The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test widely used for admissions into graduate programs, primarily in the United States and many other countries. It assesses a candidate's verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills, making it an essential component of the application process for a wide range of graduate-level programs, including master's and doctoral degrees.
The GRE is designed to measure a student's readiness for graduate-level academic work and to evaluate their potential to succeed in various disciplines, including business, science, engineering, social sciences, arts, and humanities. The test consists of several sections, including the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections, each scored on a scale of 130 to 170, with a separate score for the analytical writing section, graded on a scale of 0 to 6.
The GRE, which stands for "Graduate Record Examination," is a standardized test commonly used for admissions into graduate-level programs in universities and colleges around the world, primarily in the United States. It is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The GRE is designed to assess a candidate's readiness for advanced academic work and to evaluate their potential to succeed in graduate-level studies.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Name | Graduate Record Examination |
Acronym | GRE |
Type | Standardized test |
Purpose | Assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills |
Administered by | Educational Testing Service (ETS) |
Format | Computer-adaptive test (CAT) |
Duration | 3 hours and 45 minutes |
Sections | 3 sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing |
Score | 260-340 |
Used for | Admission to graduate programs in the United States and Canada |
Criteria | Details |
---|---|
Age | There is no upper or lower age limit for the GRE exam. |
Education | There is no minimum educational requirement for the GRE exam. However, most graduate programs require a bachelor's degree. |
Nationality | The GRE exam is available to candidates from all over the world. |
Language | The GRE exam is offered in English only. |
Test center | You can take the GRE exam at any test center that is authorized by ETS. |
Date | Event |
---|---|
January 10, 2023 | Registration opens |
March 10, 2023 | Last day to register for the March 2023 test |
April 10, 2023 | Last day to register for the April 2023 test |
May 10, 2023 | Last day to register for the May 2023 test |
June 10, 2023 | Last day to register for the June 2023 test |
July 10, 2023 | Last day to register for the July 2023 test |
August 10, 2023 | Last day to register for the August 2023 test |
September 10, 2023 | Last day to register for the September 2023 test |
October 10, 2023 | Last day to register for the October 2023 test |
November 10, 2023 | Last day to register for the November 2023 test |
December 10, 2023 | Last day to register for the December 2023 test |
Group | Discount |
---|---|
Students with disabilities | \$100 |
Active duty military personnel and veterans | \$50 |
Students from low-income countries | \$50 |
Criteria | Details |
---|---|
Age | There is no upper or lower age limit for the GRE exam. |
Education | There is no minimum educational requirement for the GRE exam. However, most graduate programs require a bachelor's degree. |
Nationality | The GRE exam is available to candidates from all over the world. |
Language | The GRE exam is offered in English only. |
Test center | You can take the GRE exam at any test center that is authorized by ETS. |
Section | Number of Questions | Time |
---|---|---|
Verbal Reasoning | 20 | 30 minutes |
Quantitative Reasoning | 20 | 35 minutes |
Analytical Writing | 2 | 60 minutes (30 minutes per essay) |
Question Type | Description |
---|---|
Problem Solving | You will be given a math problem and asked to solve it. The problems will range from basic arithmetic to algebra and geometry. |
Data Interpretation | You will be given a data set and asked to answer questions about it. The data sets will be presented in a variety of formats, including tables, graphs, and charts. |
Quantitative Comparison | You will be given two equations or expressions and asked to compare them. You will need to determine which equation or expression is greater, less than, or equal to the other. |
Section | Score Range |
---|---|
Verbal Reasoning | 130 to 170 |
Quantitative Reasoning | 130 to 170 |
Analytical Writing | 0 to 6 |
University | GRE Cut-Off |
---|---|
Harvard University | 320+ |
Stanford University | 320+ |
MIT | 320+ |
Yale University | 320+ |
Princeton University | 320+ |
University of Pennsylvania | 315+ |
Columbia University | 315+ |
University of Chicago | 315+ |
Duke University | 310+ |
California Institute of Technology | 310+ |
Book | Author | Publisher |
---|---|---|
Manhattan Prep GRE Complete Guide | Manhattan Prep | Manhattan Prep |
Magoosh GRE Verbal Review | Magoosh | Magoosh |
Veritas Prep GRE Verbal Workbook | Veritas Prep | Veritas Prep |
Princeton Review GRE Math Review | Princeton Review | Princeton Review |
5lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems | Kaplan | Kaplan |
GRE Prep Plus 2023 | ETS | ETS |
Understand the GRE Format: Familiarize yourself with the test structure, including the types of questions in the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing sections. This knowledge will help you plan your study strategy.
Create a Study Schedule: Develop a comprehensive study plan that covers all the topics on the GRE. Allocate sufficient time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses. Consistency is key.
Use Official Study Materials: ETS, the organization that administers the GRE, offers official study materials, including practice tests and study guides. These resources closely resemble the actual GRE, making them essential for effective preparation.
Practice with Timed Mock Tests: Take full-length GRE practice tests under timed conditions. This helps you become familiar with the time constraints and improves your time management skills.
Focus on Weak Areas: Identify the sections or question types where you struggle the most, and allocate additional time to improve in those areas.
Develop Analytical Writing Skills: The analytical writing section requires you to express complex ideas clearly and coherently. Practice writing essays on various topics, and work on constructing well-structured arguments.
Enhance Vocabulary: GRE verbal reasoning often involves challenging vocabulary. Use flashcards or vocabulary-building apps to expand your word knowledge.
Review Math Fundamentals: Brush up on basic math concepts, especially those you haven't used in a while. Practice solving GRE-style quantitative questions to build your confidence.
Time Management: During the test, manage your time wisely. If you're stuck on a difficult question, move on and come back to it later.
Stay Healthy: Maintain a balanced lifestyle. Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. A healthy body and mind will enhance your cognitive performance.
Join Study Groups: Collaborate with others preparing for the GRE. Sharing study materials and discussing challenging concepts can be beneficial.
Stay Positive and Manage Stress: Keep a positive attitude, and don't let stress overwhelm you. Practice relaxation techniques to stay calm during the test.