GRE / Graduate Record Examination—you would have heard about this exam that has become the most widely accepted in recent times, particularly for the master’s degree abroad, mainly in the United States of America.
What is the GRE Exam?
The Graduate Record Exam (the full form of GRE) or GRE Test is a standardized examination used to avail admissions in various graduation institutes or B-schools in various countries. ETS (Educational Testing Service) conducts the GRE test. Many international universities including most in the United States of America and Canada use GRE scores as a yardstick to measure the candidate’s potential and academic prowess.
How many people give the GRE?
The total number of GRE test takers (general and subject GRE) is 655,000. In comparison, the GMAT test taker population is 250,000 which is a significantly smaller fraction of the graduate test-takers’ pie.
How many colleges accept GRE Scores?
ETS has been actively promoting that over 1500 MBA programs that traditionally accepted only GMAT scores have started accepting GRE scores as well. Apparently that number includes 85% of the B-schools in the United States of America.
What is the exam fees for GRE 2020?
The examination fee is $205 (approximately INR 14,500). And sure, this might seem like a hefty when you look at it from a pigeonhole and compare it to the general standard of fees for entrance examinations in India but when you compare it to international entrance exams it is very well priced.
For reference, the cost of giving the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is $250 (approximately INR 17,800). It is a $190 (approximately INR 13,500) for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and $315 (approximately INR 22,400) for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
What is a Good GRE Score?
A ‘good’ GRE score is one that gets you accepted into the graduate program that you want to get into. So you need to get a feel of what the average acceptance score bands are of the different schools and that’ll help you set a target for yourself.
According to the official reports by ETS, the worldwide average quantitative score of a GRE test taker, is 151.3, with a standard deviation of 8.7. The average verbal score is 150.8, with a standard deviation of 8.5. What does this mean? It means that the world average for the composite GRE score is 151.3 + 150.8 = 302.1. So, if a candidate scores above 302, then the candidate has performed better than half the test takers globally.
Something that most students often forget is that graduate admissions aren’t solely decided by your GRE score but the candidate’s overall profile, including their undergrad scores, work experience, research work, extracurricular activities, and more.
What does the GRE test consist of?
GRE tests you across three major skills:
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Verbal reasoning (the ability to understand and logically work through concepts and problems expressed in words)
Verbal Reasoning in the GRE General Test assesses the candidate’s ability to analyse and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it. It also tests the candidate’s ability to analyse relationships among component parts of sentences and recognise relationships among words and concepts.
It contains three types of questions.
- Reading Comprehension
- Text Completion
- Sentence Equivalence
-
Quantitative reasoning (a complex and highly advanced psychometric test. It measures a person’s ability to use mathematical skills in order to solve equations)
Quantitative Reasoning in the GRE General Test measures the candidate’s:
- basic mathematical skills
- understanding of elementary mathematical concepts
- ability to reason quantitatively and to model and solve problems with quantitative methods
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Analytical Writing
The Analyse an Issue task measures the candidate’s critical thinking ability around a topic of general interest and the ability to clearly express thoughts about it in writing.
It consists of two separately timed analytical writing tasks:
- One Issue Analysis task
- One Argument Analysis task
What is the GRE Syllabus?
There is no defined syllabus for GRE. It tests your knowledge and skill i.e. application. To learn how to prepare for the exam, scroll down and read the ‘How to prepare for the GRE 2020’ Section.
Am I eligible to give the GRE 2020?
When it comes to eligibility for GRE, there are no specific eligibility criteria for taking the test. Candidates can apply of all ages and qualifications can give the test. However, the aspirant will have to fulfill the basic admission criteria laid down by the institute for which the candidate is applying.
How do I register for GRE 2020?
You can register for the GRE online with a lot of ease. It takes just four simple steps to register for the exam. They are:
- Make an ETS Account (https://www.ets.org/mygre)
- Find Available Test Centres and Dates
- Verify Your Registration Details
- Pay the GRE Application Fee Online ($205)
When can I give the GRE?
Computer-delivered tests are accessible on all working days in most regions around the world, including in India. Paper-delivered tests are available in October-November and February. It is available in Chinese territories (Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan) and South Korea up to three times a month.
When should I take the GRE Test?
There are a couple of key factors that you must account for when you are deciding when to attempt the GRE test. They are:
- Application deadlines for the programs in the institutes you want to apply.
- Leaving enough time to take a retest. (In case you can’t do justice to the test in the first attempt)
Expert Tip: You should ideally take the test in such a way that the scores of your retest will be available by the time your application deadlines are around the corner i.e. about four weeks before your application deadline.
Where can I take GRE 2020?
You can take the GRE General Test at any of the ETS recognized test centres. The test centres in India are present in the following cities:
- Ahmedabad
- Allahabad
- Bengaluru
- Chennai
- Cochin
- Coimbatore
- Dehradun
- Gurugram/Gurgaon
- Gwalior
- Hyderabad
- Indore
- Kolkata
- Nashik
- New Delhi
- Nizamabad
- Patna
- Trivandrum
- Vadodara
- Vijayawada
Can I retake the GRE?
Yes, it is possible for you to retake the GRE (countless times) and many people choose to do so. In fact, based on data collected in 2014, an ETS infographic showed that 1 in 4 test-takers retook the GRE (and that number is growing each year). This means approximated 25% of the candidates retake the test, which is a considerably high amount.
Fun Fact: Most of the people who take the GRE a second time got a higher score.
You can attempt the GRE up to five times within a 12-month period as long as the time you took the GRE was at least 21 days ago.
How do I register for a GRE retake?
It’s the same exact process as the earlier registration. Nothing more and nothing less.
How many times can I retake the GRE?
A candidate can take the GRE revised General Test only once every 21 days or once in 3 weeks and the candidate can only give it five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period (365 days). This rule applies even if the candidate cancels their scores on a test taken previously. If the candidate is attempting the paper-delivered GRE revised general test, then they can take it as often as they test is offered.
What do B-schools think of GRE retakes?
Will retaking the GRE multiple times cause grad schools to think you’re not smart enough or unskilled at the art of taking tests? Will it hurt your chances of admission? Fortunately, the answer to this question is a big ‘no’. There are many candidates who give the GRE multiple times to improve their score and the institutes that these candidates apply to are also well aware of the situation.
Recently, ETS has released a new system called ‘ScoreSelect.’ With it each time you take the GRE, you can choose which score you’d like to be sent to your dream schools. If you have taken multiple GRE tests, then you can choose to send your most recent or your best score or all of your GRE scores. If you choose to send just one of your best scores, then the school wouldn’t know that you have taken multiple GRE tests since they would only see the marks that you present to them.
How long are GRE scores valid?
GRE Scores are valid for a period of 5 years from the day that the test is administered.
Which scholarships are available after the GRE?
There are many institutions that offer scholarships to candidates they deem worthy.
Scholarships for Indian students in the United States of America
- Ivy Parker Memorial Scholarship ($2000) – The scholarship is awarded to women who wish to pursue their graduate programs, in the disciplines of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science.
- Fulbright Foreign Student program – This scholarship is granted to young professionals and graduates who aspire to pursue education abroad. Some of the major advantages under this program include J-1 visa support, Round-trip economy airfare, accident, and sickness coverage.
- The Generation Google Scholarship – This scholarship was established to assist up and coming students in the fields of computer & technology. The selected students are granted $10,000 (in the USA) or 5000 CAD (in Canada).
- Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation – The foundation offers a PG scholarship programme to Indian students who have a consistent and exemplary record academically. The scholarship is up to 20 lakhs interest-free loan. It is majorly focussed on students who’d like to pursue further studies in the domains of Pure Sciences, Applied Sciences, Law, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
How to get a scholarship after the GRE Exam?
Scholarships are usually based on their GRE scores, their undergraduate GPA, Letters of Recommendations, application portfolio and more. The GRE score is what has the most weightage in this process of offering scholarships.
Most schools give scholarships to candidates who they believe can add value to their program and institution. Every university has different criteria it considers to grant scholarships to candidates. It is extremely crucial that aspirants take into account this factor during their research process. Candidates must check the university websites and other resource material for scholarship information. And must clarify any ambiguities with the admissions officer, if necessary.
Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts for the Exam:
The Do’s
- Get Your Timings Rights
Always make sure that you have divided your time for each question perfectly. Come up with a clear time guide and follow it with diligence. You’ll know how much time to give to a particular question and that’ll keep you in check, so you won’t go astray with a difficult question.
- Bring Everything You Need
Take extra layers with you. It is usually quite cold in the test centres. Bring anything that will keep you warm and comfortable. You can’t bring water and snacks inside the room but you will be able to drink and eat during the break. (Don’t forget to have a wholesome breakfast on the day of the exam.)
- Items You Must Bring
A valid ID is extremely important and should be brought on the test day or you will be asked to leave the testing centre. In addition to this, you must also bring a print of your confirmation email.
Unlike for the computer-based test, you must carry your pencils and erasers. You cannot count on the centre or any other candidate for that.
- Read the Rules Thoroughly
You can read the rules beforehand as well. Knowing the rules beforehand will help a lot and will reduce your stress level.
- Speak Up
If you need anything, then talk to the invigilator. If you seek medical attention, do not be afraid to ask for help from the invigilator. Get all your doubts cleared before the test starts.
- Justify Your Answer
Make sure to justify your answer with proper details and do it within the time limit, also, a correct detailed answer with proper justification will help you get good scores.
- Try to Recollect
Do try to recollect what all you studied before going to bed, every night and most importantly the night before the test. Everything you’ve learned will stay on your mind and will help you study further.
- Try Different Methods of Studying
If you feel like you are not able to study properly and are not able to concentrate, try different studying methods like flashcards, writing down the answers, creating flow charts.
The Don’ts
- No Last Minute Studying
Try not to study just before the exam. Use that time to relax and focus on what you have already studied.
- Do Not Skip
Do not skip the rules and tutorial section. Even if you have read it all before, read it again and then start the test.
- Don’t Panic
It is very normal to panic during the test but try to stay calm. Take deep breaths whenever you feel uneasy. And if any medical attention is needed, inform the invigilator.
- Don’t Leave Out Questions
Attempt each and every question even if you think you are wrong. There is no negative marking.
- Don’t Get Tired
Get enough sleep the previous night and stay hydrated. Staying up late the night before the test is a bad idea. It will only make you tired and will stress you out even more on the test day.
- Don’t Carry Unnecessary Items
Do not carry any paper for rough work as it will be provided to you at the centre itself.
- Don’t Be Late
Do not be late for your test. Always be there 15 minutes earlier than the given time.
How to prepare for the GRE 2020?
- There are so many books that you can buy and online material that you can refer to. You can always look things up online and check what book is better for you and your study plans; and also what courses you should opt for scoring better marks in your GRE (if necessary).
- Take online tests that are available for free so that you know the areas you lack in and what are your weak points that need your focus and attention. Assessment of your strong and weak points is really necessary if you want to get a score that you will be satisfied with and will get you into your dream college.
- Have a study plan. Based on the time left for the actual test, preferably start about three months before the test, and make a proper scheduled study plan in accordance to how your day looks. More importantly, STICK TO IT.
- For your Verbal knowledge, Read. Just read a lot of material that’s not even related to GRE like magazines, newspapers, novels. Just increase your vocabulary and learn new words and have fun in the process. If you’re thinking of buying books, get books like the ETS guides, Manhattan-prep guides and Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis. Try maintaining a diary, it’ll help you soak new words in better and it’ll also help with the stress.
- Practice! Practice! And…Practice! Keep taking mock tests. The more you get used to writing those tests the more comfortable you’ll get. Get familiarised with the format of everything and test yourself in conditions that are as close to the conditions that you will face one the actual day of the test. Time yourself so that you get used to the constraints of time on the day of the test and don’t run out of time missing your test.
- Join study groups on Facebook, they can be very helpful and you’ll always have a sense of motivation when you see people with the same kind of goal working towards the same thing—a healthy competition. Ask doubts and questions; never hesitate, there is no shame in having doubts and the groups are actually meant to clear doubts and extra pieces of information.
Last-Minute Exam Day Tips:
- Stay vigilant and don’t lose your track. You’ve been preparing with great determination for the past few days and that will pay off if you stay focused for a day.
- Pack your bag a day before the paper and make a checklist of all the items that you need to carry: admit card, original Photo Id.
- Check out the exam centre a day before. It’ll save you a lot of time and stress on D-Day.
- Adapt to the use of a virtual calculator and its working conditions so that using it will not be an issue if in case you need to use it.
- This time is not for learning anything new. Just make sure you keep revising what you have already learnt and focus on the notes that you have made during your prep.
- Keep yourself calm with music and meditation.
- Don’t let the negativity around you get to your head. Stay positive. Focus on your paper and don’t let external factors take control of your destiny.
