The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that is a pre-requisite for admissions into graduate schools in the United States and other countries. It is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) since 1949. The main objective of this exam is to measure the verbal, quantitative and analytical skills of the potential graduate school students. Previously a paper and pencil test, now the GRE is a computer adaptive examination that is offered in most countries. The paper based exam is available in a few countries where the computer adaptive test cannot be administered.The cost of the exam is around $130 to $210, depending on which country the test is administered in. In India, the test costs $190. Special financial aids are provided to economically poorer candidates. The GRE test scores are valid for 5 years. Scores older than that are erased and cannot be used.
Structure of the GRE Exam
The GRE has four sections, of which the first is the writing section. It is followed by three sections that have questions in the multiple choice style. One is the verbal section, another the quantitative aptitude section and the final is the experimental section that is not reported along with the scores. The entire test takes a time of 4 hours for completion.
The GRE Verbal Section
The verbal section consists of the reading comprehension passages, text completion questions and the sentence completion questions. All are based on the multiple choice format. The papers are graded on a scale of 130-170 with 1- point increments. This section tests the candidate’s vocabulary and ability to understand academic type text. Normally candidates score lower on this section compared to the quant section. This section consists of about 30 questions that have to be completed in 30 minutes time.The Quantitative aptitude section is also in the multiple choice format. It consists of questions having problem solving types and comparison type. This section tests high school level mathematics. It is graded on a scale from 130-170 with 1 point increments. The test consists of 28 numerical questions with 45 minutes to complete them. Previously on the GRE, calculators were not allowed. But the new pattern facilitates the use of on-screen calculators to help the candidates. Problem solving questions, however will be slightly indirect and in the form of word problems.
GRE Analytical writing section
The analytical writing section consists of two different tasks, an "issue task" and an "argument task". The writing section is graded on a scale of 0-6, in half-point increments. The essays are typed into the computer using a program. This program, designed by the ETS has only basic functions and does not allow a spell checker or other advanced features. The essay is scored by two readers, one computer and one human. If the score varies by more than one point, a third reader examines the essay.
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