GRE: Graduate Record Examinations. There are General Test and Subject Tests. The GRE that we are discussing here only refers to the General Test.
The GRE is an aptitude test. Like all aptitude tests, it must choose a medium in which to measure intellectual ability. The GRE has chosen math and English. In a word, The General Test measures analytical writing, verbal, and quantitative skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study.
- This year almost a half million students from around the world will take the GRE CBT.
- GRE is administered in over 150 countries and used by more than 60% of American graduate programs.
- In 1992 ETS began offering test takers the option of a computerized version of the GRE; in 1999 it eliminated the pencil-and-paper exam completely. Right now the GRE is only available as a computer-adaptive test.
- Beginning July 1, 2003, the option to handwrite essay responses on the analytical writing section of the GRE General Test will no longer be available at computer-based test (CBT) centers.
| GRE CBT: Computer-Based Test and Computer-Adaptive Sections |
The GRE is now only available as a computer-adaptive test. This is how it works: instead of having a pre-determined mixture of easy, medium, and hard questions, the computer will select questions for you based on how well you are doing. The first question will be of medium difficulty; if you get it right, the second question will be selected from a large group of questions that are a little harder; if you get the first question wrong, the second will be a little easier. The result is that the test automatically adjusts to your skill level. The Tough questions have more credit than easier ones.
You can still earn a very high score even if you answer several questions incorrectly. Correct answers to Harder questions leads to large score as compared to easier questions. This means to Get large score more difficult questions has to be answered.
| GRE CBT Time and Questions |
The duration of the test is approximately three and one-half to four hours.
| Section
|
Time Limit |
No.
of Questions |
|
Tutorials
|
No time limit |
|
| Analytical Issue |
45 minutes |
1 topic |
| Analytical Argument |
30 minutes |
1 topic |
| Verbal |
30 minutes |
30 |
| Quantitative |
45 minutes |
28 |
Most of the questions in Verbal and Quantitative sections are multiple choices.
In the writing sections you must compose an essay based on one or two topics
assigned randomly from a large pool of topics. You must select one topic and write only on the topic. An essay on any other topic will be scored a 0.
NOTE: You must answer at least one question in each section to
receive an official score report.
GRE is generally required by universities in North America (USA and Canada). Most Universities require General GRE for admission to MS and Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences..
For the computer-based test, you will receive three section scaled scores:
Verbal
|
200 to 800 |
| Quantitative |
200 to 800 |
| Analytical Writing |
0 to 6 |
For all engineering Students GRE Quantitative is most important for best results. GRE Quantitative must be well above 700, GRE Verbal above 400. GRE score can considerably improve University Ranking.
Computer-Based Testing—Score reports are mailed to you and up to 4 institutions, if you designate them on the day of the test, approximately 10 to 15 days after you test.
GRE score reporting is cumulative. Current GRE Board policy states that your scores are reportable for 5 years. Your scores are retained for the 5 testing years following the testing year in which you tested. All scores earned during this time will be reported to each institution you designate..
| When is GRE CBT conducted? |
You may take the General Test once per calendar month up to 5 times in any twelve-month period. This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously.
|
GRE CBT fee in US
|
US$115 |
| GRE CBT fee in other locations except mainland China |
US$140 |
| Additional
Score Report Requests |
US$15 (per recipient) |
| Reschedule
Fee for CBT |
US$40 |
| Standby registration |
US$35 |
| Refund
no later than 7 days |
US$60 |