GRE Exam Guide: Pattern, Dates & Syllabus

The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test commonly used for admissions to graduate and business / engineering programs worldwide. It is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS).

Purpose of the GRE: The primary purpose of the GRE is to assess a test-taker's readiness for graduate-level academic work. It evaluates critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills.

Sections of the GRE: The GRE General Test consists of six sections:

1. Analytical Writing: This section assesses your ability to critically analyze complex issues and communicate effectively. It includes two tasks: Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument.

2. Verbal Reasoning: Verbal Reasoning measures your ability to understand and analyze written material. It includes Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence questions.

3. Quantitative Reasoning: Quantitative Reasoning assesses your mathematical skills, focusing on problem-solving, data interpretation, and quantitative comparison.

4. Research Section: The GRE may include an unscored research section that is used to test questions for future exams. Test-takers cannot distinguish the research section from the scored sections.

GRE Subject Tests: In addition to the GRE General Test, there are also GRE Subject Tests, which evaluate a test-taker's knowledge in specific subject areas like Biology, Chemistry, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. These are often required by certain programs or departments.

Scoring:

• Analytical Writing: Scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments.
• Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning: Scored on a scale of 130 to 170, in one-point increments.
• The total GRE score combines the Verbal and Quantitative scores, ranging from 260 to 340.

Registration: To register for the GRE, you need to create a My GRE account on the ETS website. You can choose your test date, test centers, and pay the registration fee.

Fees: As of my last knowledge update, the GRE General Test registration fee is $205.

Test Duration: The GRE General Test typically takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes, including breaks.

Test Delivery Options: The GRE can be taken as a computer-based test or a paper-based test (offered in areas where computer-based testing is not available). Additionally, ETS offers at-home testing options.

Score Reporting: GRE scores are typically available within 10-15 days after the test date. Test-takers can send their scores to up to four graduate programs or business schools for free. Additional score reports may have associated fees.

Score Validity: GRE scores are valid for five years.

Retaking the GRE: Test-takers can retake the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.

Accommodations: ETS provides accommodations for test-takers with disabilities.

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a widely accepted standardized test for graduate and business school admissions. Unlike some other exams, there are no strict eligibility criteria for taking the GRE. 

1. Educational Level: The GRE is primarily taken by individuals who are planning to apply to graduate or business programs (such as Master's, Ph.D., or MBA programs) as part of their admissions process. It is not limited to recent graduates; individuals at various stages of their education or careers may take the GRE.

2. Age Requirement: There is no minimum or maximum age requirement for taking the GRE. Test-takers can be of any age.

3. Identification Requirements: When registering for the GRE, you must provide valid and acceptable identification documents, such as a passport or national ID. The name you use to register must exactly match the name on your identification.

4. Undergraduate Degree: While the GRE is commonly associated with graduate programs, you do not necessarily need to have completed your undergraduate degree to take the GRE. However, to apply to graduate programs, you will typically need a completed bachelor's degree. Make sure to check the specific admission requirements of the programs you're interested in.

5. Frequency of Taking the GRE: There are certain restrictions on how often you can take the GRE. As of my last knowledge update, you can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period. After taking the test, you may choose to send your scores to the schools you're interested in.

6. Special Accommodations: ETS (Educational Testing Service), the organization that administers the GRE, provides special accommodations for test-takers with disabilities or health-related needs. To receive accommodations, you must follow ETS guidelines and provide documentation of your condition.

7. GRE Subject Tests: In addition to the GRE General Test, there are GRE Subject Tests available for specific subjects. You do not need to take the GRE Subject Tests for general graduate admissions, but some programs or departments may require or recommend them.

8. At-Home Testing: ETS introduced at-home testing options for the GRE, making it more accessible, especially during times when test centers may be closed or less convenient. Eligibility for at-home testing depends on specific technical and environmental requirements, such as a quiet and private room.

Registering for the GRE is a straightforward process, and you can do it online. 

1. Create an ETS Account:

• Visit the official website of ETS (Educational Testing Service), the organization that administers the GRE, at www.ets.org.
• Click on "GRE" in the top menu to access the GRE section of the website.
• Under "Create an ETS Account," click "Get Started" to create a new account. You will need to provide some personal information, including your name, contact details, and a username and password for your account.

2. Sign In to Your ETS Account: Once you've created your account, sign in using your newly created username and password.

3. Select GRE Test Type: After signing in, you can choose the type of GRE test you want to take. The GRE General Test is the most common option for graduate school admissions.

4. Choose Your Test Location and Date: You will be prompted to select your test location. You can search for test centers based on your city or location. You'll also need to choose a test date that's convenient for you.

5. Complete Your Registration: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your registration. You'll need to provide personal information, including your identification details (passport or national ID), contact information, and academic background.

6. Payment: You'll be prompted to pay the test fee. Accepted payment methods may include credit or debit cards. As of my last knowledge update, the GRE General Test fee was around $205.

7. Review and Confirm: Before finalizing your registration, review all the information you've provided, including your test date, location, and personal details. Make sure everything is accurate.

8. Receive Confirmation: Once you've successfully registered and made the payment, you will receive a confirmation email that includes your test date, test center information, and a test appointment confirmation number. Keep this information safe as you'll need it on test day.

9. Additional Services (Optional): During the registration process, you can choose to order additional services, such as sending your scores to additional schools or institutions. These services may involve extra fees.

10. Prepare for the Test: After registration, start preparing for the GRE by using official GRE test prep materials or other reputable study resources.

Important Tips:

• Register well in advance of your desired test date to secure your preferred location and date.

• Make sure to check the official ETS website for the most up-to-date information on test fees, available test dates, and test center locations.

• If you need special accommodations due to a disability or health-related issue, follow ETS guidelines for requesting accommodations during registration.

• Keep your confirmation email and appointment confirmation number safe, as you will need them on the day of the test.

GRE Test Dates in India:

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) General Test is administered year-round, and students in India have the flexibility to choose from a range of test dates. 

1. Year-Round Testing: Unlike some other standardized tests, the GRE General Test is offered throughout the year. This means you can choose a test date that aligns with your schedule and application deadlines.

2. Computer-Based Testing: The GRE General Test is primarily offered in a computer-based format in India. This format provides more flexibility for test-takers as they can choose a test date that suits them.

3. Registration: To register for the GRE test in India, you need to create an ETS account, choose your preferred test location, and select an available test date. You can register and pay the test fee online through your ETS account.

4. Test Centers: GRE test centers are located in various cities across India, including major metropolitan areas. You can search for a test center near your location during the registration process.

5. Test Dates:Test dates in India are typically available all year round. To check specific test dates, you can visit the official ETS website or contact the nearest test center.

6. Test Appointment Confirmation: After registering and paying the test fee, you will receive a confirmation email with details of your test appointment. This email will include important information, such as the test center location and your test date.

7. Rescheduling: In case you need to reschedule your test date, you can do so by logging into your ETS account. Keep in mind that rescheduling may involve a fee, and the availability of new test dates will depend on your chosen test center.

8. Test Preparation: Once you've registered for the GRE, it's important to invest time in test preparation. ETS offers official GRE test prep materials, including practice tests and study guides, which can help you prepare effectively.

GRE Test Pattern:

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test used for admissions into various graduate and business programs worldwide. It measures your readiness for graduate-level work. The GRE General Test primarily assesses your analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills. 

1. Analytical Writing:

• The GRE begins with the Analytical Writing section, which evaluates your ability to articulate complex ideas and support them with relevant reasoning and examples. This section includes two tasks:

  a. Issue Task: You are presented with an issue statement and asked to provide a written response expressing your opinion and reasoning on the issue.

  b. Argument Task: You are presented with an argument, and your task is to write a critique of the argument by assessing its logical soundness and providing evidence to support your evaluation.

• Each of these tasks is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, with half-point increments. The scores from both tasks are then averaged to obtain your final Analytical Writing score.

2. Verbal Reasoning:

• The Verbal Reasoning section assesses your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, synthesize information, understand relationships among different parts of sentences, and recognize relationships between words and concepts. This section includes two segments, each with approximately 20 questions.

• The Verbal Reasoning section is scored on a scale of 130 to 170 in one-point increments.

3. Quantitative Reasoning:

• The Quantitative Reasoning section evaluates your problem-solving abilities, including your understanding of basic mathematical concepts and your ability to apply them to a variety of scenarios. Similar to the Verbal Reasoning section, it includes two segments, each with approximately 20 questions.

• The Quantitative Reasoning section is also scored on a scale of 130 to 170 in one-point increments.

4. Unscored Research Section: In addition to the scored sections, there may be an unscored research section in the GRE, which can be either a Verbal or Quantitative section. It is used to pilot test new questions and doesn't contribute to your score. You won't know which section is the research section, so you should do your best on all sections.

5. Unscored Verbal/Quantitative Sections: The GRE may include an additional unscored Verbal or Quantitative section that is used for quality control purposes. This section is not part of your score, but you won't know which section is unscored.

6. Total Score: Your total GRE score is based on the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections and is reported on a scale of 260 to 340 in one-point increments.

7. Test Duration: The total testing time for the GRE General Test is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, including breaks.

Remember that the GRE is a computer-adaptive test, which means that the difficulty of the questions in the Verbal and Quantitative sections adapts based on your previous responses. If you answer questions correctly, the next questions may be more challenging. Conversely, if you answer questions incorrectly, the questions may become less difficult.

This adaptability ensures that the GRE provides an accurate assessment of your abilities within your score range. It's essential to prepare for the GRE by studying test content and taking practice tests to become familiar with the format and question types.

What each section of the GRE test covers:

1. Analytical Writing:

The Analytical Writing section assesses your ability to analyze and critically evaluate complex issues. It doesn't have a specific syllabus, but you should be prepared to:

• Present well-reasoned arguments on a given issue.
• Critique an argument by assessing its logical soundness and identifying its strengths and weaknesses.
• Organize and express your ideas effectively in written form.

2. Verbal Reasoning:

The Verbal Reasoning section evaluates your ability to understand, analyze, and evaluate written material. It includes questions that assess:

• Reading comprehension: Your ability to understand and draw inferences from written passages.
• Text completion: Your vocabulary and sentence completion skills.
• Sentence equivalence: Your understanding of sentence structure and the relationships between words.

There is no specific vocabulary list for the GRE, but a strong vocabulary and reading comprehension skills are essential for success.

3. Quantitative Reasoning:

The Quantitative Reasoning section measures your problem-solving abilities and understanding of basic mathematical concepts. The types of questions include:

• Arithmetic: Topics such as properties and types of integers, rational and irrational numbers, and operations.
• Algebra: Concepts like algebraic expressions, linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, and functions.
• Geometry: Topics including lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and coordinate geometry.
• Data analysis: Questions related to interpreting data in various forms, including tables, graphs, and statistical measures.

Although the GRE doesn't specify a particular math syllabus, it's advisable to be comfortable with high school-level mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and basic statistics.

It's crucial to note that while there is no fixed syllabus for the GRE, you should focus on building strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, along with strong reading comprehension and vocabulary.

Preparing for the GRE typically involves using official GRE test prep materials, practice tests, and study guides. Familiarizing yourself with the question formats and practicing under timed conditions is essential for success in the GRE.

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) test results are crucial for graduate school admissions. 

1. Scoring Scale:

The GRE General Test is divided into three main sections, and each section has a separate scoring scale:

• Verbal Reasoning: Scored on a scale of 130 to 170 in one-point increments.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Also scored on a scale of 130 to 170 in one-point increments.
• Analytical Writing: Scored on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments.

2. Reporting of Scores:

GRE scores are reported electronically, typically 10-15 days after the test date. Here's how GRE scores are typically reported:

• Unofficial Scores: At the test center, you will receive unofficial Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning scores immediately after completing the test. You have the option to accept or cancel these scores at that time.

• Official Scores: Official scores, including the Analytical Writing score, are available in your ETS (Educational Testing Service) account within 10-15 days after the test date.

3. GRE Percentile Ranks: In addition to your raw scores, you will receive percentile ranks for each of the three main sections. These ranks indicate the percentage of test-takers who scored below your level. For instance, a Verbal Reasoning score of 160 might correspond to a percentile rank of 85, which means you scored better than 85% of test-takers.

4. ScoreSelect Option: GRE offers the ScoreSelect option, which allows you to choose which GRE scores to send to schools. You can send all scores from the last five years or select specific test administrations.

5. Score Validity: GRE scores are valid for five years. This means that your scores can be used for graduate school admissions for up to five years after taking the test.

6. Analytical Writing Scores: The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments. Your essay is scored by both a human reader and a computerized scoring system. These scores are averaged for your final score.

7. GRE Subject Test Scores: If you are taking a GRE Subject Test, the scoring scales may vary depending on the subject. Subject Test scores are typically reported on a scale specific to that test.

8. Sending Scores to Institutions: You can send your GRE scores to up to four graduate programs or business schools for free. If you want to send scores to more institutions, additional fees may apply.

9. Score Review: If you have concerns about your GRE scores, you can request a score review for a fee. This involves having your Analytical Writing responses and Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections rescored.

10. Cancellation and Retaking the GRE: If you are not satisfied with your scores or believe you can do better, you can retake the GRE. However, you should be aware that all your GRE scores from the past five years will be reported to schools when you send your most recent scores.

GRE preparation tips to help you succeed in the test.

1. Understand the GRE Format: Familiarize yourself with the GRE format, including the sections (Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing), question types, and time limits. This understanding will help you create a study plan.

2. Create a Study Schedule: Develop a study schedule that covers all relevant topics and provides adequate time for practice tests. Consistency is key in GRE preparation.

3. Use Official GRE Materials: ETS, the organization that administers the GRE, offers official GRE preparation materials, including the Official GRE Super Power Pack. These materials are highly recommended for their accuracy and authenticity.

4. Take Practice Tests: Regularly take full-length GRE practice tests to simulate real test conditions. This will help you gauge your progress and build test-taking endurance.

5. Identify Weaknesses: After taking practice tests, analyze the areas where you struggle the most. Concentrate on improving these weaknesses in your study plan.

6. Study Vocabulary: Enhance your vocabulary by studying GRE-specific word lists and flashcards. The Verbal Reasoning section requires a strong vocabulary.

7. Brush up on Math Skills: If you're taking the GRE for graduate programs that require quantitative skills, refresh your math knowledge, and practice problem-solving techniques.

8. Practice Time Management: Learn to pace yourself during the test. Ensure that you allocate the appropriate amount of time to each question, as lingering too long on one question can negatively affect your performance.

9. Analytical Writing Practice: Practice the Analytical Writing tasks, including Argument Analysis and Issue Analysis. Remember to outline your essays and support your points with evidence.

10. Use Online Resources: Explore online GRE resources, including forums, study groups, and YouTube channels that offer tips and strategies.

11. Seek Professional Help: If you're struggling with particular sections or need additional guidance, consider enrolling in GRE prep courses or hiring a tutor.

12. Review Mistakes: After taking practice tests, thoroughly review your mistakes. Understand why you got certain questions wrong to avoid repeating the same errors.

13. Stay Healthy: Leading up to the test day, prioritize your health. Get sufficient sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and stay hydrated. Physical and mental well-being are crucial for optimal performance.

14. Simulate Test Conditions: Take at least a couple of full-length practice tests under actual test conditions, including time limits and a quiet environment.

15. Plan the Test Day: In the days leading up to the test, plan your route to the test center, gather necessary identification, and know what to expect on test day. Reducing test-day anxiety is important.

16. Manage Stress: Develop stress management techniques such as deep breathing and visualization. Stay calm and focused during the exam.

17. Take Breaks: During the actual GRE, make use of the breaks between sections. Stretch, relax, and rehydrate to stay fresh.

18. Review Instructions: Always read the instructions carefully. Not following instructions can lead to point deductions.

19. Don't Guess Randomly: The GRE doesn't penalize you for wrong answers, so don't leave questions blank. Make educated guesses if needed.

20. Retake if Necessary: If your scores do not meet your program requirements, consider retaking the GRE after further preparation.

Remember that GRE preparation is a personal journey. What works for one person may not work for another. Adapt your study plan to your strengths and weaknesses, and stay persistent and focused on your goal.