What is GRE?
Graduate Record Examination is a test used to compare applicant's skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking which are critical for success at graduate level. GRE (General Test) is widely accepted worldwide (150+ countries) and thousands of graduate and business schools/Universities.
About the GRE Test
• The GRE is now only available as a Computer Based Test (CBT), Paper Based Test (PBT) is in a limited scope.
• Some graduate programs may require GRE subject score.
• After completing your exam (even before with "ScoreSelect"), you can send your scores (free!) to four universities so be prepared.
Do I need to take GRE?
If you are planning for a graduate degree (Masters or PhD) then you might need to take GRE (especially if you are planning to study in US). GRE is now accepted by most colleges for MBA programs (some Law programs are also accepting GRE scores in lieu of LSAT scores). For some colleges/programs it's an optional test but highly recommended for international students.
GRE score validity
• Your GRE scores are valid for five years.
• You can take the GRE revised General Test (computer-based) only once every 21 days, and no more than five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period. This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously. If you take only the paper-based GRE revised General Test, you may take it as often as it is offered.
The GRE General Test features question types that closely reflect the kind of thinking you'll do in graduate or business school.
• Verbal Reasoning — Measures the ability to analyze and draw conclusions from discourse and reason from incomplete data, understand multiple levels of meaning, such as literal, figurative and author’s intent, and summarize text and distinguish major from minor points, understand the meanings of words, sentences and entire texts, and understand relationships among words and among concepts. There is an emphasis on complex verbal reasoning skills.
• Quantitative Reasoning — Measures the ability to understand, interpret and analyze quantitative information, solve problems using mathematical models, and apply the basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis. There is an emphasis on quantitative reasoning skills.
• Analytical Writing — Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, including the ability to articulate and support complex ideas with relevant reasons and examples, and examine claims and accompanying evidence. There is an emphasis on analytical writing skills.
Who Takes It?
Prospective graduate and business school applicants from all around the world who are interested in pursuing a master's, MBA, specialized master's in business, J.D. degree, or doctoral degree take the GRE General Test. Applicants come from varying educational and cultural backgrounds and the GRE General Test provides schools with a common measure for comparing candidates' qualifications.
GRE scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement your undergraduate records, recommendation letters and other qualifications for graduate-level study.
When and Where Do People Take It?
The GRE General Test is available at more than 1,000 test centers in more than 160 countries. In most regions of the world, the computer-delivered test is available on a continuous basis throughout the year. In Mainland China; Hong Kong, China; Taiwan, China; and Korea, the computer-delivered test is available up to three times per month. In areas of the world where computer-delivered testing is not available, the paper-delivered test is available up to three times a year in October, November and February.
What Are the Subject Tests?
The GRE® Subject Tests are achievement tests that measure your knowledge of a particular field of study.
Show what you know about a specific subject and graduate schools will take notice. The Subject Tests can help you stand out from other applicants by emphasizing your knowledge and skill level in a specific area.
Each Subject Test is intended for students who have an undergraduate major or extensive background in one of these six disciplines:
Biology
Chemistry
Literature in English
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology
Note: The GRE Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Test was discontinued in December 2016. Scores will continue to be reportable per GRE score reporting policy.
Who Takes Them?
Prospective graduate school applicants take the Subject Tests. Applicants come from varying educational and cultural backgrounds and the GRE Subject Tests provide a common measure for comparing candidates' qualifications.
GRE Subject Test scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement your undergraduate records, recommendation letters and other qualifications for graduate-level study. Some Subject Tests yield subscores that can indicate the strengths and weaknesses in an individual student's preparation and may also be useful for guidance and placement purposes.
Where and When Do People Take Them?
The Subject Tests are given at paper-delivered test centers worldwide three times a year, in:
September
October
April
Who Accepts Them?
GRE Subject Test scores are accepted by thousands of graduate schools, including individual departments or divisions within these schools. Although the scores may not be a requirement for admission to a particular program, admissions committees are likely to consider the scores if they are submitted. It's best to contact the specific graduate program you're interested in and inquire about their requirements.
Source:https://www.ets.org/gre
