Going into graduate or business school one of the prerequisite of various institutions is the presentation of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) during the admission process. The GRE test around the world, it is a common ground for the institutions to measure and compare prospective graduate and business candidates qualifications.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) provides every necessary studying resources its prospective applicant can explore. Its site is loaded with with information to; connect to schools directly, send scores to schools, check scores, etc.
To achieve this an applicant must have an active account on the ETS official website. You can check out list of schools accepting the GRE test scores and find your center through the same official website.
Table of Contents
What is GRE?
Severally, questions are asked around the GRE, with the curiosity to understand what GRE means, who needs it and why.
On several business institution admission requirement page sentence like “This programme accepts GRE® scores” may have appeared frequently.
To start with, the full meaning of GRE is Graduate Record Examination — special test own and conducted by ETS (Education Testing Service) worldwide, for examining the prospective applicants’ understanding of basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis, and advanced vocabulary.
The program is usually opened to all interested applicants who wants to go to graduate, business or law school, or exploring the knowledge the GRE brings on board.
GRE Score Duration:
As of the date this information was posted, the GRE score is valid for 5 years from the date of the test. This means that the GRE score will remain valid for a period of 5 years after taking the exam. After the expiration of this period, the score will no longer be considered valid for admission or other purpose.
Sections in Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
There are 3 sections of the GRE test covered, namely — Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
- Analytical Writing:
The GRE analytical writing test includes various essay tasks, such as issue tasks and argument tasks. Generally, there are two essays to write, although this can vary. Therefore, it is important to prepare for writing an essay knowing that
- For the “Issue Task,” the taker will be required to analyze and respond to a general statement, and present your perspective on the issue.
- For the “Argument Task,” the taker will be have to critique an argument by discussing its logical soundness and persuasiveness.
- Also expected to demonstrate the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively within a limited time frame.
Ensuring that the essays demonstrate strong organization, coherence, and effectively highlight your abilities in analytical and critical thinking.
- Verbal Reasoning:
In the Verbal Reasoning section, examinees (test takers) are evaluated based on their capacity to analyze and assess written content. They are expected to comprehend and make inferences from a diverse range of written passages, which encompass both complex texts and shorter paragraphs.
This section includes questions on reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence to evaluate your verbal reasoning skills.And to crown it all;
- Test takers needs to demonstrate the understanding of vocabulary, sentence structure, and the relationships between words and concepts.
- Quantitative Reasoning:
The purpose of the quantitative reasoning section is to evaluate the test taker’s skills in comprehending, interpreting, and analyzing quantitative information, with an emphasis on solving mathematical problems, applying mathematical concepts, and interpreting data in different formats. This is particularly relevant for prospective students pursuing a degree in construction management, as they are heavily involved in mathematical tasks.
In addition, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) assesses the skills of test takers in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The section consists of multiple-choice questions and numeric entry questions that evaluate their quantitative reasoning abilities.
GRE Prerequisites to qualify for the Enrollment
Based on the real-time information, here are the prerequisites for online GRE test enrollment, but note that these are general prerequisites, and it is always advisable to visit the official ETS website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the online GRE test enrollment process, however, we shall keep on updating this page whenever they’re changes as time goes:
ID Requirements: The ID requirements for online GRE test enrollment may vary based on your location and country of citizenship. It is important to check the specific ID requirements provided by the test organizers.
Fees: There are fees associated with taking the GRE test. The exact cost may vary, so it is recommended to find out the current fees by visiting the official website of the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization that administers the GRE test.
System Requirements: To take the GRE test online, you need to have the required system hardware and a stable internet connection. The specific equipment and environment requirements can be found on the ETS website.
Education Requirement: Typically, to enroll for the GRE test, you are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
How to Apply for GRE Test Online
The steps below has covered the enrollment for the GRE exam online and the registration process;
Please note that there might be an extra steps to fill out—depending your location or area of study.
- Create an ETS Account: Visit the official website of the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and create an account. Provide the required information, such as your name, contact details, email address, including other information mandated to fill out.
- Log in to Your Account: Once you have created an account, you will be able to log in using your credentials as required on the form.
- Select the GRE Exam: After logging in, select the GRE exam from the available options.
- Choose a Test Date and Location: Select a convenient test date and location from the available options. Make sure to consider your schedule and the test center’s availability.
- Review the Test Fees: Take a look at the test fees associated with the GRE exam. Make sure you are aware of the payment requirements, including any additional charges.
- Provide Personal Information: Fill in your personal information accurately, including your name, address, date of birth, and other required details.
- Verify Your Identity: As part of the registration process, you may need to verify your identity. Follow the instructions provided by ETS to complete this step.
- Review and Confirm: Carefully review all the information you have provided during the registration process. Make sure everything is accurate and up to date. Once you are satisfied, confirm your registration.
It is important to be aware that these steps (above) are a general guideline, and the specific registration process may vary slightly. It is always recommended to visit the official ETS website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the GRE exam registration process.
GRE Similar Examinations or Tests
In addition to the GRE, several other standardized test/exams serve distinct purposes as requirements for admission to specific graduate programs or professional schools.
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): This exam is primarily used for admissions into graduate business programs, such as MBA programs. Just like the GRE, it also assesses analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills. At times, some schools may prefer GMAT to GRE, it all depends.
- LSAT (Law School Admission Test): The LSAT is specifically designed for admission to law schools. It evaluates reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning abilities.
- MCAT (Medical College Admission Test): The MCAT is required for admission to medical schools. It assesses knowledge of scientific concepts, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): While not directly similar to the GRE, the IELTS is an important exam for international students who want to study in English-speaking countries. It evaluates English language proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Similar to the IELTS, the TOEFL is also an English language proficiency test widely accepted by universities and colleges worldwide.
- SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): The SAT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. for evaluating reading, writing, and math skills of the prospective student.
- ACT (American College Testing): The ACT is another standardized test used for college admissions in the United States, also for evaluating English, math, reading, and science reasoning skills.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) FAQ
Here are the top frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the GRE test and GRE scores:
The GRE General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
The GRE is held year-round at test centers around the world.
The cost of the GRE varies depending on the country and region. You can find the specific fees on the official GRE website.
Yes, the GRE General Test is available for online testing. However, availability may vary depending on your location.
The total testing time for the GRE General Test is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, including breaks.
You can send your GRE scores to universities by selecting the recipients during the registration process or by requesting score reports later on.
GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date.
No, GRE scores are not renewable before or after they expire. As a matter of fact, once your GRE score reaches the 5-year expiration date, it is no longer considered valid for admissions or other purposes. It then means you need to retake the GRE after your scores have expired, you will need to register for a new test and obtain a fresh set of scores.
Yes, you can retake the GRE if you are not satisfied with your scores. However, there are certain restrictions on how frequently you can retake the test.
Yes, there are various study resources available, including official GRE practice tests, study guides, and online courses. You can find these resources on the official GRE website and other test preparation platforms.
