A Comprehensive Guide to the GRE
Any student dreaming of studying in a graduate school abroad needs to submit a result of standardized test, often as an obligatory measure for admission to most universities. There are a few popular tests commonly required for admission to certain degrees in abroad universities; one of them is called the GRE General Test.
The Graduate Record Examination, generally known as the GRE, is one of the most extensive assessment tests for admission to graduate schools abroad. The test is a multiple-choice, computer-based exam that measures the test-takers quantitative, analytical, and verbal skills. The admission panels of universities utilize the GRE scores to evaluate if a student is suitable for a particular course or not.
Types of GRE Tests
There are two types of GRE tests.
l GRE General Test: GRE General Test measures candidates’ capability based on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing skills.
l GRE Subject Test: GRE Subject Test gauges a student’s knowledge in 6 particular fields: Physics, Biology, Psychology, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Literature in English.
GRE Test Centres and Registration Fee
GRE is a computer-based test which is available continuously throughout the year in over 1000 centers across 160 countries. In most countries, the GRE Test is offered on continuous basis throughout the year. Universities worldwide accept GRE, and the GRE score is valid for most of the top graduate schools in the US, Australia, Canada, and Europe. As of 2022, the GRE registration fees in India is around US$ 213 or INR 16860.29 (US $1 = INR79.16) for General Test and US$ 150 or INR 11873 (US $1 = INR79.16) for Subject-wise Test. Additional fees may apply in case of late registration, change of the test centre, or rescheduling.
GRE sections and GRE Test Structure
The overall GRE testing time is about 3 hours and 45 minutes. The GRE has six sections with a 10-minute break following the third section.
1. Analytical Writing: The Analytical Writing Assessment (one section having two separately timed tasks) evaluates whether students can articulate their thoughts to complex ideas in a reasoned way (30 minutes per task).
2. Verbal Reasoning: The Verbal section tests one’s ability to analyze the written material and relationships among parts of sentences (two sections with 20 questions per section) with 30 minutes per section.
3. Quantitative Reasoning: The Quant section of the GRE tests students’ problem-solving skills and basic mathematical concepts (two sections with 20 questions per section) such as Algebra, Geometry, Data analysis and the ability to reason and solve problems with 35 minutes per section.
GRE Scores Validity
The overall score of the GRE is out of 340, and it has a zero negative marking system. The GRE score is valid for five years from your test date. If a candidate has attempted the GRE more than once, all of the scores are valid, so one can decide which scores to send to your preferred university.
Impact of the GRE Score on Admission and Scholarships
Universities abroad look for a GRE score ranging from 149–170 in the verbal and quantitative sections, on average. For the AWA section, the ideal score tends to fall between 3.5 and 5.5. If one wants to get into one of the top graduate schools in the world, then the target should be at least 151 in verbal and quant measures and 5.5 in the analytical writing section. If a student is looking for scholarships, then a 160 should be aimed in verbal and quantitative sections individually, and a 5 in the writing section is mandatory.
Preparing for the GRE with the Right Coaching
Choosing the suitable coaching class and agency is the first and most crucial step of the journey; this is where ‘Collegepond’ comes into the picture. Collegepond offers best online GRE coaching as well as offline GRE coaching . The GRE classes provided by Collegepond ensure that every student receives a complete coaching package which includes live lecture series, personalized doubt-solving sessions, customized study plans, diligent mock test practices, exceptional faculty and specific GRE mock tests to avail maximum benefits to help crack the GRE efficiently. These definite features provided by Collegepond’s GRE coaching help students achieve outstanding results on their final GRE examination.
All in all, one needs to follow a strategic study plan to secure a stellar GRE score and Collegepond can help you devise a milestone-driven strategy to get you your target score! You can peruse our preparation guide for GRE.
