Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

What Is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination, commonly known as the GRE, is a standardized test used by many graduate and business schools worldwide to assess a candidates readiness for advanced study. Administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and, for some programs, subjectspecific knowledge.

Although the test is optional for many programs, a strong GRE score can strengthen an application, help compensate for a lower GPA, or qualify applicants for scholarships and fellowships.

Core Test Sections

1. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

Two essays, each 30 minutes:

• Issue Task evaluate a statement, develop an argument.
• Argument Task critique a given arguments logic.

Scores range from 06 in halfpoint increments.

2. Verbal Reasoning

Six sections, 20 questions each, 30 minutes per section. Question types include:

• Reading Comprehension
• Text Completion
• Sentence Equivalence

Scores from 130170, 1point increments.

3. Quantitative Reasoning

Six sections, 20 questions each, 35 minutes per section. Topics cover:

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Data analysis

Scores also range from 130170.

4. GRE Subject Tests (optional)

Eight subject exams (e.g., Physics, Psychology, Mathematics). They are paperbased, 170minute exams, scored 200990.

How Scores Are Reported

Preparing Effectively

1. Diagnostic Test

Begin with an official practice test to identify strengths and weaknesses. Use the results to prioritize study time.

2. Build a Study Plan

• Timeline: 612 weeks for most candidates; longer if balancing work or school.
• Materials: Official ETS guides, reputable thirdparty books, and adaptive online platforms.
• Schedule: 12 hour sessions on weekdays, longer 34 hour blocks on weekends.

3. Master Core Skills

• Verbal: Expand vocabulary (e.g., 35 new words daily), practice reading dense academic passages, and learn strategies for eliminating wrong answer choices.
• Quantitative: Review fundamental concepts, practice mental math, and become comfortable with datainterpretation questions.
• AWA: Study highscoring sample essays, practice outlining arguments quickly, and time each essay.

4. Take FullLength Practice Tests

Schedule at least three timed, fulllength tests under realistic conditions. Review each test thoroughly, focusing on why wrong answers were chosen.

5. Review and Adjust

After each practice test, adjust your study plan. If verbal remains a challenge, allocate extra sessions; if quantitative performance stabilizes, shift focus to writing.

TestDay Strategies

• Arrive Early: Give yourself at least 30 minutes for checkin.
• Bring Required ID: A governmentissued photo ID.
• Stay Calm: Use deepbreathing techniques between sections.
• Time Management: Keep an eye on the onscreen timer; aim to leave ~1 minute per question.
• Guess Strategically: There is no penalty for wrong answers; never leave a question blank.
• Use the Scratch Sheet: For quantitative calculations and outlining essays.
• Breaks: Two 10minute optional breaks are built in; use them to stretch and hydrate.