What is the GRE test?
The GRE test, which stands for Graduate Record Examination, is used as a filter for admission to universities, especially in the United States and Canada. It is divided into two types: GENERAL and SUBJECT. One of the main requirements for international students to receive admission to universities in the US and Canada is to provide a passing score on this test.
The GRE General test is considered the main test, while the GRE Subject test is for specialized subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, etc. The cost to take the GRE General test is approximately $150, and to participate in the GRE Subject test, individuals must pay $205.
Those interested in studying medical and law fields do not need to take the GRE and must instead take the MCAT and LAST exams, respectively. For free consultation regarding the GRE exam conditions and other exams, you can benefit from the free phone consultation services of the Malekpour Immigration Institute.
Types of GRE Exam
The GRE exam is divided into two categories: GRE General, which is considered the main exam, and GRE Subject, which is for specialized subjects such as Mathematics, Biology, and Physics.
Different Sections of the GRE
The GRE exam consists of three sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical Writing.
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Types of GRE Exam
As mentioned, the GRE exam is divided into two categories, which are discussed in this section of the article:
- GRE SUBJECT Exam: This exam consists of specialized subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, English Literature, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. By participating in this exam, students differentiate themselves from others and showcase their strengths.
Some of the best universities in the world have made it mandatory for students to take this exam for admission, while others suggest it as an optional test. The ETS institution provides free PDF guides on its website for each of the mentioned subjects. This exam is held three times a year and is conducted on paper.
- GRE GENERAL Exam: This exam, which is considered the main GRE test, is regularly held throughout the year in various countries and is computer-based. Students interested in taking this exam can easily choose the time and location, and they have sufficient time to prepare for the exam.
Different Sections of the GRE Exam
The GRE exam, which is divided into two types: General and Subject, consists of three main sections, which are discussed in this part of the article:
- Quantitative Section (Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematics): This section includes questions on algebra, geometry, problem-solving, and data analysis, which are generally quite straightforward. Participants can easily achieve a good score in this section. The score range for this section is from 130 to 170, and the time allocated to answer the questions is 35 minutes.
- Verbal Section (Verbal Reasoning and Reading Comprehension): This section, also known as the language test, assesses the individual’s linguistic abilities. It consists of questions involving fill-in-the-blanks, sentence equivalence, and reading comprehension. The score range for this section is from 130 to 170, with 30 minutes allocated for answering the questions.
- Analytical Writing Section: In this section, participants are asked to write an essay on a specific topic and justify their reasoning. The total time for this two-part section is 45 minutes for the first part and 30 minutes for the second. It is important to note that this section is more challenging compared to the similar sections in the IELTS and TOEFL exams. The score for this section is 6, with a score of 4 being considered very good.
How GRE Scoring Works
In this section of the article, we will explore how the GRE exam is scored. The two sections, Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning, are each scored separately on a scale from 130 to 170, while the Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6. Students wishing to take this exam should aim for a minimum score of 4 or 4.5 in the writing section.
In the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections, a score of 300 is considered acceptable, and students who score 320 or higher gain a competitive advantage. The scoring process for the GRE exam is not entirely transparent since it is a computer-based test, and the scoring follows specific algorithms.
The difficulty of the questions in the GRE exam is relative, with each section containing easier questions, although they are fewer than the more difficult ones.
GRE Exam Fees
The GRE exam, like other exams held worldwide to assess individuals’ abilities in various fields, has a fee. According to the latest figures, the cost of taking the GRE SUBJECT exam is around $150, and the cost of the GRE GENERAL exam is approximately $205.
Applicants interested in taking this exam should note that if they wish to change the time or location of the exam, an additional fee of $50 will be charged for each change. If an applicant cancels their registration after paying the fee, only half of the registration fee, equivalent to $75, will be refunded.
Exam Dates and Locations
Applicants and those interested in taking the GRE exam should have sufficient information about the time and location of the exam. The GRE exam is conducted on a computer at over a thousand centers and institutions worldwide. This exam is held continuously throughout the year, every 21 days, and in some countries, it is held weekly.
Applicants who do not succeed on their first attempt should know that they are allowed to take the exam a total of 5 times within a year.
In Iran, the GRE exam is conducted by organizations such as the National Organization for Educational Testing, as well as institutions like Allameh Sokhan Institute, Moaref Educational Institute, Amir Bahador Institute, Isfahan University of Technology, Urmia University, North University in Amol, Shiraz University, and Zanjan Informatics Complex.
Differences Between the GRE and IELTS/TOEFL
Many people believe that the GRE exam, like the IELTS and TOEFL exams, is a test to determine individuals’ language proficiency. However, this is a completely incorrect thought, as the GRE is actually an analytical ability assessment test.
The question may arise as to why one needs to take this exam. The answer is that applicants interested in pursuing graduate-level studies, such as master’s and doctoral programs, need to possess logical reasoning abilities and the capacity to analyze different arguments.
Therefore, some countries require applicants to take the GRE as part of the admission process for graduate schools or business schools to evaluate their reasoning skills. In the GRE exam, participants must be able to apply the appropriate strategy to each question and determine the correct answer.
Some Resources for Preparing for the GRE
Students and those interested in taking the GRE exam should note that there are numerous resources available for preparation. In this section, we will introduce a few of the best resources. For preparation for the VOCABULARY section, applicants should consider obtaining and reviewing the following materials:
- Barron’s Essential Words for the GRE
- Magoosh App
- Manhattan Flashcards
For effective vocabulary learning, all words should be reviewed regularly. To familiarize with sample questions, the best book is “The Official Guide to the GRE General Test” and its subcategories. For learning test-taking techniques, the best resources include the Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guides and videos available on the Magoosh website.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About the GRE
Is it necessary to provide a GRE certificate for studying medicine in the USA and Canada?
No, it is not necessary to provide a GRE certificate for studying medicine in the USA and Canada. Applicants interested in medical fields in these two countries must take the MCAT exam.
What is the cost of taking the GRE exam?
The cost of taking the GRE exam is $150.
How many times are applicants allowed to take the GRE exam in a year?
Applicants are allowed to take the GRE exam 5 times within a year.
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