The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that is widely used for admission into graduate programs and business schools in the USA. The GRE measures a person’s verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills. It is designed to help universities and colleges evaluate the eligibility of prospective graduate students.
Here is a detailed guide on what the GRE test is and how to prepare for it:
- Understanding the GRE Test Format
The GRE test consists of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
Verbal Reasoning: This section measures a person’s ability to analyze and evaluate written material, as well as their ability to understand and analyze relationships among words and concepts. It consists of two 30-minute sections, each containing 20 questions.
Quantitative Reasoning: This section measures a person’s ability to understand, interpret and analyze quantitative information, as well as their ability to solve problems using mathematical concepts. It consists of two 35-minute sections, each containing 20 questions.
Analytical Writing: This section measures a person’s ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively, as well as their ability to support their ideas with relevant examples and evidence. It consists of two tasks, each of which must be completed in 30 minutes.
Unscored or Research Section: This could be any one of the above sections and the time also varies depending on the section.
- How to Prepare for the GRE Test
There are several ways to prepare for the GRE test, including self-study, online resources, and classes. Here are some tips for preparing for the GRE:
- Familiarize yourself with the test format: Before you begin preparing, it is important to understand the format and content of the test. This will help you focus your study efforts and avoid wasting time studying material that is not relevant to the test.
- Create a study schedule: Make a study plan and stick to it. This will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the amount of material you need to cover.
- Use official GRE test prep materials: The GRE is produced by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), and they provide a range of official test preparation materials, including practice tests, study guides, and online courses.
- Practice, practice, practice: Take as many practice tests as possible to get a feel for the types of questions that will be on the test, and to identify areas where you need to improve.
- Focus on your weaknesses: Once you have taken a few practice tests, identify your strengths and weaknesses and focus your study efforts on areas where you need to improve.
- Get plenty of rest: On the day of the test, it is important to get plenty of rest and arrive at the test center feeling refreshed and ready to do your best.
In conclusion, the GRE test is an important factor in the admissions process for graduate programs and business schools, and it is essential to prepare well in order to do your best on test day. By familiarizing yourself with the test format, creating a study schedule, using official test preparation materials, practicing as much as possible, and focusing on your weaknesses, you can increase your chances of success on the GRE test.
Jothsna is the co-founder of Academy One, a career guidance and study abroad counseling venture. Prior to founding Academy One in 2005, Jothsna worked as an IT and business consultant with companies like Motorola and Trajen Inc. in the USA. She holds an engineering degree in computer science from Andhra University and a MS from the University of Texas. She also received her MBA from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, USA.