The GRE exam is one of the most popular exams today. Hundreds and thousands of students give this exam every year to test their academic capabilities and to enrol in their dream universities. In this article, we will discuss everything you should know about the GRE exam and find out the best GRE preparation books and things to remember before giving the GRE 2023 exam.
What is GRE?
Graduate Record Examination 2023 or GRE 2023 is a popular exam that allows you to fathom the subject and other writing capabilities. The test is a registered trademark of ETS (Educational Testing Service), headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey. The GRE exam is held annually and taken by students who wish to pursue a specialized Doctoral degree or Master's course at B-Schools in the USA, UK, Canada, Europe, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. The entrance exam assesses applicants' various skills, ranging from analytical writing to verbal and quantitative reasoning skills. Continue reading to find out more about the GRE test preparation tips. Preparing for the GRE exam depends on the type of GRE test you will take and the time left. Before giving the test, it is also essential to learn about GRE exam eligibility, GRE exam pattern, GRE average score, GRE practice papers, and GRE cut-off.
As the exam has become quite popular in recent years, there are numerous GRE Test Centres in India. Currently, there are 22 cities having various GRE test centres. These include Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Vadodara, Patna, Indore, Dehradun, Gandhinagar, Gurgaon, Coimbatore, Gwalior, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Cochin, Nizamabad, Trivandrum, Nashik, and Vijayawada.
GRE Exam Pattern
The Educational Testing Services (ETS) has formulated the GRE exam structure of the GRE General Test (both computer-based and paper-based) and the GRE Subject Test. The GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test differ in GRE exam pattern. The GRE comprises two types of tests — the GRE subject test and the GRE General Test. The GRE subject test inhibits questions from subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Psychology, and English Literature. The GRE general test includes subjects like Analytical Writing Assessment, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning.
The GRE general test is both computer-based and paper-based, and both versions are different. Please note that paper-based tests are offered where the computer-based test is not available. The GRE subject test is available only in the paper-based format within the GRE exam pattern. The test is available at over 1000 test centres across 160 countries around the globe. The GRE General Test contains 82 questions (80 MCQs + 2 descriptives). The total time provided under the GRE General Test is 3 hours and 45 minutes in the case of the computer-based test. For a paper-based test, you will be required to attempt 102 questions within 3 hours and 30 minutes. On the other hand, the GRE Subject Test consists of only MCQs where you are required to attempt 66-230 questions in a time limit of 2 hours and 50 minutes.
GRE Syllabus
The ETS defines the syllabus for both GRE tests under the GRE exam pattern. The GRE General Test syllabus is the standard exam that tests students’ verbal reasoning, analytical writing skills, and quantitative reasoning.
If you seek to pursue a specialized subject, it is essential to take the subject test. The GRE Subject Test is to judge a candidate’s technical expertise in the respective field(s).
Analytical Writing Assessment: This section handles the complex idea solving judgment of a candidate. This also focuses on how they analyze and interpret a problem to conclude.
Verbal Ability: This section assesses the capability and control over the elements of standard written English. Verbal reasoning contains 3 different types of questions-
- Sentence equivalence
- Text completion
- Reading comprehension
Quantitative Reasoning: Quantitative reasoning seeks analytical knowledge over basic mathematical concepts of algebra, arithmetic, geometry and data analysis.
GRE Scoring
The GRE score is valid for 5 years. The highest mark/grade a candidate can get is 340. The GRE General Test exam contains three sections in the scores which are reported:
Who can take the GRE 2023?
The GRE exam is pretty flexible in student eligibility. The ETS doesn't prescribe eligibility criteria, and anyone can register for this GRE exam, irrespective of age or qualifications.
- Candidates applying for master's courses require a GRE exam score to apply to highly accoladed colleges.
- One primary clause that many of the official guide to the GRE test includes is to meet the admission criteria of respective grad schools without fail before filling out the application. Moreover, you'll also be required to possess a valid passport as proof of identity at the GRE exam centre.
- As of now, there is no age limit set for candidates wanting to appear for their GRE test.
- ETS has not announced any official statement regarding the qualification required to appear for GRE Exam. However, candidates are expected to possess a graduate degree from a recognized university in any discipline.
Please note that starting July 1, 2021, candidates can use their Aadhar Card as part of the identity proof during the GRE registration process.
Want to learn the differences between the GRE and GMAT? Listen to episode 10 of our podcast to find out which one is right for you!
When to take GRE 2023
Similar to significant examinations, there are multiple dates on which you can give your GRE 2023 exam. The GRE exam date should be at least 3-5 months before your university application submission deadline.
Also, it is essential to remember that the exam is held throughout the year. You can also take consecutive GRE exams, but there must be a gap between the two of 21 days. The EST has also capped the limit to each individual of 5 GRE tests in a year.
How to apply for GRE 2023?
Applying for GRE is relatively easy, and with a simple step guide, you can register for GRE 2023 exam. You need to create a My GRE Account on the ETS website. This account will also help you check scores and assessment reports once the test is held.
To register for GRE 2023, the ETS allows three modes of registration:
1. Online registration
2. Registration via phone
3. Registering over Mail
Steps for GRE 2023 Registration
1. Create My GRE Account on the ETS website.
2. Fill in credentials {Name, Date of Birth, Address, Phone Number, etc.} You will get a Username and Password. Save it for future use.
3. Select GRE test type: GRE General Test OR GRE Subject Test.
4. Enter location preference and exam date
5. Check all the details thoroughly and proceed to exam fee payment.
Registered GRE applicants will receive their admit cards in their registered email after a few days of registration. The GRE admit card contains basic information such as your name, roll number, DOB, exam date, choice/preferences, and test centre. If there are any discrepancies, it is advised that you report it to the respective authority at the earliest.
ETS declares the result of the GRE exam instantly once a candidate submits the test. The scores are also sent to the score recipients (4 universities) selected by the students in the next 10-15 days.
GRE 2023 Cost
Application Fee
The application fee for the GRE General Test is currently USD 213 for Indian students. This equates to roughly Rs. 16,548 ($1= Rs 77.60). Meanwhile, the GRE Subject Test costs $150 worldwide, which would cost Indian students around Rs. 11,654.
Rescheduling Fee
You can also change the centre or reschedule the test at your convenience. However, you would be required to pay an extra fee.
Cancellation Fee
Many students also cancel the GRE exam due to personal or financial reasons. If you aim to cancel or reschedule your slot, you can do so by paying a fee of $50. This can also be done up to four days before the test date. If not, the GRE exam fee would be forfeited.
Subject Change Fee
You can also change the subject of your GRE subject test by paying $50. It is also worth noting that ETS also offers students a fee waiver of 50 percent of the total registration fee. Financially challenged students can avail of this under the GRE Fee Reduction Programme.
GRE Preparation 2023
There are great books that you could take advantage of while preparing for GRE exam. They can either be reputable or the ones advised by your seniors. But it’s always important to remember that you will be reading the book.
So it is wise that you review it and thoroughly research it before buying. Here are some of the top GRE preparation books for 2023 that you can purchase:
The Official GRE Guide Super Power Pack: The official GRE practice test book filled with all questions about the GRE exam pattern, this pack contains hundreds of original GRE questions along with sample essay questions.
5 LB. Book of GRE Practice Problems: Prepared by the Teach for America alumnus and Yale graduate Zeke Vanderhoek. The book highlights 1800+ questions and access to free online GRE practice tests.
Manhattan Prep GRE Set of 8 Strategy Guides: The 4th Edition of the Manhattan Prep GRE Set of 8 Strategy Guides is a comprehensive guide for GRE exam patterns. The book contains word problems, geometry questions, reading comprehension, and text completion questions. The book also includes some strategies for the GRE exam pattern.
The Princeton Review GRE Prep 2023: The Princeton Review GRE Prep 2023 comes with 4 GRE practice tests, different GRE exam pattern based online tests, and thorough reviews on questions.
GRE Updates 2023
Due to the pandemic, it became difficult to conduct aptitude tests such as the GRE and GMAT, leading to several universities choosing to waive the GRE/GMAT requirements for Fall 2023 intakes. Instead, other components of the application process will now get more weight, such as a statement of purpose, academic qualifications, recommendation letter, and so on.
Some of the universities that have chosen to waive the GRE in 2023 are:
- University of Utah
- University of Michigan Ann Arbour
- Texas A&M University
- University of California
- Indiana University
- University of North Carolina
- Syracuse University
- Bentley University
- Northeastern University
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
In conclusion, if you're applying to graduate school in 2023, taking the GRE is important. Stay updated on changes to the exam, and aim for a good score to increase your chances of admission. With careful preparation, you can feel confident and ready to tackle the exam and pursue your academic and career goals.
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