What is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test designed to assess a student's readiness for graduate and business school programs. Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE is widely accepted by thousands of graduate and business schools worldwide as part of their admissions process.

History

The GRE was first introduced in 1936 by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Over the years, it has undergone several revisions to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in evaluating the skills and abilities of prospective graduate students. The most recent major revision occurred in 2011, resulting in the current GRE General Test format.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the GRE is to provide graduate and business schools with a standardized measure of an applicant's academic abilities and readiness for advanced study. It assesses skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, which are essential for success in graduate-level coursework.

Sections of the GRE

The GRE General Test consists of three main sections:

1. Verbal Reasoning: This section measures a test-taker's ability to analyze and evaluate written material, as well as their ability to synthesize information and draw conclusions. It includes questions on reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence.
2. Quantitative Reasoning: This section assesses a test-taker's ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information, as well as their ability to solve problems using mathematical concepts and reasoning skills. It covers topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
3. Analytical Writing: In this section, test-takers are required to demonstrate their ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively in written form. They are presented with two tasks: analyzing an issue and analyzing an argument. These tasks evaluate the test-taker's ability to construct and support an argument, as well as their ability to communicate ideas coherently and persuasively.

Scoring

Each section of the GRE is scored separately:

• Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning: Scores range from 130 to 170, in one-point increments.
• Analytical Writing: Scores range from 0 to 6, in half-point increments.

Preparation

Preparing for the GRE typically involves a combination of studying content areas, familiarizing oneself with the test format, and practicing with sample questions and full-length practice tests. Many test preparation resources are available, including study guides, online courses, and tutoring services.

Test Administration

The GRE General Test is administered year-round at designated test centers worldwide. Test-takers can register for the exam online through the official GRE website and select a test date and location that is convenient for them. On the day of the test, test-takers are required to present valid identification and adhere to strict testing protocols to ensure the integrity of the exam.

Use in Admissions

Many graduate and business schools require or recommend GRE scores as part of their admissions process. However, the weight placed on GRE scores varies among institutions, and some programs may consider other factors such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements in addition to GRE scores when making admissions decisions.

The Bottom Line

The GRE serves as an important tool for graduate and business schools to assess the academic readiness of prospective students. By evaluating skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, the GRE provides a standardized measure of a student's abilities and helps admissions committees make informed decisions about applicants. With proper preparation and dedication, test-takers can position themselves for success on the GRE and increase their chances of admission to their desired graduate or business school programs.