What is GRE?
A standardized test, the Graduate Record Examination measures Verbal, Mathematical and Analytical Writing skills. The test intends to primarily aid Graduate Schools (of all fields other than business) to assess the potential of the applicants for advanced study. Most universities in the US, while inviting applications from prospective students, ask for GRE scores.
The examination is entirely a Computer-based Test, and no two students get an identical set of questions. The test is scored on a maximum of 1600. The GRE Score alone cannot guarantee admission into a school - the test is only one of the major factors taken into consideration in the long process of an applicant getting admitted into a graduate school he/she desires.
The US-based "Educational Testing Service"(ETS), which works under the direction of the Graduate Record Examination Board, develops and administers the GRE. ETS is responsible for setting questions, conducting the test and sending score reports to each examinee. The Indian Agency - "Sylvan Testing Services Private Ltd," is appointed by ETS to administer the GRE at the 9 centres in India, namely:- Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Trivandrum.
FAQS on GRE
Who can take GRE?
Anyone who wants to pursue a master's course in a US university in any stream other than management, law or medicine.
Does one have to be a graduate for taking the GRE?
Not necessarily. However, to do a master's course, one has to be a graduate in any stream.
What is the syllabus?
The course consists of Maths, English and Essay Writing with the following pattern:
45 min: Maths section - 25 questions
30 min: verbal section - 30
45 minutes: Analysis of an Issue - 1 topic from the declared list of topics
30 minutes: Analyse an Argument - 1 topic from the declared list of topics
These sections do not appear in any fixed order. In addition, there is an unidentified verbal or a quantitative section that does not count toward the final score. The total exam is nearly three hours long.
What is the scoring system?
The total marks are 1600, out of which 1300 and above is considered good. Different questions carry different marks, depending on its difficulty level. English and maths carry 800 marks each. Essays carry six marks.
How often can I take the exam?
You can take the exam as often as you want to but only once in a calendar month.
Which score will the college consider?
Usually, they accept the most recent score.
When is the exam held?
The exam is held in Delhi at Sylvan Prometric (which has been given the worldwide contract) on all working days. There are three time slots in the day.
How can one register?
You can register by phone or submit the form physically at their centre. When registering through the phone, keep your passport and international credit card number ready, along with the expiry date.
What is the cost of the exam?
The charges are $140 payable to ETS-GRE in US dollars.
What happens if one postpones the exam date?
If you postpone the exam at least seven days before your scheduled date, you would have to pay an additional $48 to reschedule else the entire fees is forfeited.
How soon do I get my score?
You will see your score the moment you finish the exam, but official scores takes 21 days to reach the student.
What happens if I cancel the exam?
After taking the exam you are given the choice of cancelling your score without seeing it. If you do so, the score is lost forever but it gets reported on all subsequent score charts that you had cancelled an exam.
How do I pass on my score to the college?
The universities only accept official scores sent directly by ETS. Scores to five colleges can be sent free of cost while taking the exam. Subsequently, for each score report sent to a college, you would have to pay ETS a token amount.
How important is the GRE score in helping secure scholarships for graduate studies?
The GRE score, your past academic record and your application materials play a vital part towards securing scholarships.
What is percentile?
If you get 85 percentile it would mean 85 % of the students taking the exam in the past five years are below you and 15% are equal to or above you.
What is the GRE subject test?
The GRE subject tests are specialized tests, to be taken only if your university asks for it. Check with them. These are paper-based test held in April, November and December every year.
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