GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE®) General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and are not related to any specific field of study.

The GRE® Subject Tests gauge undergraduate achievement in eight specific fields of study, and can help forecast a candidate's potential for success in graduate school. Each Subject Test is intended for students who have majored in or have extensive background in that specific area.

The GRE General Test is available in paper-based, as well as computer-based versions. The computer-based test lasts for 3 hours 15 minutes, and the paper based one, for 3 hours 45 minutes. It comprises three sections:

The Graduate Record Examinations® (GRE®) General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking and analytical writing skills. The GRE® Subject Tests gauge undergraduate achievement in 8 specific fields of study.

The GRE® General Test contains three sections that assess knowledge that has been acquired and developed over a long time.

Verbal Reasoning:

Assesses the ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences, and recognize relationships between words and concepts. Content is balanced among the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

The Verbal Reasoning score is reported on a 200 - 800 score scale, in 10-point increments.

Quantitative Reasoning:

Tests basic mathematical skills and understanding of elementary mathematical concepts, as well as the ability to reason quantitatively and solve problems in a quantitative setting. Content is balanced among questions requiring arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data and reason quantitatively analysis; solve problems in a quantitative setting.

The Quantitative Reasoning score is reported on a 200 - 800 score scale, in 10-point increments.

Analytical Writing:

Tests critical thinking and analytical writing skills, as well as the ability to articulate and support complex ideas, analyze an argument and sustain a focused and coherent discussion, examine claims and accompanying evidence, support ideas with relevant reasons and examples, sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion control the elements of standard written English.

The Analytical Writing score is reported on a 0 - 6 score scale, in half-point increments.

The GRE® Subject Tests deals with content emphasised in undergraduate programmes as preparation for graduate study in the field, last for 2 hours 50 minutes. These paper-based tests are offered in eight fields of study:

  • Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular biology
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Literature in English
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology

The total score is reported on a 200 - 990 score scale, in 10-point increments. Sub-scores are reported for the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology; Biology; and Psychology Tests on a 20 - 99 score scale, in one-point increments.

Taken by more than 550,000 prospective graduate applicants each year, the GRE® General and Subject Tests:

  • Measure the skills that faculty and deans consider essential for graduate school success
  • Provide the only common measures for comparing the qualifications of applicants from different educational backgrounds and countries of origin
  • Furnish independent information to supplement the evaluation of grades and recommendations

Who uses the GRE® test?

  • Any accredited graduate, business or professional school, or any department or division within a school, may require that its applicants take the General Test, a Subject Test, or both
  • Fellowship or admission panels use the scores to supplement undergraduate records and other qualifications for graduate study
GRE General Test GRE Subject Tests
Test Format Computer-based testing available at ETS-authorized test centers
Paper-based test*
Paper-based tests
Test Dates Continuous testing for computer-based test; paper-based test administered 2 times per year October, November, April
Test Length Computer-based test: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Paper-based test: 3 hours, 45 minutes
2 hours, 50 minutes

Registration:
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