What is the GRE Exam ?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test that is widely used for admissions to graduate schools, business schools, and other advanced academic programs, primarily in English-speaking countries like the United States. The test assesses a candidate's verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. It is designed to evaluate a student's ability to succeed in graduate-level academic work.
Types of GRE Exam
There are primarily two types of GRE exams:
- This is the most common version of the GRE and is required by most graduate schools.
- Measures general academic skills: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
- This is a more specialized test in specific subject areas such as Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Chemistry, and Biology.
- It is required by certain programs or institutions that focus on specific fields.
GRE General Test
GRE Subject Test
Pattern of GRE Exam (GRE General Test)
The GRE General Test consists of three main sections:
-
Verbal Reasoning
- Time: 35 minutes per section (2 sections)
- Total Questions: 40 questions (20 per section)
- Types of Questions:
- Reading comprehension
- Text completion
- Sentence Equivalence
-
Quantitative Reasoning
- Time: 35 minutes per section (2 sections)
- Total Questions: 40 questions (20 per section)
- Types of Questions:
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Data Interpretation
-
Analytical Writing
- Time: 60 minutes Total
- Total Tasks:2 tasks:
- Issue Task: You will be presented with a topic and asked to write an essay expressing your opinion and supporting it with evidence.
- Argument Task: You will critique a given argument, analyzing its reasoning and identifying its flaws.
Unscored Research Section (Optional):
- An additional unscored section may be included for research purposes.
- It can be either a verbal or quantitative section, but you won’t know which section it is.
- The research section does not count toward your score.
GRE Syllabus Overview
-
Verbal Reasoning:
- Reading Comprehension: You will read passages and answer questions based on them.
- Text Completion: Fill in blanks in sentences using appropriate words or phrases.
- Sentence Equivalence: Choose two words that best complete a sentence in a way that produces a coherent meaning.
-
Quantitative Reasoning:
- Arithmetic: Operations with numbers, ratios, percentages, and number properties.
- Algebra: Solving equations, inequalities, and working with algebraic expressions.
- Geometry: Working with geometric shapes, areas, volumes, and coordinate geometry.
- Data Interpretation: Understanding and analyzing data presented in graphs or tables.
-
Analytical Writing:
- Issue Task: Develop an argument for or against a given statement, supporting your position with logical reasoning.
- Argument Task: Analyze an argument for its logical soundness and suggest improvements.
Scoring for GRE Exam
- Verbal Reasoning Score:
- Range: 130–170 (in 1-point increments)
- Quantitative Reasoning Score:
- Range: 130–170 (in 1-point increments)
- Total Score Range: The total combined score for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections is between 260–340.
Passing Scores for the GRE
There is no official "passing" score for the GRE, as different schools and programs set their own score requirements based on their admissions criteria. However, here is a general idea:
- Verbal Reasoning: Average score ranges from 150–152.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Average score ranges from 152–155.
- Analytical Writing: Average score ranges from 3.5–4.0.
Most graduate programs, particularly competitive ones, expect higher scores, often around 160+ for both verbal and quantitative sections. However, the specific score requirements depend on the program and institution.
Key Features of the GRE
- Test Length: The GRE General Test typically takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete.
- Validity: GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date.
- Computer-Based Test: The GRE General Test is primarily computer-based, but a paper-based version is available in regions without computer access.
- Adaptive Test: The GRE is a computer-adaptive test, meaning the difficulty level of questions may adjust based on the test taker's performance in the first section.
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