What is the GRE Exam?

Discussing applying for higher education abroad, a word namely GRE pops up and you are all confused as to what it is. Now that you are reading this, we will try our best to make you informed about this buzzword that has become synonymous with higher studies abroad.

The Graduate Record Examination or the GRE test, conducted by Education Testing Services (ETS), is taken by individuals aspiring to apply for graduate studies in the fields of business, engineering, natural sciences, humanities and arts, education and social sciences. GRE scores are trusted and recognized at top business and engineering schools around the globe.

The GRE evaluates the quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills of a candidate. The test aims at measuring skills that closely align with the ones required for success in a demanding graduate and business school program.

GRE exam format

The computer-based GRE exam is three hours and forty five minutes long excluding timed breaks, and consists of three sections: Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning.

Analytical Writing

This section consists of two individually timed 30 minute essays: analysing an issue and analysing an argument.

• Analyse an issue: analyse the issue and develop an argument, supported with reasoning and examples.
• Analyse an argument: evaluate the logical soundness of the argument by pointing out the lack of evidence and the underlying assumptions in its conclusion.

The section is scored 0 to 6 in half-point increments.

Quantitative Reasoning

Two 35 minute sections of 25 questions each, testing basic mathematical skills and elementary concepts in arithmetic, algebra, data analysis and geometry. Question types include quantitative comparison, multiple choice (one answer), multiple choice (one or more answers) and numeric entry.

An on-screen calculator is available, though it is advisable to practice manual calculations: relying completely on the calculator tends to be time consuming. Scores run from 130 to 170 in one point increments.

Verbal Reasoning

Two 30 minute sections of 20 questions each, covering reading comprehension, text completion and sentence equivalence. Scores run from 130 to 170 in one point increments. ETS states that verbal reasoning evaluates your skills to analyse and evaluate written material, analyse relationships among parts of sentences, and recognize relationships among words and concepts.

The extra section

The GRE also includes either an unscored section or a research section that does not contribute to your final score. The unscored section is an extra quantitative or verbal section with no way of identifying it, so give your best in all sections. The research section is always last and clearly marked. There is no negative marking, so a random guess is wiser than leaving an answer blank.

Adaptive nature

The GRE is section-level adaptive: the computer selects the difficulty of the second section based on your performance in the first. Within a section every question contributes equally, and the final score is based on the total number of correct answers and the difficulty of the questions. You can navigate freely within a timed section, mark questions for review, skip and return to them, and change answers.

There is a 10-minute break after the third section and one-minute breaks between the others. If you take an impromptu break the timer does not stop.

Registration and requirements

The GRE has no bar on age, work experience or degrees held. To register, create an ETS account at ets.org/mygre. The one requirement is identity proof: in India, only a valid passport is accepted, and the name you register with must exactly match your ID. You can register year-round, but during peak periods getting your preferred date and centre can be difficult, so register well in advance.

Rescheduling, cancellation and retakes

You can reschedule at least 4 days before the test date for a fee of 50 dollars; otherwise the entire test fee is forfeited. Cancelling at least 4 full days before the test refunds half the fee. Refund policies may differ by region, so check the official ETS site first. You can take the GRE a maximum of 5 times in a 12 month period, with a minimum gap of 21 days between attempts.

Score reporting and validity

Unofficial verbal and quantitative scores appear immediately after the exam, and you can report scores to up to 4 schools for free right after the test. Official scores arrive in your ETS account within 10 to 15 days, and you can send them to any number of schools afterwards. All scores remain valid for 5 years.

GRE vs GMAT

Almost all business schools now accept GRE scores for their MBA, MIM and specialized masters programs, following Harvard Business School's stance of treating the GRE equally with other admission tests. All top European MIM programs except a few like RSM and TUM give equal weightage to GRE and GMAT. If you are unsure about the course you want to pursue but want to be done with an admission test, the GRE gives you more flexibility.

We hope this guide helped you understand the structure and pattern of the GRE. Good luck!