The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a standardized test used for admission to graduate programs (Master’s and Ph.D.) at many universities worldwide, especially in the United States. This exam is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and generally assesses the skills and knowledge necessary for success in graduate studies. The GRE consists of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
What are the benefits of the GRE Exam?
Taking the GRE offers numerous advantages that can help prospective graduate students. Some of the most important benefits include:
- Admission to Prestigious Universities:
– Increased chances of admission: A good GRE score can enhance the chances of being accepted into prestigious universities and competitive graduate programs.
– Globally recognized: Many universities and educational institutions around the world accept the GRE as an admission criterion.
- Assessment of Academic Skills:
– Comprehensive evaluation: The GRE comprehensively assesses candidates’ verbal, quantitative, and writing skills, helping universities better gauge students’ academic and analytical abilities.
– Preparation for graduate studies: Studying and preparing for the GRE can help students improve the skills needed for success in graduate programs.
- Flexibility:
– Multiple test dates: The GRE is offered several times a year, allowing candidates to choose a convenient time.
– Score-sending flexibility: Candidates can choose to send their scores to various universities for free (up to four universities).
- Career Opportunities:
– Admission to MBA programs: In addition to academic programs, GRE scores can be used for admission to MBA and other management programs.
– Assessment of multiple abilities: GRE scores reflect analytical and logical skills, which can be beneficial in various career opportunities.
- Cost and Time Efficiency:
– Compared to other exams: The cost of the GRE is lower than some other exams, and the duration of the test is also shorter.
– Computer-based testing: The ability to take the test electronically and access scores quickly facilitates the preparation and admission process.
- No Restriction on Fields of Study:
– Diverse fields: The GRE is applicable for a wide range of graduate fields, from humanities and social sciences to natural sciences and engineering.
– Subject-specific tests: The GRE Subject Tests allow students to demonstrate their specialized skills in areas such as Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, etc.
In summary, taking the GRE can help students enhance their academic and analytical abilities and increase their chances of being admitted to prestigious universities and graduate programs.
What are the Types of GRE Exams?
The GRE is divided into two main types: the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test these exams are designed for specific purposes and assess different skills and knowledge.
GRE General Test
This test evaluates the general skills required for success in graduate studies and includes three main sections:
- a) Verbal Reasoning
Objective: Assess the ability to analyze and evaluate written material, and understand meanings of words, sentences, and paragraphs.
Sections:
Reading Comprehension: Includes questions that evaluate the ability to understand and analyze complex texts.
Text Completion: Includes questions that require selecting the appropriate words to complete sentences in a text.
Sentence Equivalence: Includes questions that require selecting two words that have similar meanings in a sentence.
- b) Quantitative Reasoning
– Objective: Assess the ability to solve mathematical problems and analyze data.
– Sections:
– Arithmetic: Includes basic mathematical concepts and numerical calculations.
– Algebra: Includes equations and inequalities, functions, and other algebraic concepts.
– Geometry: Includes basic geometric concepts and shape analysis.
– Data Analysis: Includes data analysis and interpretation, graphs, and tables.
- c) Analytical Writing
– Objective: Assess the ability to write coherent and logical essays, present ideas clearly, and argue effectively.
– Sections:
– Issue Task: Write an essay expressing your views on a specific issue.
– Argument Task: Evaluate and analyze the logical reasoning of a given argument.
GRE Subject Tests
These tests evaluate specialized knowledge in specific fields and are offered in the following subjects:
- a) Biology
– Sections:
– Cellular and Molecular Biology: Includes topics such as cell structure and function, biochemistry, and molecular genetics.
– Organismal Biology: Includes topics such as animal and plant physiology, behavior, development, and evolution.
– Ecology and Evolution: Includes topics such as ecological interactions, environmental science, biodiversity, and evolution.
- b) Chemistry
– Sections:
– Analytical Chemistry: Includes chemical analysis methods and instrumental techniques.
-Inorganic Chemistry: Includes structures, bonding, and reactions of inorganic compounds.
– Organic Chemistry: Includes structure, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds.
– Physical Chemistry: Includes thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and quantum mechanics.
- c) Literature in English
-Sections:
– Literary Analysis: Includes analysis of literary texts.
– Identification: Identification of authors and literary works.
– Cultural and Historical Contexts: Examination of literary works in cultural and historical contexts.
– History and Theory of Literary Criticism: Study of literary criticism theories and history.
- d) Mathematics
Sections
– Calculus; Includes differential and integral calculus concepts.
– Algebra; Includes linear algebra and abstract algebra.
– Additional Topics: Includes topics such as topology, logic, and number theory.
- e) Physics
Sections
– Classical Mechanics: Includes Newton’s laws, and dynamics.
– Electromagnetism: Includes electric and magnetic fields and forces.
– Optics and Wave Phenomena: Includes interference, diffraction, and polarization.
– Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics: Includes laws of thermodynamics and statistical distributions.
– Quantum Mechanics: Includes theories and principles of quantum mechanics.
– Atomic Physics: Includes atomic structure and spectra.
– Special Relativity: Includes Einstein’s theory of relativity.
– Laboratory Methods: Includes experimental techniques and instruments.
- f) Psychology
Sections
– Biological: Includes topics such as neuroanatomy and physiology.
-Cognitive: Includes topics such as memory, perception, and language.
– Social: Includes topics such as social behavior, and attitudes.
– Developmental: Includes topics such as psychological development throughout life.
– Clinical: Includes topics such as psychological disorders, and therapies.
Measurement/Methodology/Other: Includes topics such as research methods, and statistics.
Main Differences Between GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests
Objective: The GRE General Test evaluates general skills, while the GRE Subject Tests assess specialized knowledge in a specific field.
Content: The GRE General Test includes verbal, quantitative, and writing sections, while the GRE Subject Tests focus on specific topics within chosen fields.
Test Dates: The GRE General Test is conducted electronically throughout the year, while the GRE Subject Tests are paper-based and held on specific dates.
Participating in any of these exams can provide various benefits depending on your needs and goals and help you gain admission to prestigious universities and graduate programs.
The GRE General Test is a standardized exam designed to evaluate the general skills and academic abilities of candidates and is used as an admission criterion for graduate programs (Master’s and Ph.D.) in many universities worldwide, especially in the United States. The exam is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and includes three main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Below are more detailed explanations of each section.
Structure of the GRE General Test
- Verbal Reasoning
This section assesses the ability to analyze and evaluate written material, and understand meanings of words, sentences, and paragraphs. It includes two sub-sections:
– Reading Comprehension: Includes questions that evaluate the ability to understand and analyze long and complex texts.
– Text Completion: Includes questions that require selecting appropriate words to complete sentences in a text.
– Sentence Equivalence: Includes questions that require selecting two words that have similar meanings in a sentence.
- Quantitative Reasoning
This section assesses the ability to solve mathematical problems and analyze data, covering the following topics:
– Arithmetic: Includes basic mathematical concepts and numerical calculations.
– Algebra: Includes equations and inequalities, functions, and other algebraic concepts.
– Geometry: Includes basic geometric concepts and shape analysis.
– Data Analysis: Includes data analysis and interpretation, graphs, and tables.
- Analytical Writing
This section assesses the ability to write coherent and logical essays, present ideas clearly, and argue effectively. It includes two writing tasks:
– Issue Task: Requires candidates to express their views on a specific issue and defend them logically and coherently.
– Argument Task: Requires candidates to evaluate a given argument, identifying its strengths and weaknesses.
Timing and Scoring
Total Test Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes
– Verbal Section: 2 sections, each with 20 questions and 30 minutes
– Quantitative Section: 2 sections, each with 20 questions and 35 minutes
– Analytical Writing Section: 2 tasks, each 30 minutes
Scoring:
– Verbal and Quantitative Sections: Scores range from 130 to 170 (in 1-point increments)
– Analytical Writing Section: Scores range from 0 to 6 (in half-point increments)
Test Administration
– Computer-Based: The test is administered electronically at authorized testing centers designated by ETS.
– Paper-Based: In areas where computer-based testing is not available, the test is administered in paper format.
Registration and Fees
– Registration: Can be done through the ETS website (www.ets.org/gre).
– Fees: The cost of the test varies by country, but generally, it is around $205 for the GRE General Test.
Use of Scores
– University Admissions: GRE General Test scores are used for admission to graduate programs at many universities worldwide.
– Score Reporting: Candidates can send their scores to four universities for free and pay an additional fee to send scores to more universities.
Test Preparation
– Educational Resources: ETS provides various resources for test preparation, including guides, practice tests, and online courses.
– Independent Study: Candidates can prepare for the test using available educational resources and personal study plans.
The GRE General Test is a valuable tool for assessing candidates’ general skills and abilities and can play a significant role in their admission to reputable graduate programs.
GRE Subject Tests
The GRE Subject Tests are a set of tests designed to evaluate candidates’ knowledge and skills in specific fields. These tests assess specialized knowledge in a particular subject and are conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Unlike the GRE General Test, the Subject Tests focus on a single subject area and are used for admission to graduate programs. Below are detailed explanations of these tests.
Fields of GRE Subject Tests
The GRE Subject Tests are offered in the following six fields:
– Biology
– Chemistry
– Literature in English
– Mathematics
– Physics
– Psychology
Details of Each Field
Biology
Sections:
– Cellular and Molecular Biology: Topics include cell structure and function, biochemistry, and molecular genetics.
– Organismal Biology: Topics include animal and plant physiology, behavior, development, and evolution.
– Ecology and Evolution: Topics include ecological interactions, environmental science, biodiversity, and evolution.
Chemistry
– Sections
– Analytical Chemistry: Includes chemical analysis methods and instrumental techniques.
– Inorganic Chemistry: Includes structures, bonding, and reactions of inorganic compounds.
– Organic Chemistry: Includes structure, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds.
– Physical Chemistry; Includes thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and quantum mechanics.
Literature in English
Sections
– Literary Analysis: Includes analysis of literary texts.
– Identification: Identification of authors and literary works.
– Cultural and Historical Contexts: Examination of literary works in cultural and historical contexts.
– History and Theory of Literary Criticism
Types of GRE Tests
The GRE is divided into two main types: GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests. Each of these tests is designed for specific purposes and evaluates different skills and knowledge areas.
GRE General Test
This test assesses general skills needed for success in graduate studies and includes three main sections:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Purpose: Evaluate the ability to analyze and evaluate written material, understand the meanings of words, sentences, and paragraphs.
- Sections:
- Reading Comprehension
- Text Completion
- Sentence Equivalence
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Purpose: Assesses the ability to solve mathematical problems and analyze data.
- Sections:
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Data Analysis
- Analytical Writing
- Purpose: Evaluate the ability to write organized and logical essays, clearly and coherently expressing ideas and arguments.
- Tasks:
- Issue Task: Write an essay expressing your views on a given topic.
- Argument Task: Critically analyze a given argument.
GRE Subject Tests
These tests evaluate specialized knowledge in specific subjects and include the following fields:
- Biology
- Sections:
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Organismal Biology
- Ecology and Evolution
- Sections:
- Chemistry
- Sections:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Sections:
- Literature in English
- Sections:
- Literary Analysis
- Identification
- Cultural and Historical Contexts
- History and Theory of Literary Criticism
- Sections:
- Mathematics
- Sections:
- Calculus
- Algebra
- Additional Topics (such as topology, logic, and number theory)
- Sections:
- Physics
- Sections:
- Classical Mechanics
- Electromagnetism
- Optics and Wave Phenomena
- Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Atomic Physics
- Special Relativity
- Laboratory Methods
- Sections:
- Psychology
- Sections:
- Biological
- Cognitive
- Social
- Developmental
- Clinical
- Measurement/Methodology/Other
- Sections:
Main Differences between GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests
- Purpose: The GRE General Test evaluates general skills, while GRE Subject Tests assess specialized knowledge in a specific field.
- Content: The GRE General Test includes verbal, quantitative, and writing sections, whereas GRE Subject Tests cover specific topics within chosen fields.
- Timing: The GRE General Test is available year-round on a computer, while GRE Subject Tests are paper-based and offered on specific dates.
GRE General Test Structure
The GRE General Test is a standardized exam designed to evaluate general skills and academic abilities, used by many universities worldwide, especially in the United States, for graduate program admissions. Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), it includes three main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Below are the detailed explanations for each section:
Verbal Reasoning
This section assesses the ability to analyze and evaluate written material, understand meanings of words, sentences, and paragraphs, and includes two subsections:
- Reading Comprehension: Questions that evaluate the ability to understand and analyze complex texts.
- Text Completion: Questions that require selecting appropriate words to complete sentences in a text.
- Sentence Equivalence: Questions that require selecting two words that create similar meanings within a sentence.
Quantitative Reasoning
This section evaluates the ability to solve mathematical problems and analyze data, covering:
- Arithmetic: Basic mathematical concepts and numerical calculations.
- Algebra: Equations, inequalities, functions, and other algebraic concepts.
- Geometry: Basic geometric concepts and shape analysis.
- Data Analysis: Analysis and interpretation of data, charts, and tables.
Analytical Writing
This section assesses the ability to write organized and logical essays, clearly and coherently expressing ideas and arguments, and includes two writing tasks:
- Issue Task: Writing an essay that expresses your views on a given topic logically and coherently.
- Argument Task: Critically evaluating and analyzing a given argument, identifying its strengths and weaknesses.
Timing and Scoring
- Total Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes
- Verbal Section: 2 sections, each with 20 questions and 30 minutes
- Quantitative Section: 2 sections, each with 20 questions and 35 minutes
- Analytical Writing Section: 2 tasks, each with 30 minutes
Scoring:
- Verbal and Quantitative Sections: Scores range from 130 to 170 (in 1-point increments)
- Analytical Writing Section: Scores range from 0 to 6 (in half-point increments)
GRE Subject Tests
The GRE Subject Tests are a set of specialized exams designed to evaluate the knowledge and skills of candidates in specific fields. These tests are used for assessing the specialized knowledge of candidates in a particular subject and are administered by ETS. Unlike the GRE General Test, the Subject Tests focus on a single field or subject area for graduate program admissions. Below are detailed explanations of these tests:
Fields Covered by GRE Subject Tests
The GRE Subject Tests are available in six fields:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Literature in English
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
Details of Each Field
Biology
- Sections:
- Cellular and Molecular Biology: Topics include cell structure and function, biochemistry, and molecular genetics.
- Organismal Biology: Topics include animal and plant physiology, behavior, development, and evolution.
- Ecology and Evolution: Topics include ecological interactions, environmental biology, biodiversity, and evolution.
Chemistry
- Sections:
- Analytical Chemistry: Topics include analytical methods and instrumental techniques.
- Inorganic Chemistry: Topics include structures, bonds, reactions.
- Organic Chemistry: Topics include structure, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds.
- Physical Chemistry: Topics include thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and quantum mechanics.
Literature in English
- Sections:
- Literary Analysis: Analyzing literary texts.
- Identification: Identifying authors and literary works.
- Cultural and Historical Contexts: Examining literary works within historical and cultural contexts.
- History and Theory of Literary Criticism: Studying literary criticism theories and their history.
Mathematics
- Sections:
- Calculus: Concepts of differential and integral calculus.
- Algebra: Linear algebra, abstract algebra.
- Additional Topics: Topics such as topology, logic, and number theory.
Physics
- Sections:
- Classical Mechanics: Topics include Newton’s laws, and dynamics.
- Electromagnetism: Topics include electric and magnetic fields and forces.
- Optics and Wave Phenomena: Topics include interference, diffraction, and polarization.
- Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics: Topics include laws of thermodynamics and statistical distributions.
- Quantum Mechanics: Topics include theories and principles of quantum mechanics.
- Atomic Physics: Topics include the structure of atoms and atomic spectra.
- Special Relativity: Topics include Einstein’s theory of relativity.
- Laboratory Methods: Topics include experimental techniques and tools.
Psychology
- Sections:
- Biological: Topics include neuroanatomy and physiology.
- Cognitive: Topics include memory, perception, language.
- Social: Topics include social behavior and attitudes.
- Developmental: Topics include psychological growth throughout the lifespan.
- Clinical: Topics include mental disorders and psychological treatments.
- Measurement/Methodology/Other: Topics include research methods and statistics.
Timing and Scoring
- Exam Duration: Each test lasts approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes.
- Scoring:
- Overall Scores: Range from 200 to 990.
- Sub-scores: Some tests have sub-scores reported as percentages of correct answers.
Score Reporting
- Free Reporting: Candidates can send their scores to four universities or institutions for free.
- Additional Reporting: Extra fees apply for sending scores to additional institutions.
- Validity: GRE scores are valid for 5 years.
Score Analysis
- Raw Scores: The number of correct answers.
- Scaled Scores: Raw scores are converted to scaled scores to provide a uniform comparison for all candidates.
- Percentile Ranks: Percentages of candidates who scored lower than the candidate are reported as percentile ranks.
Preparing for the Exam
- Practice Tests: Using practice tests and reputable study materials can help candidates become familiar with the exam structure and question types, improving performance on the actual test.
- Study Plan: A regular and focused study plan can enhance scores.
Conclusion
The GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests scoring methods are designed to accurately and fairly evaluate candidates’ abilities and knowledge. These scores play a crucial role in admissions to graduate programs and prepare candidates for future academic success.
Credential and Validity of the GRE
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a highly regarded credential in university admissions worldwide, especially in the United States. Below are the details on the credentials and validity of the GRE:
GRE Credential
- Type of Credential: After taking the GRE General or GRE Subject Tests, candidates receive a score report that includes their scores for various sections.
- Score Report Details: The score report includes scores for Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing for the GRE General, and specialized
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