What is the GRE?
The GRE is an entrance exam used by most graduate schools
(such as Master’s and PhD programs), many graduate business schools, and some law schools to make admissions decisions. Some programs also use GRE results in awarding merit scholarships.
The GRE is a mostly multiple-choice test that includes
Verbal Reasoning (2 sections)
• Reading Comprehension
• Text Completion
• Sentence Equivalence
Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections)
• Quantitative Comparison
• Multiple Choice, including questions with both single and multiple correct answers
• Numeric Entry
• Data Interpretation
Analytical Writing - an essay analyzing an argument. This assessment is scored separately from the rest of the test and does not count towards the main score.
Taking the GRE
The GRE is a computer-based test given almost every day throughout the year. Unofficial test scores are available immediately upon completion of the test. Official scores are usually available 8-10 days after the test date.
Ways to Take GRE
At Home
Students may take a computer-based test at home, proctored by a live, remote proctor. This option is available every day, around the clock.
At a Test Center
Students may take a computer-based test at a digital
testing center most days other than Sundays.
The GRE Requires Students to Apply Their Knowledge to New Situations
Taking the GRE is not the same experience for students as taking tests in school. Classroom teachers prepare their students for material-based testing. The GRE requires students to apply their knowledge to new situations and new types of questions.
Preparing for and taking the test can be stressful for students, so it is important for parents to be encouraging and positive.
Our tutoring program is also designed to reduce students’ stress by showing them how to approach the different kinds of questions and giving them lots of practice while working with a tutor in a caring, supportive environment.
GRE Scoring
Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are each divided into 2 sections. The first section of each is average difficulty. The difficulty level of each second section depends on your overall performance on the first section. A student’s score is based on both the number of correct answers and the difficulty of the sections.
There is no penalty for guessing on the GRE; a blank answer and an incorrect answer have the same effect on the score. Therefore, a student should answer all questions.
The range of scores for each section of the GRE is 130-170, and the combined overall score range is 260-340. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6.
Many graduate schools “superscore” GRE results when reviewing a student’s application: they combine a student’s highest Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores from different test dates.
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