GRE

Learn more on GRE tests

The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test that many graduate schools require prospective students to take as part of the application process. The primary focus of the GRE exam is abstract thinking skills, and includes verbal, writing and mathematics components.

The Specifics of GRE Testing

The standard GRE exam has three sections: the verbal section, the quantitative section and the essay section – much like the GMAT exam taken by aspiring graduate-level business students. In the verbal section, you will be tested on four things: antonyms, sentence completion, analogies and reading comprehension. The quantitative section challenges your problem-solving and mathematics skills, and its questions are presented in a multiple-choice format.

In the essay section, you will be asked to submit two written pieces. The first will ask you to analyze a given argument, which contains significant logical flaws. You will be graded on both the quality of your writing as well as your ability to identify the flaws in the argument. In the second GRE essay, you’ll be given a choice of two topics and asked to write an essay on one of them – it’s deliberately abstract. After all, that’s exactly what they’re testing.

GRE scores are given separately for each of the three sections. The verbal and quantitative sections are both scored out of a possible 800 points, and each of the two essays is given a numeric grade from 0 to 6. To score a 6, you have to present an outstanding argument in flawless English.

GRE Test Prep Tips

You’ll find many resources to prepare for the GRE online. Thorough GRE preparation is the key to your success. On the Internet, you can connect with study resources and find practice tests to take; you can time yourself to get used to the conditions you’ll face when you’re in the exam room for real.

If you learn well independently, you can buy a GRE study guide at most major bookstores. A GRE study guide contains a thorough explanation of each and every type of question you’ll face on the test, along with exercises, drills and practice tests to help you study.

GRE test prep is also available through special study classes and through independent tutors. If you take a GRE class, you’ll be instructed by a person who has scored extremely well on the test. This instructor will help you master each type of question included on the exam. Tutors tend to be more expensive, but they provide one-on-one help that can make the difference between a good score and a great one.