GRE - Graduate Record Examination*

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The Graduate Record Examination or GRE is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools in the United States. Created and administered by the Educational Testing Service (or ETS), the exam is primarily focused on testing abstract thinking skills in the areas of math, vocabulary, and analytical writing. It is administered in the US as a computer-based exam in select qualified testing centers.

ETS announced plans in 2006 to redesign the test structure starting in the fall of 2007; however, the company has since announced, "Plans for launching an entirely new test all at once were dropped, and ETS decided to introduce new question types and improvements gradually over time." The new questions will begin to be introduced in November of 2007.

In the United States, the cost of the general test is $140 and may be scheduled throughout the year at authorized testing centers.

To register for the GRE, please visit ETS.

Structure

The GRE general test consists of three graded sections, Analytic Writing, Verbal and Quantitative, plus a required experimental section that is not included in the reported score. The analytic writing section will always appear first, while the verbal, quantitative, and experimental sections may appear in any order on the test. An additional non-scored and clearly marked optional research section may also appear at end of the test. The entire test procedure takes about 3 hours.

According to ETS: "The test you take may include questions that are modified versions of published questions or of questions you have already seen on an earlier section of the test. Some modifications are substantial; others are less apparent. Thus, even if a question appears to be similar to a question you have already seen, it may in fact be a different question and may also have a different correct answer. You can be assured of doing your best on the test you take by paying careful attention to the wording of each question as it appears in your test."

Scoring

Three scores are reported on the GRE General Test

• Verbal Reasoning - reported on a 200-800 point scale, in 10-point increments
• Quantitative Reasoning - reported on a 200-800 point scale, in 10-point increments
• Analytical Writing - reported on a 0-6 point scale, in half-point increments

The first question that is given in a multiple-choice section is considered to be an "average level" question that half of the GRE test takers will answer correctly. If the question is answered correctly, then subsequent questions become more difficult. If the question is answered incorrectly, then subsequent questions become easier, until a question is answered correctly.

However, the score for getting each question correct is weighted by its level of difficulty, and the first five or so questions of the exam will determine the general range of the test taker's ability, while the subsequent questions will pinpoint that range in more exact terms. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the test taker to not only answer every question as correctly as possible, but to pay extra attention to the first five or so questions, as they will determine the general range of the final score. Questions not answered count as incorrect answers. Spending too much time on the first part of the test and not leaving enough time to finish it, will lead to poor scores.

When you register for the GRE, you can select up to four recipients (Graduate or Fellowship programs) to receive a copy of your score report at no cost. Additional score reports can be ordered for a fee. GRE score reporting is cumulative and is retained for 5 years. All scores earned during this time will be reported to each institution you designate.

The unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores are given to you at the testing center. Official Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical Writing scores will be sent to you and the score recipients you designated within 10 to 15 days after you take the test.

Preparing

ETS has claimed that content of the GRE is "un-coachable"; however, many test preparation companies claim that the test format is so rigid that familiarizing oneself with the test's organization, timing, specific focuses, and the use of process of elimination is the best way to increase a GRE score

In addition, ETS offers it's own preparation software, called PowerPrep, which contains two practice tests of retired questions, as well as further practice questions and review material to all registered test takers. ETS does not license their past questions to any other company, making them the only source for official retired material.

Our recommendations for GRE Test Prep products are:

Number 2

Number2.com continues their free test prep offerings with a Free online GRE Companion tutorial that provides personal tutoring, immediate feedback on incorrect answers, and adaptive training based on your skill level.

Kaplan

Kaplan offers complete and comprehensive GRE preparation programs including classroom courses, private tutoring and online programs.

Please note: We are members of the affiliate program for Kaplan. All links to their products include our affiliate id.

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