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With the increasing demand for pursuing graduate programs in the United States, it is extremely important to learn about the GRE proficiency test to help you complete your application and make an impression on the admissions committee. GRE scores not only open up opportunities for you to study at top universities but also improve the chances of receiving attractive scholarships. Let's learn about the GRE test, test fees, and how to register for the test with IDP in this article!
GRE, which stands for "Graduate Record Examination", is an international standardized test administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service). This is a test used to assess the candidate's learning and research ability and consider admission conditions in natural sciences and social sciences (except Medicine, Pharmacy, and Law) in the US.
The GRE consists of 2 types of tests:
GRE General Test: a general test for students applying to graduate programs
GRE Subject Test: specialized tests in 8 fields including Math, Physics, Psychology, Chemistry, Computer Science, etc.
The GRE certificate is valid for 5 years. Every year, about half a million people in the world take the General GRE test, more than students take the specialized GRE test.
You may want to know: What is an MBA? Why is studying MBA a trend today?
Test Overview: The General GRE test is computer-based and consists of three sections: language thinking, mathematical reasoning, and analytical essay writing that revolves around a variety of topics.
Exam time: the exam lasts about 3 hours and 45 minutes. (including six sections and a 10-minute break after each of the three sections).
Test scores:
The Language Thinking section has a scale of 130 - 170, each level increases or decreases by 1 point.
The Math section has a scale of 130 - 170, each step increases or decreases by 1 point.
The analytical essay section has a scale from 0 to 6, each level increases or decreases by 0.5 points.
For the General GRE test, the maximum score scale will be 340 points. Unlike other standardized tests, your score will be calculated in sections instead of taking the composite score of the entire exam.
Since the GRE is calculated separately, some schools will also have their own score requirements for each subject. For example, if you choose to attend schools or majors that specialize in languages, the schools will get high language scores, and math won't be too demanding. for technical schools, the requirements will be the opposite.
Structure of the test:
Contest | Content | Time |
Analytical Writing | 1 article asks candidates to analyze a problem 1 article makes an argument and asks the candidate to analyze | 30 minutes/article |
Verbal Reasoning | 20 questions/section | 30 minutes/article |
Quantitative Reasoning | 20 questions/section | 35 minutes/article |
For the advanced design of the General GRE test, you can go to any question in each section, skip any questions you don't have answers to, and come back later if you have time. In the Quantitative Reasoning test, you will take the test through a computer built into the screen instead of using a handheld computer.
Exam Overview:
The specialized GRE test is paper-based and is held 3 times per year worldwide. Unlike the General Exam, the Specialized GRE test will make you stand out from other candidates when it comes to emphasizing your knowledge and skills in a specific area. To determine which test is right for you, refer to the program you are preparing to apply for. If the field of study you want to pursue does not have a specialized exam, you should choose the General Exam.
There are 7 different areas of expertise including:
Mathematics
English Literature
U.S. History
World History
Social Sciences
Biology
Chemistry
Exam time: the exam lasts about 32 hours and 50 minutes and does not divide the time into sections.
Test scores:
For each specialized GRE test, the scaled score will range from 200 to 990 points, increasing or decreasing by 10 points. However, the actual score scale for each specific test will be more detailed.
When you take tests with small sections such as Biology and Physics, the score of the converted sections (subscore) will be between 20 - 99 points, a jump of 1 point. However, the actual score scale for each specific test will be more detailed.
When you want to register for the GRE test, you can register in 1 of the three forms below:
Register by phone: Register by contacting the Regional Registration Center (RRC) number. Remember that you must call at least 2 days before the exam.
Register online: You will need to create an ETS account through the website, then register for the GRE by filling in information such as your country, GRE reason, GPA, and qualifications. Once you have completed the exam fee payment, you have completed the registration process.
Register by mail: Download the form, fill it out, and send it by mail. The form will take quite a bit of your time. Candidates are required to receive their applications at least 3 weeks prior to the GRE exam.
Test Fee: General GRE is $205, Specialized GRE is $150.
More and more schools around the world accept GRE and GMAT scores. However, there are still many international students who still wonder about the difference between these two tests and whether they will be suitable for which test. Let's explore the comparison factors below:
GMAT | GRE | |
Accepted by | Most of the programs are postgraduate training. | Most postgraduate training programs, including business administration programs. |
Exam format | Take the test online or at a test center | Take the test online or at a test center |
Exam Structure | There are 4 parts of the contest: Quantitative Language Writing an analytical essay Integrated Thinking | Consists of 3 parts: Quantitative Language Writing an analytical essay |
Exam time | 3 hours 7 minutes, plus two optional 8-minute breaks | 3 hours 45 minutes, plus an optional 10-minute break |
Effective Period | 5 years | 5 years |
Exam Fees | In-person in-person test: $250 Online Exam: $275 | General GRE: $205 Specialized GRE: $150. |
See also: What is GMAT? The secret to conquering the GMAT test
Note:
The General GRE test is held 5 times per year, and each test is held 21 days apart. Each candidate can only take the exam a maximum of 5 times in a 12-month period, even if you cancel the score of the previous test.
When you are present on the exam day, you need to enter your full name exactly as in your ID card/ID card/passport and make sure all the information you provide matches. Try to register early to choose the exam schedule and location that suits your timetable.
GRE test results will be announced 10-15 days after the test date. Your exam results will be sent to the 4 universities on the registration list. You will have to pay an additional fee if you want to send your results to more schools.
When you want to register for the GRE test, you can register in 1 of the three forms below:
Register by phone: Register by contacting the Regional Registration Center (RRC) number. Remember that you must call at least 2 days before the exam.
Register online: You will need to create an ETS account through the website, then register for the GRE by filling in information such as your country, GRE reason, GPA, and qualifications. Once you have completed the exam fee payment, you have completed the registration process.
Register by mail: Download the form, fill it out, and send it by mail. The form will take quite a bit of your time. Candidates are required to receive their applications at least 3 weeks prior to the GRE exam.
Test Fee: General GRE is $205, Specialized GRE is $150.
More and more schools around the world accept GRE and GMAT scores. However, there are still many international students who still wonder about the difference between these two tests and whether they will be suitable for which test. Let's explore the comparison factors below:
GMAT | GRE | |
Accepted by | Most of the programs are postgraduate training. | Most postgraduate training programs, including business administration programs. |
Exam format | Take the test online or at a test center | Take the test online or at a test center |
Exam Structure | There are 4 parts of the contest: Quantitative Language Writing an analytical essay Integrated Thinking | Consists of 3 parts: Quantitative Language Writing an analytical essay |
Exam time | 3 hours 7 minutes, plus two optional 8-minute breaks | 3 hours 45 minutes, plus an optional 10-minute break |
Effective Period | 5 years | 5 years |
Exam Fees | In-person in-person test: $250 Online Exam: $275 | General GRE: $205 Specialized GRE: $150. |
See also: What is GMAT? The secret to conquering the GMAT test
Note:
The General GRE test is held 5 times per year, and each test is held 21 days apart. Each candidate can only take the exam a maximum of 5 times in a 12-month period, even if you cancel the score of the previous test.
When you are present on the exam day, you need to enter your full name exactly as in your ID card/ID card/passport and make sure all the information you provide matches. Try to register early to choose the exam schedule and location that suits your timetable.
GRE test results will be announced 10-15 days after the test date. Your exam results will be sent to the 4 universities on the registration list. You will have to pay an additional fee if you want to send your results to more schools.
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