GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
- Purpose of test: To assess test takers’ abilities for postgraduate programs, primarily in the fields of natural sciences and social sciences in the United States.
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Format: Computer-based test
1. Overview of GRE Test
GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a globally recognized admission exam, specifically designed for those who wish to pursue graduate programs in the natural and social sciences (excluding Medicine, Pharmacy, and Law) in the United States.
This test assesses skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing. These abilities develop over time and aren’t tied to a specific major, yet they’re essential for all academic and professional fields.
GRE offers two test types:
GRE General Test: This test evaluates skills such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing. It’s designed for students applying to graduate programs.
GRE Subject Test: This test evaluates in-depth knowledge and expertise in a specific academic field. It is designed for students who have completed an undergraduate major or possess extensive background knowledge in one of the following areas: Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology.
2. Institutions that accept the GRE
Currently, GRE scores are accepted by over 3,000 graduate programs worldwide. You can search for a list of institutions that accept the PTE test on the following website:
https://www.ets.org/gre/test-takers/general-test/scores/send-scores/approved-recipients.html
3. GRE General Test Structure
GRE General Test consists of one analytical writing section, two verbal reasoning sections, and two quantitative reasoning sections.
The total test duration is approximately 2 hours. At the beginning of each section, instructions will clearly indicate the number of questions and time allotted for that section. Analytical Writing section always appears first.
Section | Number of questions | Test duration |
Analytical Writing
|
One “Analyze an Issue” task | 30 minutes |
Verbal Reasoning
|
Section 1: 12 questions | 18 minutes |
Section 2: 15 questions | 23 minutes | |
Quantitative Reasoning
|
Section 1: 12 questions | 21 minutes |
Section 2: 15 questions | 26 minutes |
4. GRE General Test Content
4.1. Analytical Writing
This section evaluates the test taker’s critical thinking and analytical writing skills. It assesses the ability to:
- Articulate and support complex ideas
- Construct arguments
- Sustain a focused and coherent discussion
Test takers are required to present their opinion on a general issue, following specific instructions on how to respond. They must evaluate the issue, consider its complexities, and develop a well-reasoned argument supported by relevant examples.
4.2. Verbal Reasoning
This section assesses test-takers’ ability to:
- Analyze and draw conclusions from texts; reason from incomplete data; identify an author’s assumptions or perspective; and understand multiple levels of meaning, such as literal, figurative, and author’s intent.
- Identify important information, distinguish between major and minor points; summarize text; and understand the structure of a passage.
- Comprehend the meaning of words, sentences, and entire passages, as well as recognize the relationships among words and concepts.
Questions in the Verbal Reasoning section come in various formats. Approximately half of the questions require test-takers to read passages and answer questions based on them. The remaining questions involve reading comprehension, analysis, and completing sentences, phrases, or passages.
4.3. Quantitative Reasoning
This section assesses:
- Basic mathematical skills
- Understanding of elementary mathematical concepts
- Ability to reason quantitatively and to model and solve problems with quantitative methods.
Some questions are posted in real-life settings, while others are purely mathematical problems. The content covers four main areas: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis.
5. GRE General Test Results
Section | GRE score scale | Point increments |
Analytical writing | 0 – 6 | one-point increments |
Verbal reasoning | 130 – 170 | one-point increments |
Quantitative reasoning | 130 – 170 | one-point increments |
A good GRE score typically falls within the range of 320 to 340.
6. GRE Test Formats
- Test at a test center: The GRE can be taken at over 1,000 ETS-authorized test centers worldwide;
- Online test at home: The at-home version of the GRE is proctored live by a human and can be taken 24/7, depending on availability.
7. GRE Test fees
GRE General Test | 220 USD |
GRE Subject Test | 150 USD |
Rescheduling | 55 USD |
Test center change | 55 USD |
8. Other information
- Score validity: 5 years
- Registration method: Online
- Payment methods: Credit card / Debit card
- Score release time: Approximately 8–10 business days
- Official website: ets.org/gre.html
- Check test dates and locations at: www.ets.org/gre/test-takers/general-test/schedule.html
- Retake policy: Minimum 21 days between tests, up to 5 times per year
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