Janice Lozano
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardised exam required for admission to many graduate programs at universities and colleges in the US and other countries. The test is available in more than 160 countries and 700 test centres worldwide. It is also offered as a paper-based test, though with much more limited availability. The GRE is a computer-adaptive test that evaluates a student's verbal and quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills. While the GRE is not mandatory for all graduate programs, a high score can strengthen an application. International students may find it challenging to access test prep companies or resources in their country of residence, but online courses and prep books are widely available alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Test availability | The GRE is available in over 1,000 test centres in 160 countries. |
| Test format | The GRE is a standardised exam that can be taken on a computer or in paper format. |
| Test content | The exam evaluates verbal and quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills. |
| Test fee | The GRE exam fee is $220 in most countries, $231.30 in China, and ₹22,000 in India. |
| Test frequency | The General Test can be taken once every 21 days, up to five times a year. |
| Test validity | GRE scores are valid for five years. |
| Test preparation | International students can prepare for the GRE using prep books, online classes, or in-person classes. |
| Test registration | It is recommended to schedule the exam at least two to three months before the university application deadline. |
| Test impact on admission | GRE scores play a significant role in evaluating applicants for graduate programs, but a high score does not guarantee admission. Universities consider the scores along with academic records, recommendation letters, personal statements, and other achievements. |
| English proficiency | International students may be required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores if their prior instruction was not in English. |
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What You'll Learn
GRE exam fees and locations
The GRE exam fee is $220 in most countries, $231.30 in China, and ₹22,000 in India. The ETS provides the GRE Fee Reduction Program for individuals who can demonstrate financial need, are unemployed, are receiving unemployment compensation, or are serving in the Peace Corps. GRE Fee Reduction Vouchers are also offered to specific programs that work with students from underrepresented groups, first-generation college students, and students with financial needs. The GRE exam can be taken in 47 cities across India, and candidates can take the exam at home if they are Indian.
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How GRE scores impact admission
International students can take the GRE, a graduate school entrance exam that assesses verbal and quantitative reasoning, as well as analytical writing and critical thinking skills. The test is required for admission to many graduate programs at universities and colleges in the US. The GRE score is a significant component of the application process for many US universities and schools worldwide. However, it is essential to note that a high score does not guarantee admission. Instead, it strengthens your application by making you a more competitive applicant.
GRE scores range from 130 to 170 for the Verbal and Quantitative sections, with a score of 170 placing you in the 99th percentile. Universities assess applicants' GRE scores by considering percentile rankings and the calibre of their undergraduate institution. For non-native English speakers, the verbal score may be emphasised to gauge English proficiency.
The weight placed on GRE scores varies depending on the competitiveness of the graduate program and the specific requirements of the field of study. Some programs may have minimum GRE score requirements, such as the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, which requires a minimum score of 315 for their Computer Science Ph.D. program. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission but increases your chances.
Additionally, a "good" GRE score is relative to the programs you are considering. The average score for all GRE test-takers is currently 150 for Verbal and 155 for Math. However, for highly competitive programs with many applicants, a higher score may be necessary to stand out.
In recent years, there has been a shift towards evaluating applications holistically. Universities consider various factors, including academic records, recommendation letters, personal statements, research experience, and other achievements. Therefore, while a high GRE score is advantageous, it is essential to focus on crafting a comprehensive application that showcases your strengths and fit for the program.
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English proficiency tests
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardised exam required for admission to many graduate programs at universities and colleges in the US. The test is delivered in English and evaluates verbal and quantitative reasoning, as well as analytical writing and critical thinking skills. While the GRE may be skipped, many programs still ask international applicants to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores if their prior instruction was not in English.
TOEFL
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a test of English proficiency. The test is divided into four parts: Listening Comprehension, Structure and Written Expression, Reading Comprehension, and the Test of Written English. The test lasts about four hours, with a total score out of 677, and a separate score on a scale of 1-6 for the written section.
IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) also evaluates a student's proficiency in four areas of English language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. There are two versions of the test: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Both are divided into four sections, with the same content for the Listening and Speaking sections, but different Reading and Writing sections. The Academic version focuses on English in a higher education context, while General Training focuses on workplace and social situations. The test lasts for two and a half hours, plus 15 minutes for the speaking test.
Other English Proficiency Tests
Other English proficiency tests include the GMAT, LSAT, and IELTS. It is important to check which tests are accepted by the institution you are applying to. Some universities may also offer exemptions from English proficiency tests if certain criteria are met, such as having completed an undergraduate degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English only.
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GRE preparation
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardised exam required for admission to many graduate programs at universities and colleges in the US. The exam evaluates verbal and quantitative reasoning, as well as analytical writing and critical thinking skills. International students applying to US graduate programs may be required to submit GRE scores, although this requirement varies by school and program. While a high GRE score strengthens an application, it does not guarantee admission, and universities consider a range of factors in their admissions process.
Preparing for the GRE:
- The GRE is not a test of facts but of patterns, so give yourself sufficient time to practice. It is recommended to devote 4-12 weeks to GRE preparation.
- Before creating a study plan, take a full-length GRE practice test under the same conditions as the real exam. This will help you understand your baseline score and identify areas that require improvement.
- Compare your practice test score with the average GRE scores of incoming students to your desired graduate programs. This will give you a target score to work towards.
- Paper-and-pencil tests can help you practice concepts and test-taking strategies, but they do not adapt to your performance like the actual computer-based GRE. Ensure you take online practice tests as part of your preparation.
- Review your performance after each practice exam. Identify the types of questions you consistently miss, ace, or find time-consuming.
- Focus on improving your vocabulary. Reading academic journals or highbrow newspapers and magazines can help you absorb many of the words likely to appear on the GRE.
- Utilise official GRE preparation resources, such as the free sample questions and the GRE Vocabulary Flashcards.
- Consider engaging with a GRE tutor or coach to review your performance on practice exams and create a tailored study plan to meet your score goal.
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GRE alternatives
International students can take the GRE, and it is a popular choice for those seeking to study in the US. The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardised exam required for admission to many graduate programs at US universities and colleges. The test evaluates verbal and quantitative reasoning, as well as analytical writing and critical thinking skills.
However, the GRE is not the only admissions test for graduate school, and there are alternatives available. Some universities may require different standardised tests or non-test requirements. Here are some of the most common alternatives to the GRE:
- GMAT: This test evaluates a student's academic potential for admission to MBA or master's programs in business-related fields. It is a standardised test accepted by over 2,000 institutions and is required by most MBA programs.
- LSAT: This test is required for prospective law students. It assesses key reasoning skills and is accepted for admission by all ABA-accredited law schools in the US.
- MCAT: This is a standardised test for medical school applicants and is required for admission to almost all medical schools in the US.
- TOEFL and IELTS: These tests are designed to evaluate a student's English proficiency and are often required for international students whose prior instruction was not in English. They assess reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
While the GRE is a widely accepted and popular admissions test, it is important to note that universities may consider a range of factors in their admissions process, including academic records, recommendation letters, personal statements, research experience, and other achievements. A comprehensive application showcasing your strengths can give you a competitive edge, even if your GRE scores are not as high as you would like them to be.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the GRE is available in more than 1,000 test centres across 160 countries.
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardised exam required for admission to many graduate programs at universities and colleges, mainly in the US but also in other countries.
The GRE exam fee is $220 in most countries. In China, the fee is $231.30, and in India, the fee is ₹22,000.
