Best GRE Prep

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized entrance exam administered by Educational Testing Services (ETS). When schools request GRE scores, they typically refer to one of two tests:

1. The GRE General Test
   This test is Designed to reflect the skills needed for success in various graduate programs, including business and law. The General Test assesses fundamental abilities applicable across different fields of study.

2. The GRE Subject Test
   Academic assessments are tailored to measure proficiency in specific areas of study and recommended for students with a substantial background in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Psychology.

While the GRE General Test is more common, some schools may require both the General and Subject Tests, while others make the Subject Test optional. The GRE is an objective measure in admissions, providing insight into a prospective master’s student’s potential academic performance. Unlike subjective components such as essays or letters of recommendation, the GRE offers a standardized benchmark amid variations in grading practices among different schools and programs.

 Understanding the basics of the GRE is crucial for individuals seeking admission to competitive graduate programs, providing an objective measure of academic potential alongside other subjective components of the application. This section covers the most essential information about the GRE students seek. 

How much does the GRE cost?

The GRE costs $205 in the U.S. to $255 globally. This fee covers the test cost, sending your scores to up to four graduate institutions or business schools, and additional services. This test fee does not include special handling requests such as rescheduling fees – $50 extra- and changing the test center – $50 extra. 

There are other additional services the individual might have to pay for after giving the test if they require them, such as:

• Additional Score Reports – per Recipient: $35
• Question and Answer Review Service for New York State Residents only – (Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections only) – $50
• Score Review – Analytical Writing Measure: $60
• Score Reinstatement Fee: $50

Please note: The cost of taking the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) can vary based on the test-taker’s location. The fees are subject to change, so verifying the most recent information on the official ETS (Educational Testing Service) website is essential or contacting ETS directly.

When to take the GRE?

The timing for taking the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) depends on several factors, including your application deadlines for graduate programs and the time you need to prepare for the exam adequately.

 
The GRE General Test is offered throughout the year, providing flexibility for aspiring candidates. While there is no restriction on the number of times one can take the test, there are certain limitations. Test-takers must wait at least 21 days between consecutive attempts, and they can only take the GRE up to five times within 12 months.

The availability of test dates is contingent on the chosen test center and the availability of seats. Fortunately, candidates can select from multiple days within a given week in many regions, offering convenience and options to align with individual schedules and preferences. It’s advisable to check the specific test dates at your preferred test center and plan accordingly for optimal scheduling and preparation.

General guidelines

1. Application Deadlines
   Identify the application deadlines for the graduate programs you are interested in. Work backward from these deadlines to determine when you should take the GRE. A comfortable cushion for a few months is highly advisable when taking the GRE. Ideally, if your application deadline falls in December, consider scheduling your GRE for October or, even better, September. This strategic timing offers several advantages.
2. Preparation Time
   Allowing yourself sufficient time to prepare for the GRE is very important. The amount of preparation needed varies from person to person, but many test-takers dedicate several weeks to months to review the material, take practice tests, and strengthen their skills.
3. Retake Option
   Remember that you can retake the GRE if unsatisfied with your initial scores. However, this requires additional preparation time, so plan accordingly.
4. Score Reporting Time
   Consider the time it takes to report GRE scores. You will receive unofficial Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning scores immediately after completing the test, but official scores, including the Analytical Writing score, may take around 10–15 days.
5. Peak Application Periods
   Be aware of peak application periods for your desired graduate programs. Some applicants prefer to take the GRE well in advance to avoid potential delays during busy periods.
6. Personal Readiness
   Assess your readiness. Ensure that you are adequately prepared and feel confident on test day.

GRE Sections

The GRE, a comprehensive examination, is structured into three primary sections:

1. Analytical Writing
   This section assesses the test-taker’s ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. It involves analyzing an issue and presenting a well-reasoned argument within a specified time frame.
2. Verbal Reasoning
   Focused on evaluating verbal skills, this section measures a candidate’s ability to comprehend and analyze written material, synthesize information, and assess relationships among different components.
3. Quantitative Reasoning
   Testing mathematical proficiency, the Quantitative Reasoning section gauges the test-taker’s ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information. It assesses skills in problem-solving and quantitative reasoning.

In addition to these main sections, most test-takers will encounter a fourth component, which may consist of either an experimental or research set of questions. The practical and research sections do not contribute to the overall score and can include Quantitative or Verbal Reasoning questions. However, there’s a distinction between them: the research section consistently appears at the end of the exam, while the experimental section can appear at any point.

The research and experimental components serve a similar purpose in that they are not scored and allow the test creator to conduct research and explore new question formats for future GREs. Familiarizing oneself with the structure and components of the GRE ensures a more informed and strategic approach to test preparation.

GRE Registration

Individuals can register for the GRE General Test online or by phone. Aspirants can only register for the GRE General Test at least two business days before the test date. General Test Scores will be available to the candidate after 10-15 days of the test in their ETS account.

Steps to register for GRE

Registering for the GRE involves several steps to ensure a smooth and successful process. Here’s a comprehensive guide to GRE registration:

1. Create an ETS Account
   Create an account on the official ETS (Educational Testing Service) website. Provide accurate and up-to-date information during the account creation process.
2. Select Test Type
   Choose the type of GRE test you plan to take. Options include the GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests.
3. Choose a Test Center and Date
   Select a test center that is convenient for you and choose an available test date. Ensure you have enough time to prepare before your selected date.
4. Review Test Fees
   Familiarize yourself with the associated fees for your chosen GRE test. Payment methods may include credit/debit cards, electronic checks, or PayPal.
5. Provide Personal Information
   Fill in your personal information accurately, including your name, contact information, and identification details.
6. Upload a Photo
   Upload a recent and acceptable photo of yourself. This photo will be used for identification purposes on the test day.
7. Accommodation Requests (if applicable)
   If you require special accommodations due to a disability or health-related needs, make the necessary requests during registration.
8. Review and Confirm
   Carefully review the information you’ve provided and confirm that it is accurate. Pay attention to the test date, center, and selected test type.
9. Payment
   Complete the payment for the test fees. Ensure that your payment method is valid and accepted.
10. Receive Confirmation
    You will receive a confirmation email after completing the registration process and payment. Keep this confirmation for your records.
11. Prepare for the Test
    Use the time leading up to your test date to prepare thoroughly. Utilize official GRE study materials and resources to enhance your readiness.

Remember that the GRE registration process may be subject to updates, so checking the official ETS website for the most current and detailed information is advisable.

With its computer-delivered format, the GRE General Test offers a test-taker-friendly design that enables flexibility within each section. Beginning September 22, 2023, the test structure includes five sections with an overall testing time of approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes.

The three main sections of the GRE are listed below:

1. Analytical Writing –Analytical Writing is the first section of the test, which consists of two writing tasks. Each task is allotted 30 minutes. It tests critical thinking and the ability to evaluate and articulate discussions and arguments.  One task is to “Analyze an Issue,” and the other is to “Analyze an Argument.” An opinion on an issue is presented in the task, along with instructions on how to respond to an issue, construct an argument with reason, and give examples to support one’s views. An argument is presented in the argument task, and the candidate must evaluate it according to the specific instructions.
2. Verbal Reasoning – Verbal Reasoning tests the candidate’s ability to evaluate and analyze written material and incorporate its information. This part of the test consists of 2 sections with questions from 3 different categories.
   The Verbal Reasoning section is divided into three categories:
   
   • Reading Comprehension: Reading Comprehension questions assess the candidate’s reading ability. It presents a passage of 1 to 4 paragraphs. There are three types of questions: 1) Multiple Choice 2) Multiple Answers 3) Select the Correct Sentence in the Passage.
   • Text Completion:  Text Completion questions ask candidates to complete passages with one to five sentences and one to three blanks. There are three options for each blank, or five if there is only one. With one option for each blank, there is only one correct response. No points are awarded for partially accurate responses. 
   • Sentence Equivalence: Sentence Equivalence questions have one sentence, one blank, and six answer options. Candidates must choose two answers from the available options for these questions. No points are awarded for partially accurate responses. 
3. Quantitative Reasoning – The Quantitative Reasoning section assesses the candidate’s ability to comprehend, interpret, and evaluate quantitative data, solve problems using mathematical models, and apply fundamental skills and basic ideas of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. An on-screen calculator is available in this section. This section also includes two sections, including the types of questions, such as

• Quantitative Comparison Questions
• Multiple-choice Questions — Select One Answer Choice
• Multiple-choice Questions — Select One or More Answer Choices
• Numeric Entry Questions