Lori Meadows
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardised exam that evaluates your verbal and quantitative reasoning, as well as analytical writing and critical thinking skills. It is a requirement for admission to many graduate programs at universities and colleges in the US, as well as in Europe and Canada. The GRE is available in two formats: the General Test and Subject Tests. The General Test can be taken once every 21 days, up to five times a year, and the scores are valid for five years. The Subject Tests are more specialised and may be required for specific fields of study. The GRE is an important factor in the admissions process for international students, as it allows universities to compare applicants from diverse backgrounds. A high score on the GRE can strengthen your application and improve your chances of admission, scholarships, and assistantships.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Test format | Two main versions: the General Test and Subject Tests |
| Test availability | Over 1,000 test centers in more than 160 countries or at home |
| Test frequency | Once every 21 days, up to five times in a year |
| Test duration | 1 hour and 58 minutes |
| Test sections | Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing |
| Test fee | $220 in most countries, $231.30 in China, and ₹22,000 in India |
| Test scores | 130–170 for Verbal and Quantitative sections, ranked into percentiles |
| Test scores validity | 5 years |
| Test registration | Online through an ETS account or by phone |
| Test cancellation and rescheduling | Allowed, with certain policies and fee forfeiture |
| Test fee reduction | Available based on financial need, unemployment, or previous approval |
| Test accommodations | Available for individuals with disabilities or health-related needs |
| Test impact on admission | Strengthens the application but does not guarantee admission; universities consider holistic evaluations |
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What You'll Learn
GRE exam format, scoring system, and impact on admission
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a widely recognised graduate exam for candidates looking to pursue graduate studies abroad. The exam consists of three sections: Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. The Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections are each scored on a scale of 130-170 in 1-point increments, while the Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6 in half-point increments. The exam is designed to test a student's problem-solving skills and their ability to handle different types of questions, rather than simply memorising facts. It is a computer-adaptive test, meaning the difficulty level adjusts based on the student's performance. The total duration of the GRE General Test is 1 hour and 58 minutes, while the duration of the GRE Subject Test is between 2 hours and 2 hours and 50 minutes, depending on the subject.
The Verbal Reasoning section of the exam has three sub-sections: Reading Comprehension, Sentence Equivalence, and Text Completion. The questions in this section are in multiple-choice formats, where students must select one answer from five choices, choose all correct answers from a list, or select a sentence in a passage that meets a specific description. The Quantitative Reasoning section assesses a student's mathematical skills, including calculus, linear algebra, and abstract algebra. The Analytical Writing section consists of two essays, which are scored by both a human rater and a computer program. The final score for this section is the average of the two scores.
The GRE exam is used by graduate schools to evaluate applicants and determine their readiness for post-graduate studies. The relative weight given to the GRE score varies depending on the field and the school. Some graduate schools, especially business schools, may prefer GMAT scores over GRE scores. However, for STEM courses, universities' admission committees generally accept the GRE. It is important for students to research the requirements of their desired universities before deciding to take the GRE.
While a good GRE score can enhance a student's admission chances, it is not the only factor considered by graduate schools. Schools also look at other aspects of a student's application, such as their academic background, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Taking practice tests and familiarising oneself with the exam format can help students improve their GRE scores and increase their chances of admission to their desired graduate programs.
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GRE test registration and fees
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised exam that evaluates your potential for advanced study. Registration for the GRE can be done online through your ETS account or by phone. The registration fee for the GRE General Test is $220, regardless of whether you take the test at home or at a test centre. The test is offered at more than 1,000 test centres in over 160 countries.
If you need to reschedule or cancel your test, you must do so at least four days before the test date to receive a 50% refund on your registration fees. If you cancel within four days of the test, you will not receive a refund. The rescheduling fee is $50, and the relocation fee is $50.
If you are an international student, you may need to prove your English skills, depending on the program. For those who can demonstrate financial need, ETS provides the GRE Fee Reduction Program. GRE Fee Reduction Vouchers are available for U.S. citizens or resident aliens who are college seniors or unenrolled college graduates and meet other eligibility requirements. If you are applying for a voucher based on financial need, you must complete the GRE Fee Reduction Request form and follow the instructions for submitting materials to ETS.
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Test retake policy
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised exam that evaluates your potential for advanced study. It is a key requirement for international students seeking higher education in the United States. The GRE has two versions: the General Test and Subject Tests. While most programs accept the General GRE, certain programs may require specific Subject Tests.
You can retake the GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period. This policy is strictly enforced, and any violations, even if not immediately identified, will result in the cancellation of your testing appointment and forfeiture of test fees.
The decision to retake the GRE depends on various factors. Firstly, consider the requirements of your desired schools and programs. If the schools you are applying to require the GRE and have average scores higher than your current score, retaking the exam may be beneficial. Additionally, if you feel that your current score does not reflect your true potential due to factors like test anxiety or inadequate preparation, a retake could be worthwhile.
It is important to note that a high GRE score does not guarantee admission to a graduate program. Universities consider GRE scores alongside other factors, such as academic records, recommendation letters, personal statements, and research experience. Therefore, while a strong GRE score can enhance your application, it should not be your sole focus.
When deciding whether to retake the GRE, reflect on your goals, the requirements of your desired programs, and the time and financial investments needed for a retake. Communicating with advisors from the schools you plan to apply to can also provide valuable insights into their preferred scores and help you make an informed decision.
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English proficiency requirements for international students
International students are often required to demonstrate English proficiency as part of their university applications. This is to ensure they have the necessary language skills to succeed in their chosen course or program. The specific requirements can vary depending on the university and program, so it is important for students to carefully review the English proficiency requirements for their intended institution.
One common way for international students to demonstrate English proficiency is through standardized tests, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Universities may set minimum score requirements for these tests, and it is important for applicants to achieve the required scores to be considered for admission. For example, WashU sets a minimum composite score of 90 for the TOEFL iBT and 6.5 for the IELTS Academic test. Additionally, some universities may accept other English language proficiency tests, such as the Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency exams, and may provide concordance tables to convert scores between different exams.
In some cases, international students may be exempt from English proficiency requirements if they can demonstrate alternative evidence of their language skills. For instance, students who have completed their secondary school or high school education in an English-speaking country may be considered proficient. Alternatively, students who have completed a certain number of years of study in an English-medium academic program may also be exempt from providing additional English proficiency test scores. At WashU, for example, students who have completed two or more years of study in an English-medium institution in specific countries may be exempt from English proficiency requirements.
It is worth noting that some universities may conduct interviews to assess an applicant's English skills during the application review process. Additionally, for international students applying for a student visa, there may be separate English language requirements that need to be met, and it is important to check with the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with visa requirements.
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Choosing a graduate program and school
Initial Screening:
To begin narrowing down your options, focus on objective factors that can be easily quantified or compared. These may include class size, cost, location, and program rankings. For instance, you may prefer a smaller class size, a school in a particular city or country, or a program that is highly ranked in your specific field of interest.
Shortlisting:
Once you have a shorter list of schools that meet your initial criteria, you can start considering more subjective factors. These may include the quality of life in that location, whether you feel you would get along with the professors, and how inclusive the school community is. You can also start reaching out to these schools to gather more detailed information, such as their median GRE scores and GPAs of accepted students.
Categories of Schools:
When creating your final list of schools to apply to, it is recommended to have a balanced list of different categories of schools. Dream schools are those that you would love to attend but may be more competitive or challenging to get into. Good possibilities are programs where your GRE score and GPA are close to the median of accepted students, indicating a higher likelihood of acceptance. Safety schools are those with admissions figures suggesting a high probability of acceptance, and where your qualifications are at the higher end of the accepted range, increasing your chances of fellowships or assistantships.
Understanding Admissions Criteria:
It is important to recognize that while a high GRE score can strengthen your application, it does not guarantee admission. Many schools take a holistic approach, considering academic records, recommendation letters, personal statements, research experience, and other achievements. Additionally, some schools may not require GRE scores at all or may offer waivers for students who meet certain conditions, such as having high college grades or extensive work experience. Therefore, thoroughly research the admissions criteria and requirements for each school and program you're considering.
Comparing Your Profile:
After understanding the admissions criteria, compare your GRE score, GPA, and other qualifications to the averages of accepted students at your desired schools. This will give you a rough idea of where you stand as a competitive applicant. Remember that a good GRE score is relative to the program you're applying to, so focus on understanding the minimum score required and how your score compares to the range of accepted students.
In summary, choosing a graduate program and school involves careful consideration of various factors, including your GRE score. Remember to conduct thorough research, understand admissions criteria, and compare your qualifications to those of accepted students to make informed decisions about your applications.
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Frequently asked questions
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardised exam required for admission to many graduate programs at universities and colleges. The exam evaluates your verbal and quantitative reasoning, as well as analytical writing and critical thinking skills.
You can take the GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.
The GRE exam fee is $220 in most countries. In China, the fee is $231.30, and in India, it is ₹22,000.
You can take the GRE at one of the 1,000 test centers in over 160 countries, or from the comfort of your own home.
A high GRE score strengthens your application to graduate programs. Universities assess international and domestic applicants' GRE scores similarly, considering percentile rankings and the caliber of your undergraduate institution.
