What the GRE Test is & How to Prepare

1. A) All You Need to Know about the GRE Test

GRE stands for Graduate Records Examination Test. It is a wholly computer-based test that is aimed at analyzing various arenas of subjects like verbal reasoning, mathematical applications among other examples. The GRE Test is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). This organization is responsible for the formulation of exam and curriculum for the GRE Test. GRE is not a new concept, although it has gained its popularity now, but it was established by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in 1936. GRE Test is accepted by all leading postgraduate, business, and law schools, so if you are planning to get into higher advanced studies, then you have to take the GRE Test. This test is a popular method of scoring students’ performance throughout their school year and is an important criterion for admissions in almost all schools in USA and Canada. Whoever wants to get into the most coveted schools for their higher studies, takes the GRE Test. Applicants from all around the world who are aspiring to get into leading schools in the US take the GRE Test .

GRE Test consists of a bundle of various other sub-tests; each test is taken separately and scored respectively. Each test is designed to examine the test-takers knowledge on various subjects. After the overhaul of 2011, the GRE Test was majorly amended. Earlier, the GRE used to run on question-by-question basis and now it runs section-by-section. It was done to examine the candidate’s performance on the first verbal and math sections. Also, the scoring scale was altered from a 200-800 scale to a 130-170 scale. With the latest amendments in GRE Tests, it can be safe to say that the importance of the GRE test has gained ground. Although, the importance of scoring well in a GRE test can vary from school to school. In certain schools, having passed the GRE test is a mere formality, whereas it is an essential selection factor at other schools.   


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1. B) Contents of GRE Test

This Test is divided into sections, whether the GRE is computer-based or the General paper-based GRE Test. Although, it is pertinent that there is no experimental section on the paper-based test. Let’s take a closer look at these sections and analyze them altogether. The sections that make up a GRE test are enumerated as below:-

1. Verbal Section:- This section tests the applicant’s reading comprehension, reasoning skills and critical reasoning. It is scored on a scale of 130-170, in 1 point increments. There are a total number of 20 questions asked which the applicant has to attempt within a time-frame of 30 minutes.
   
   
2. Quantitative Section:- This section deals with high school level mathematical knowledge and reasoning skills of the applicant. Here also, a total of 20 questions are asked which are to be attempted within 35 minutes.
   
   
3. Analytical Writing Section:- This section is further divided into two sections:
   
   
4. i) Issue Task: These tasks are available of the ETS website. The candidates are given 30 minutes to write an essay on such topics.
   
   
5. ii) Argument Task: Candidates are given an argument and told to write an essay on it. The candidates have to critique and analyze the argument and also give their own opinions regarding the argument. The time given for completion of this task is also 30 minutes.
   
   
6. Experimental Section:- This section can be either verbal or quantitative. Although, the scores   obtained by the candidate in this section do not go to the total tally of scores at the end, but it is a part of the computer-based GRE. There is no experimental section in the paper-based GRE.
   
   
7. C) How to Prepare for GRE

Although taking a GRE Test may seem daunting at the first glance, but it is  nothing that a few months of dedicated studies can’t fix. There has to be active cooperation among the students, teachers, tutors and/or their parents, so that the candidate may be equipped to prepare for this test up to their maximum potential. These strategies may come in handy when you have started preparing for GRE :-

1. Make a schedule:- When you make a fixed schedule for your day and stick to it, you can actually get a lot done efficiently. Make a study schedule according to how your day goes, and follow it every day. It is essential to prepare every day for this test as it requires extensive study.
   
   
2. Buy help-books:- There is a lot of study material available across the internet that can help you in developing a better understanding of the subjects you want to study or better yet, pawn some off of your seniors who have taken the GRE before. Although buying books can seem to be an expense at first but they actually are an investment for your future.
   
   
3. Determine your target:- Always have a definite score in mind when you start preparing. Hence, determine your goal GRE score and work accordingly.
   
   
4. Review your performance:-When you finish one section, test yourself by practicing mock tests. This practice will help you in getting a fair idea as to where you stand in your preparation.
   
   
5. Practice every day:-When you practice math, try doing the calculations without a calculator. If you want to build up your vocabulary, read books and new words every day. This habit of practicing every day will help you in perfecting your score.

We hope that the information furnished above helps you get clarity regarding GRE tests. We also provide intensive GRE modules and tuition that will help you in your GRE preparation. You may contact us for more information.