|
|
Back
to GRE page
How The Princeton Review can help you beat the GRE
About the GRE Test
What is the GRE Test and how is
it structured?
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test is a multiple-choice
admission test for applicants to graduate schools. The test is administered
by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), under the sponsorship of
the Graduate Record Examinations Board. The GRE is a computer-adaptive
test (CAT), and consists of three scored sections:
- Two essays to be written on the computer: Analysis of an
- Argument and Analysis of an Issue (introduced
in October 2002)
- One 45-minute, 28-question Math section: Problem Solving and
- Quantitative Comparison
- One 30-minute, 30-question Verbal section: Sentence Completions,
- Antonyms, Analogies, and Reading Comprehension
In addition, there may be a marketing survey, or one or two experimental
sections, which can be Verbal or Quantitative.
What is a CAT and how does it work?
A CAT is a computer-adaptive test, whose software calculates your
score based on the number of questions you answer correctly, the difficulty
of the questions you answer, and the number of questions you complete.
When you take the GRE CAT, you'll begin each section with a medium-level
question and a score of 500. If you answer the question correctly,
the computer will raise your score and give you a harder question.
If you answer the question incorrectly, your score will decrease and
you'll be given an easier question. The process repeats for each question
in the section, to arrive at your final score for that section.
How is the GRE Test scored?
Each of the multiple-choice sections is scored on a scale of 200 to
800. The average scores for the GRE are about 470 for Verbal and 570
for Quantitative. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale
of 0 to 6.
How important are my GRE scores?
Schools vary tremendously in the weights they place on the different
factors in the admission process, so be sure to contact the specific
schools to which you are applying in order to determine their unique
requirements. Some programs weight GRE scores very heavily, and/or
have a minimum score for applicants, while other programs consider
GRE scores more of a formality. It is important to note that your
GRE scores are a major factor in determining your eligibility for
financial aid.
Can I cancel my scores?
Yes. You can cancel your scores immediately after you take the GRE
test. This is the only time you can cancel your scores. Unfortunately,
you must make the decision to cancel at the testing center before
you see your scores. In addition, the fact that you cancelled your
scores will be noted on your official GRE score report.
How do I pick a test date?
First find out the application deadlines for the graduate schools
to which you are applying, then work backwards from your earliest
deadline. Build some extra time into your planning process for unexpected
delays because you can only take the GRE test once per calendar month.
Keep in mind that it can take as long as four weeks for your official
scores to arrive at your designated schools. The GRE is offered at
testing centers almost every day. Call your local center for details
and to book your test. While in theory you could sign up for the GRE
test with only two days' notice, don't depend upon this luxury. Call
at least one month prior to your desired test date.
What fees are associated with the GRE Test?
The fee to take the GRE test is US$115 within the United States, some
U.S. Territories, and Puerto Rico. The fee is US$140 in all other
locations.
What are the GRE Subject Tests?
The GRE Subject Tests are intended to measure your knowledge of specific
subject matter. Subject Tests are available in eight disciplines:
biochemistry, cell and molecular biology; biology; chemistry; computer
science; literature in English; mathematics; physics; and psychology.
These tests are given in paper-and-pencil format three times per year,
in November, December, and April.
These tests are given separately from the GRE General Test and require
additional fees. Check with the graduate schools to which you are
applying to determine whether any of these extra tests are required.
Where can I get more information about the GRE Test?
You can contact us here at The Princeton
Review, or you can contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) through
their website: www.gre.org
Home
|
 |
 |
|
