GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test that is one of the admission requirements for most post-graduate courses in the United States and other countries across the world.

Name of the Exam: Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Level of Exam: International

Conducting Body: Educational Trust Service (ETS)

GRE Eligibility: There is no specific eligibility criterion to apply for GRE tests. Aspirants can apply for GRE tests irrespective of qualifications and age. The test is designed for undergraduate students or undergraduate degree holders who are interested in pursuing higher studies. A good knowledge of English is the only presumed essential requirement to appear for the test.  Students cannot get admission in universities solely based on their GRE scores. They will also be required to fulfill other eligibility criteria that the universities have set for the program.

 

GRE Subject Tests

GRE subject tests are conducted so that the universities get an understanding of the student’s knowledge about their subject of interest. Since students applying for GRE are from different countries and have different educational backgrounds, these tests prove to be very helpful. These tests are perfect for a platform to compare the skills and knowledge of candidates that apply for admission.

The GRE Subject Test scores supplement recommendation letters, undergraduate records and add to other qualifications required for graduate-level study in reputed institutions. These  Test scores give the admission panel an idea about the applicant’s knowledge of specific subjects, thereby showcasing the student’s strength in specific subject areas

Along with the recommendation letters, undergraduate academic documents, and other qualifications, universities also need the GRE Subject Test scores. These test scores help the admission panel to analyze the applicant’s knowledge and understanding of certain subjects. Here is a list of the subject tests:

• Biology

• Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology

• Chemistry

• Psychology

• Physics

• Mathematics

• Literature in English

• GRE Test format and timings

The GRE General Test analyzes skills learnt by the applicant over a period of time. It has three sections – Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing and Quantitative Reasoning. The Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections have two sets, each set comprising 20 questions while the Analytical Writing section requires the candidate to write two essays.  The candidate gets 30 minutes for each section in Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning and 35 minutes for writing each essay.

The GRE Subject Tests are delivered in paper format. There are no separate timed sections and the candidate is required to complete the subject tests in 2 hours and 50 minutes.

GRE marking system:

GRE Subject Tests are scored on a 200-990 score scale in 10-point increments. The sub-scores for subjects are reported on a smaller scale – 20 to 99 score scale in one-point increments.  The marking system for GRE revised General Test is a bit different though, with the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections scores are given in a 130–170 score scale in one-point increments while the Analytical Writing section score is given in a 0–6 score scale in ½ point increments.  GRE Test Scores are valid for 5 years.

The ScoreSelect option introduced in GRE allows candidates to send selective scores of any or all GRE exams to the educational institution. This way candidates get an opportunity to send the best GRE scores to strengthen their admission application. There is no mention of candidates appearing for other GRE exams when they send scores to educational institutions.

How to register for GRE exam?

You can register for a GRE examination through email, phone, fax, or online. If you want to register online, you need to create an account on the official GRE website. Once you have created the account, you can then register for the exam and check your exam scores.

GRE Exam Schedule

The GRE Computer Adaptive General Test is administered throughout the year, on a rolling basis. The GRE Subject Tests are conducted three times a year in month of September, October, and April.

GRE Fees

The standard administration fee for GRE test is $150. The late registration fee (applicable for online admissions only) is $25.  A standard $50 fee is charged for changing your GRE test center, rescheduling GRE, Standby testing or changing your GRE subject.

How many times one can attempt GRE exam?

A candidate can take GRE exam once in a calendar month but not more than 5 times in a year.

GRE Results

Once candidates are done with the test, they have to press the ‘submit’ button on their screens. After this step, they can view their scores immediately. They also get an email notification about the scores. Candidates receive their GRE scores of these tests about 10-15 days after the examination. GRE scores are also sent to the educational institutions applied by the candidate.