What is the GRE?
GRE stands for Graduate Record Exam, for graduate level academic study. The GRE is a requirement for admission to graduate and business schools at both the Ph.D.and Master’s levels. More and more MBA programs are now accepting the GRE as an equivalent to the GMAT.
The GRE is nicely split into three main sections. The first is analytical writing, in which you are expected to complete two written essays. This section is used to measure your ability to articulate complex issues as well as your critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
The further two sections include Quantitative reasoning and Verbal reasoning, both of which are conducted in multiple choice format. During the quantitative reasoning section, they want to gauge your ability to solve multifaceted problems and provide solutions. In the verbal reasoning section, they test your aptitude to analyze and evaluate written passages.
There is a further unscored section at the end, which includes quantitative or verbal reasoning. Each of these sections is marked individually, and finally the scores are combined together. The GRE exam tests your ability to focus, time management and especially endurance. They want to know your knowledge of deductive reasoning, your essay writing style and if you have what it takes to solve new problems under time pressure.
The GRE can be taken both as a paper based exam or a CAT. CAT is a Computer Adaptive Test, which is far more popular today. This means how you answer the first question will alter what questions you get next. Therefore, every GRE CAT exam is unique and individual to the person taking it. It’s important you work hard to get the first five questions right. The GRE CAT adapts itself to your ability, so when you get a question wrong, the subsequent question will be easier. The bottom line is you want the hard questions - that’s how you know you are doing well!
Just remember that as with any standardized test, the key to success is preparation. When looking to take the GRE, make sure you have an idea of what type of score the school you wish to attend is looking for. This way, you will at least know what to aim towards. Be realistic about your goals, make sure you practice, find out what your weaknesses are and work on them. With efficient preparation, anyone can ace the GRE. Finally, keep in mind that for Graduate School, you may be required to take the GRE General test as well as a GRE Subject test in the field you wish to study.
To register for the GRE examination at a location near you go to www.gre.org