Planning to take the GRE? Do you have many questions regarding the exam? Well, worry not, we have listed down some of the most common GRE FAQs for you. Read on to find answers to all the questions you might have!
How Many Times in a Year Is the GRE Test Conducted?
The GRE test is a standardised test that is conducted all year round. You can choose the dates as per your level of preparedness. However, public holidays are an exception; no tests can be scheduled on public holidays.
Where Is the GRE Test Conducted?
The GRE test is conducted across several exam centres around the world. While registering for the GRE test, you can select the test centre that is most convenient for you. You should be aware though, a GRE test is a computer-delivered test and a paper-based test, but in some places computer testing might be unavailable. Furthermore, paper-based testing is conducted only three times a year.
What Is the Cost of a GRE test?
This is one of the most important GRE FAQ questions asked by many. There are two types of GRE tests, a GRE General Test and a GRE Subject Test. Generally, the cost of registering for a GRE Subject test worldwide is $105. However, ETS has different pricing for China and India when it comes to GRE General Tests. While the rest of the world is charged a fee of $205, the cost of a GRE General test in India is $213 and $231 if you’re taking the test in China.
Which Schools or Universities Accept the GRE Test Score?
Several graduate schools and universities ask for GRE as a standardised test score that needs to be submitted as part of the admissions requirements. However, you need to check the requirements of the particular program you are applying to, to check which GRE test they require. Some universities or graduate schools may ask for a subject test in particular.
What Is the Structure and The Duration of The GRE Test?
The GRE test is a 3-hour and 45-minute-long test. You will have to attend six sections to complete the test. The first two sections of Analytical Writing – argument task and issue task – are 30 minutes each. Then you have two sections each of quantitative and verbal reasoning. In addition to the quantitative and verbal reasoning, you have a final experimental section, this can be either quantitative or verbal reasoning. After the AWA section, the sections appear in random order. Furthermore, some tests also have an optional research section after the GRE test.
How Much Time Does It Take to Study for the GRE Test?
To answer this question, it is best to know how prepared you are and how well versed you are with the basic concepts of mathematics and English grammar. To help you check your level of preparedness, it is essential to take a GRE mock test. Based on the score you receive on your mock test, it is easier for you to forecast the time you will take to prepare for the GRE test.
How Are the Scores Reported on the GRE Test?
The verbal and quantitative reasoning sections of the GRE test are scored on a scale of 130 – 170 with a one-point increment. On the other hand, the AWA section is scored on a scale of 0 – 6 with a half-point increment.
What Changes Have Taken Place in the GRE Test Since 2011?
Two major changes have taken place with regards to the scoring and the computer algorithm testing. Concerning the scoring system, the quantitative and verbal reasoning scoring changed to a scale of 130 – 170 with a 1-point increment from the previous scale of 200 – 800 with a 10-point increment. Furthermore, the computer algorithm testing was changed to a selection-adaptive.
How Does the Computer Algorithm Work?
After the changes to the GRE test were introduced in 2011, if you answered a series of questions correctly, you would be tested with more difficult questions. You would have to face questions of average difficulty in the first verbal or quantitative sections and the difficulty of the second sections would be based on how you fared in the previous sections. Hence, if you performed well in the first section, you progress to a more difficult second section of the GRE test.
How Does the Paper-Based Test Work?
The GRE test is conducted in two formats — the computer-delivered and the paper-based test. The paper-based test is conducted three times a year in those test centres that do not have computer-delivered tests. In a paper-based test, you need to write your answers in the test booklet provided to you during the test. You will also be provided with a handheld calculator for the quantitative reasoning section.
What Are the Subjects Covered Under the GRE Subject Test?
While the GRE General Test covers verbal and quantitative reasoning and an analytical writing assessment, the GRE Subject Test assesses your expertise in subjects such as Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Physics and Psychology.
Can I Retake the GRE Test?
You can retake the test if you are unsatisfied with the results of the GRE test. If you’ve taken a paper-based test, then you may retake the test whenever it is conducted during a year. However, if you have taken a computer-delivered test, then you can retake the test up to five times in a year after 21 days.
How Do I Submit My GRE Scores?
After you complete your test, you will be provided with an option to submit your recent scores of tests taken within a period of five years. You will be provided with an option to send a specific set of test scores. Hence, you can decide which scores you would like to be sent to the university or graduate school of your choice.
We hope these GRE FAQs clarified some of the doubts you might have had lingering on in your mind. Now, all you need to do is start your GRE prep.
Good luck!