subject: Students' Guide to the GRE [print this page] Students' Guide to the GRE Students' Guide to the GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is the standardized entrance exam for those applying to graduate school. Most US colleges require prospective grad students to take the GRE for their Masters and PhD programs. The GRE is a computer-based test administered at test centers and can be taken multiple times, so long as it is not in the same calendar month.
The GRE is divided into three main sections:
Analytical Writing Assessment section requires you to draft essay responses to two provided topics. You are given 45 minutes and 30 minutes for the respective questions. One question asks you to "agree or disagree" with the topic provided and the other asks you to critique an argument presented in the form of a passage. The writing section tests your ability to analyze and present your thoughts in a logical manner.
Verbal section consists of thirty (30) multiple-choice questions. You have thirty (30) minutes to answer. This section tests your knowledge of antonyms, analogies, reading comprehension and sentence completions.
Quantitative section consists of approximately twenty-eight (28) multiple-choice questions. You have forty-five (45) minutes to answer. This section asks you to determine relationship between quantities and solve problems. In addition to quantitative reasoning and problem-solving, the basic math skills tested include geometry, algebra, data analysis and arithmetic,
It is important to note that the GRE usually has an extra unidentified Pre-Test verbal or quantitative section, which is not scored. Since the extra section is unidentified, it is important for test-takers to complete all Verbal and Quantitative sections. The GRE also has an identified experimental questions section.
Because the GRE is a computer-adaptive test, you cannot go back to a question. If you do not know the answer to a question, it is better to guess the answer and move on. Points are not deducted for the wrong answer.
How to Prepare For the GRE
First, familiarize yourself with the process of taking this computer-adaptive test. For example, how will the questions be flashed, how will you submit your answer choice, how will you know how much time is left, how do you exit a section, how do you quit the test, what do you click if you need help? You should know the answers to these questions cold so that on the day of the GRE you are not distracted by these mechanical details.
Second, the GRE is primarily a content based test. You can prepare for the GRE by sharpening your basic math skills and brushing up on your vocabulary. Some rely on test prep review courses, others on study aids and guide books.
Third, one of the most efficient ways to study for the GRE, like most standardized tests, is to take as many practice exams as you can. GRE practice questions will allow you to see the pattern in each type of question, manage your time better, and know the test inside-out.
