This can seriously affect recommendations from your teachers as attendance is the prime parameter. Giving the exam in August leaves you with very less time to ‘butter’ them and make things turn your way.
Problems with choosing a date..
Often, the slots are already full and you don’t get your desired date. So, book your date well in advance. Some prefer to wait till the last minute, and once they are confident about their preparation, they start searching for the nearest available date. This can be a problem as you might not get a single date and have to wait for a long time which in turn affects your preparation leading to a BAD day.
Note: Please choose your date wisely and carefully. Although you're allowed to postpone the date, you will only be making the ETS richer by $50 or an additional $190 if you reschedule it within 3 days of the exam.
Should I choose end of the month as my GRE day as questions will be repeated?
It’s a big misconception amongst a lot of students. Questions don’t repeat at all and even if they do, they repeat in the quant section with a maximum of only one or two questions, which anyway are extremely simple to solve or you must have already solved.
Q. What is the cost/registration fee for GRE?
A. The registration fee for taking GRE is USD 190 which includes reporting your GRE scores to 4 universities of your choice.
Q. How do I register for the GRE?
A. You can register online or by phone or by mail. The detailed information about registering for the GRE can be found at www.gre.org
Q. How many times in a year is GRE exam held?
A. GRE is offered on all working days in India. The schedule can be obtained from Prometric in person, through phone, e-mail or online.
Q. How many times can I take GRE?
A. GRE can be taken unlimited number of times with a gap of a minimum of 31 calendar days between 2 tests. (It is highly advisable not to appear for GRE too many times as it may affect the applicant’s candidature). However, one can give the test only 5 times in a calendar year.
Q. If I take GRE more than once, which score will be considered by the universities?
A. The best score is taken into account by most of the universities. A few, though, consider the average.
Q. What is the validity of the GRE exam?
A. Your GRE score will be valid for 5 years after from the date the test was taken
Q. Does admission to universities depend only on GRE scores?
A. It is one of the various criteria that the admission council looks at. However, a good GRE score does improve chances of admission and financial aid.
Q. How do I pass on my score to the colleges where I want to apply to?
A. The universities only accept official scores sent directly by ETS. Scores to four colleges can be sent free of cost while taking the exam. Subsequently, for each score report sent to a college, you would have to pay USD 23.
Q. What is an ideal GRE score for engineering students?
A. Anything above 1250 (old pattern) or 310 (new pattern) is considered good but you should always aim higher. An engineering student should score above 750 (old pattern) or 160 (new pattern) in quant as this counts a lot.
Q. How important are extracurricular activities?
A. Extracurriculars are always an add-on to your profile. Any achievements at the state or national and international level are considered important. Working for social causes such as for an NGO or charity trusts on a regular basis (Please don’t start visiting NGOs when your application dates are nearing, it won’t help) helps a lot. Participating in college festivals or becoming a head of some committee does not count much.
Q. Do universities consider photocopies of the GRE scorecard? Do I have to send scores through ETS?
A. No, photocopies are not accepted. You have to send your scores only through ETS.
Q. Is GRE mandatory for applying to MS and PhD programs outside India?
A. No, not all the MS and PhD programs outside India require you to take GRE. These scores are required only by US universities and a few universities in Canada, Germany and UK.
Q. How important is the GRE score in helping secure scholarships for graduate studies?
A. The GRE score, your past academic record and your application materials play a vital part towards securing scholarships.
A. The registration fee for taking GRE is USD 190 which includes reporting your GRE scores to 4 universities of your choice.
Q. How do I register for the GRE?
A. You can register online or by phone or by mail. The detailed information about registering for the GRE can be found at www.gre.org
Q. How many times in a year is GRE exam held?
A. GRE is offered on all working days in India. The schedule can be obtained from Prometric in person, through phone, e-mail or online.
Q. How many times can I take GRE?
A. GRE can be taken unlimited number of times with a gap of a minimum of 31 calendar days between 2 tests. (It is highly advisable not to appear for GRE too many times as it may affect the applicant’s candidature). However, one can give the test only 5 times in a calendar year.
Q. If I take GRE more than once, which score will be considered by the universities?
A. The best score is taken into account by most of the universities. A few, though, consider the average.
Q. What is the validity of the GRE exam?
A. Your GRE score will be valid for 5 years after from the date the test was taken
Q. Does admission to universities depend only on GRE scores?
A. It is one of the various criteria that the admission council looks at. However, a good GRE score does improve chances of admission and financial aid.
Q. How do I pass on my score to the colleges where I want to apply to?
A. The universities only accept official scores sent directly by ETS. Scores to four colleges can be sent free of cost while taking the exam. Subsequently, for each score report sent to a college, you would have to pay USD 23.
Q. What is an ideal GRE score for engineering students?
A. Anything above 1250 (old pattern) or 310 (new pattern) is considered good but you should always aim higher. An engineering student should score above 750 (old pattern) or 160 (new pattern) in quant as this counts a lot.
Q. How important are extracurricular activities?
A. Extracurriculars are always an add-on to your profile. Any achievements at the state or national and international level are considered important. Working for social causes such as for an NGO or charity trusts on a regular basis (Please don’t start visiting NGOs when your application dates are nearing, it won’t help) helps a lot. Participating in college festivals or becoming a head of some committee does not count much.
Q. Do universities consider photocopies of the GRE scorecard? Do I have to send scores through ETS?
A. No, photocopies are not accepted. You have to send your scores only through ETS.
Q. Is GRE mandatory for applying to MS and PhD programs outside India?
A. No, not all the MS and PhD programs outside India require you to take GRE. These scores are required only by US universities and a few universities in Canada, Germany and UK.
Q. How important is the GRE score in helping secure scholarships for graduate studies?
A. The GRE score, your past academic record and your application materials play a vital part towards securing scholarships.
