The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a test that's administered to students who are applying to graduate schools across the United States. There are some other English speaking countries around the world that also use the GRE test, so if you're considering studying overseas, you should check to see if you'll need to take the GRE exam for admissions purposes. The test measures abstract thinking skills by testing your vocabulary, quantitative reasoning skills and analytical writing technique.
GRE testing is primarily done through computers in qualified testing facilities, although it does offer paper tests for people living in areas of the world without technology.
The GRE exam is a fairly rigid standardized test that's conducted in three separate parts. However, there's also an ungraded and optional experimental test section that students can opt to take if they're curious about what's on it and what their scores would be. The GRE test generally takes about three hours to complete and you should plan to use all of that time to make sure that you've thoroughly read and answer each question – rushing to get through the test hurriedly won't be beneficial to anyone.
You can register to take the GRE test and pay your testing fees online, which is a great improvement over the old days when you had to register by mail and wait a few weeks for everything to get properly logged. Now everything is so highly computerized and efficient that all of the hassle of signing up to take the GRE exam is gone. However, you still can't take the actual GRE exam online, so stay away from scam sites that promise you scores from a virtual exam.
Once you begin taking the test, you'll be confronted with the three main portions of the test:
Verbal GRE - The verbal part of the GRE test tests your ability to evaluate writings and pull out the important information that's conveyed in that passage. You'll also need to know how to properly analyze links between words and concepts in the writings.
Math GRE - On the quantitative reasoning portion of the test, you'll need to understand the basics of math, algebra, and data analysis. You aren't only being tested on how well you can complete mathematical problems, but also whether or not you understand the concept behind the equations and how they relate to the function of mathematics.
Writing GRE - On the analytical writing part of the test you'll need to be able to articulate your ideas in a clear cut, effective manner and be able to support any arguments you make with relevant examples that help clarify your points. Be concise – rambling off on a tangent or straying from your original topic can have a negative effect on your overall score.
If you're preparing to take the GRE exam, the first step is to find out when and where it's being offered in your area. Once you've scheduled the exam, you'll want to begin preparing for the exam, being sure to spend adequate time on each of the three sections of the exam. For example, if math is your weak subject, you may need to put more time into preparing for those questions. When you feel comfortable with each section, try taking a practice exam to gauge where you need more preparation. By the time your exam day rolls around, you'll feel confident that you'll get the best score possible on the GRE.
