Q. What is the GRE and how is it structured?
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test is a multiple-choice admission test for applicants to graduate schools. The test is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), under the sponsorship of the Graduate Record Examinations Board. The GRE is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), and consists of three scored sections:
Q. What Is It?
The GRE® General Test measures critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study.
Analytical Writing -
The skills measured include the test taker’s ability to
* Articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively
* Examine claims and accompanying evidence
* Support ideas with relevant reasons and examples
* Sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion
* Control the elements of standard written English.
Verbal Reasoning -
The skills measured include the test taker’s ability to
* Analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it
* Analyze relationships among component parts of sentences
* Recognize relationships between words and concepts.
Quantitative Reasoning -
The skills measured include the test taker’s ability to
* Understand basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis
* Reason quantitatively
* Solve problems in a quantitative setting.
Q. Who Takes It and Why?
Prospective graduate applicants take the General Test. GRE test scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement undergraduate records and other qualifications for graduate study. The scores provide common measures for comparing the qualifications of applicants and aid in evaluating grades and recommendations.
Q. Where Do People Take It?
The General Test is offered year-round at computer-based test centers in the U.S., Canada, and many other countries. It is offered at paper-based test centers in areas of the world where computer-based testing is not available. See which format is available in your area.
Q. Who Accepts It?
Any accredited graduate or professional school, or any department or division within a school, may require or recommend that its applicants take the General Test, a Subject Test, or both. If approved by the GRE Board, a non-accredited institution can also receive test takers’ scores.
Q. What is a CAT and how does it work?
A CAT is a computer-adaptive test, whose software calculates your score based on the number of questions you answer correctly, the difficulty of the questions you answer, and the number of questions you complete. When you take the GRE CAT, you’ll begin each section with a medium-level question and a score of 500. If you answer the question correctly, the computer will raise your score and give you a harder question. If you answer the question incorrectly, your score will decrease and you’ll be given an easier question. The process repeats for each question in the section, to arrive at your final score for that section.
Q. How is the GRE scored?
Each of the three sections is scored on a scale of 200 to 800. The average scores for the GRE are about 470 for Verbal and 570 for Quantitative.
Q. How important are my GRE scores?
Schools vary tremendously in the weights they place on the different factors in the admission process, so be sure to contact the specific schools to which you are applying in order to determine their unique requirements. Some programs weight GRE scores very heavily, and/or have a minimum score for applicants, while other programs consider GRE scores more of a formality. It is important to note that your GRE scores are a major factor in determining your eligibility for financial aid.
Q. Can I cancel my scores?
Yes. You can cancel your scores immediately after you take the GRE. This is the only time you can cancel your scores. Unfortunately, you must make the decision to cancel at the testing center before you see your scores. In addition, the fact that you cancelled your scores will be noted on your official GRE score report.
Q. How do I pick a test date?
First find out the application deadlines for the graduate schools to which you are applying, then work backwards from your earliest deadline. Build some extra time into your planning process for unexpected delays because you can only take the GRE once per calendar month. Keep in mind that it can take as long as four weeks for your official scores to arrive at your designated schools. The GRE is offered at testing centers almost every day. Call your local center for details and to book your test. While in theory you could sign up for the GRE with only two days’ notice, don’t depend upon this luxury. Call at least one month prior to your desired test date.
Q. What fees are associated with the GRE?
Fee for the GRE exam (W.e.f. Oct 1, 2002) $140 + local taxes extra.
Q. What are the GRE Subject Tests and Writing Assessment Test (WAT)?
The GRE Subject Tests are intended to measure your knowledge of specific subject matter. Subject Tests are available in eight disciplines: biochemistry, cell and molar biology; biology; chemistry; computer science; literature in English; mathematics; physics; and psychology. These tests are given in paper-and-pencil format three times per year, in November, December, and April.
The WAT is a computer-based test, consisting of two analytical writing tasks: a 45-minute essay in which you present your perspective on a particular issue and a 30-minute essay in which you analyze an argument.
As of October 2002, the WAT will become part of the GRE General Test, replacing the multiple-choice “Analytical Ability” section.
Q. Where in India can I write GRE?
* Ahmedabad
* Allahabad
* Bangalore
* Chennai
* Hyderabad
* Kolkata
* Mumbai
* New Delhi
* Trivandrum
Q. How to apply?
There are no specific dates or schedules for taking the GRE/GMAT/TOEFL. These are conducted round the year. The procedure is to first obtain a form and consequently register your self for the exam.
1. Ordering the form- Forms and their details are available (free of cost) at:
Institute of Psychological and Educational Measurement (IPEM)
119/25-A, Mahatma Gandhi Marg
Allahabad - 211001 (U.P.), India
Phone: 0532 - 624881, 623858
Fax: 0532 - 624637
E-mail: ets@ipem.org
Website: http://ipem.org/
The United States Education Foundation in India (USEFI)
Educational Advisor,
USEFI, Fulbright House,
12 Hailey Road,
New Delhi - 110 001
Phone: (011) 3328944
Fax: (011) 3329718
E-mail: vijaya@usefi.ernet.in
2. Registration: Thereafter, to register yourself for a particular test date, you can contact Sylvan Testing Services in New Delhi.
Address:
Sylvan Testing Services Pvt. Ltd.
Senior Plaza 160-A, Gautam Nagar, 3rd Floor Yusuf Sarai,
Behind Indian Oil Building
New Delhi 110 049
Tel: 011-6511649 Fax: 011-6529741
Acceptable Forms of Payment:
1. International Credit Card: The fee can be paid to Sylvan Testing Services through any of the following international credit cards- VISA, Master, American Express over a telephone.
2. Cheques, bank drafts, money orders payable in U.S. dollars must be drawn on banks located in the U.S and be made payable to ETS-GMAT/GRE/TOEFL.
If payments are made in the Indian currency, these must be made at the telegraphic transfer-selling (TTS) exchange rate of the U.S. dollar equivalent. Cheques, money orders payable in Indian Rupee must be drawn on a bank in India.
Q. How do universities get my GRE score?
ETS will directly send your scores to the universities you have mentioned in your test registration.
Q. What is a good GRE score?
A score of 1400 and above would help you to get in good universities.
Q. Do I need to take a subject GRE also?
Usually universities don’t ask for subject GRE scores. However in case of change of stream or for integrated PhD programs some universities may ask for a subject GRE score. It entirely depends on the university however very few universities do this.
Q. How are the essays evaluated?
The essays are scored in a range from 0 to 6. The ratings of the essay will be 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, 4.5, 4.0, 3.5, 3.0,2.5, 2.0, 1.5 and 1.0. The desired level is 5 and above.
Q. When is the GRE Test held?
All-round-the-year. Unlike other exams, you can choose your own date and time for taking the GRE Test! The test is administered in the above cities five-days-a-week (Monday through Friday), twice-a-day. September to December is the high season for GRE Test, so in case you intend to take the test during this period, you need to register very early (say 90 days in advance) to get a date of your choice. Otherwise, registering at least 15 days in advance is mandatory. The test lasts roughly three-and-a-half hours, and most centres offer two slots : 9 A.M. and 2 P.M. Related Articles :
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