GRE EXAM
The GRE exam is the world’s leading standardized test for admission to graduate, business and other professional schools. The GRE is a standardized test that has been used by admissions officers since 1936.
Today, thousands of graduate schools worldwide – in over 90 countries – accept GRE scores. These scores can be an advantage to your application, giving a more holistic view of your abilities as a student.
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Answers to the top GRE questions that students have
What is the GRE test?
The GRE® General Test is the most popular admissions exam and measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills. As the GRE test is research-based and objective, it is considered an essential step in holistically reviewing candidates for graduate and professional programs, including business, engineering, health, and law.
Starting at the end of September 2023, the GRE General Test lasts less than 2 hours, which is about half the current test time, making the GRE test the shortest test for business, law, and graduate school admission programs.
How is the GRE prep?
The GRE is a complex test designed for universities to have an objective benchmark to compare all their applicants. Obtaining a good score on the GRE is essential for you to be successful on the admission to a prestigious international program.
It is estimated that around 500,000 candidates take the GRE annually. It is a very competitive environment where some of the brightest students in the world participate. That is why it is vital to have the best preparation in order to be able to achieve your goals.
What's on the GRE General test?
The GRE tests your command of verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills:
- Analytical writing assesses your ability to provide concise reasoning and relevant examples to articulate and support ideas.
- Along with completing sentences with complex vocabulary, verbal reasoning tests your ability to analyze passages by summarizing main ideas, identifying key points, and understanding author intent.
- The quantitative section covers basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
How long is the GRE test?
The GRE used to have 6 sections and lasted 3 hours, 45 minutes, with a 10 minute break in the middle. Starting September 22nd this will be the new structure:
- Analytical Writing: 1 essay – “Analyze an Argument”
- Verbal Reasoning: 2 blocks that last 41 minutes.
- Quantitative Reasoning: 2 blocks that last 47 minutes.
Also, don’t forget to check out if you qualify for any Accommodations for Test Takers with Disabilities or Health-related Needs.
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Should I take the GRE or GMAT?
Though the GRE is accepted for many masters programs, there are some business schools that only accept the GMAT scores. While we prepare for both exams, EPIC PREP often recommends taking the GRE if you have the option.
- The GMAT has a more difficult quantitative section.
- It is possible to skip and return to questions when taking the GRE.
Where can I take the GRE test?
ETS offers two convenient options – testing centers and at home testing – so you can select the one that works best for you.
Currently are 5 GRE test centers in Spain and 4 in Italy.
However, you can also take the GRE at home. That is, you can take the GRE 24/7 but make sure you meet all the necessary technical requirements beforehand. This option is very practical and will also allow you to take the test at the right time when you feel ready for it.
Remember that students must register directly on the ETS website.
How is the GRE scored?
Both the Verbal and Quantitative sections have a scale of 130-170 while the Analytical Writing section (the 2 essays) has a score range of 0-6. Please note that the GRE is an adaptive test. There are at least 2 Verbal sections and 2 quantitative sections, so – based on your performance in the 1st section – the 2nd section will be harder or easier.
You cannot “fail” the GRE. Instead, each student simply sets a goal depending on the universities to which he or she wants to apply.
When should I take the GRE test?
Most programs have well-defined deadlines.
It is important that before planning your preparation you consider both exogenous (deadlines) and endogenous factors. These are equally important since a competitive GRE preparation is going to demand a lot of your time.
Finally, when scheduling your exam don’t forget that the GRE requires you to take a minimum break of 21 days between attempts
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What is the GRE Experimental Section?
Students are randomly given either the experimental or research section. The experimental section of the exam is an unscored verbal or quantitative section and can appear anytime after the analytical writing tasks. As it is unmarked, students must put effort into all the sections found on their exam.
This section includes questions that will be featured on graded sections of future exams. In order to determine the difficulty of the questions, ETS examines the average time it took to answer each question and the number of students who got the experimental questions correct.
What is the GRE Research Section?
Students are randomly given either the experimental or research section. Unlike the GRE experimental section, the GRE research section is marked, optional, and always found at the end of the exam.
While students are not required to complete this section, it is extra practice and allows ETS to constantly improve the GRE exam.
If you have any more questions about the GRE test and the steps you need to take to achieve your goals, find out how EPIC PREP can help you reach your potential when taking the GRE test.
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