For GRE in the context of computer network protocols, see Generic Routing Encapsulation

The Graduate Record Examination or the GRE, is a standardized test taken in order to get into graduate school in the United States. In many ways, it is similar to the SAT. Both are administered by the Educational Testing Service and have similar question formats, though the latter is designed by the College Board and is intended for a different level of education.

Overview

Many graduate schools in English-speaking countries (especially in USA) require GRE test results as part of the application procedure. The GRE test is a standardised test designed to measure the abilities of all graduates in tasks of general academic nature, regardless of their fields of specialization. It is not an intelligence test per-se but GRE results, especially on the verbal section, do correlate with intelligence test results. The GRE is supposed to measure the extent to which undergraduate education has developed an individual's verbal and quantitative skills in abstract thinking. It tests for argumentation skills in topics of general interest.

Currently, the GRE is primarily computer-based, unlike the SAT. It is a computer-adaptive test: the questions a testee is presented are affected by the answers he gave to preceding problems. The general test has sections testing verbal, quantitative (mathematical), and analytical writing abilities. The verbal and quantitative sections consist of multiple choice questions. Like the SAT, these sections are scored on a 200-800 point scale in increments of 10. The analytical writing section requires the testee to write two short essays: one presenting their perspective on a statement, and the other analyzing and pointing out flaws in an argument. Each essay is scored by at least two readers on a six-point holistic scale, and the average of the scores is taken.

There are also eight GRE Subject Tests testing knowledge in the specific areas of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology , Biology , Chemistry , Computer Science , Literature in English , Mathematics , Physics, and Psychology . Subject tests typically have 70-100 multiple choice questions that must be answered in 170 minutes.

While the subject tests are held at many undergraduate institutions, the general test is only held at test centers (due to the computer-based format). Students in major cities in the US, or those attending large US universities, will usually find a test center easily accessible, while those in more isolated areas may have to drive a few hours to an urban location. Many industrialized countries also have test centers, but not all do and at times test-takers must cross country borders (see GRE website for details).

There has been wide speculation on whether or not GRE scores constitute an honest display of a potential graduate student's knowledge or capability for success. Many schools and universities have eschewed Subject Test requirements, and the GRE General Test has been considered at times irrelevant. Recent reports and questionnaires may show that the GRE General Test is not as significant in determining graduate admissions as once believed.

Score Breakdown

(Source: REA test guide. ISBN 0-87891-446-3)

See also

• List of admissions tests
• Graduate school
• GRE Physics test

External links

• Educational Testing Service
• Graduate Record Examination
• TestMasters GRE Preparation
• What is GRE? Glasgow University Help Page
• List of international computer-based test centres
• Institution Code List – List of institutions (with code numbers) that receive GRE scores
• GRE Forum - Interactive bulletin board to communicate with other GRE test takers