What is the GRE and how is it structured?

navin_c

MP Guru
What is the GRE and how is it structured?
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test is a multiple-choice admission test for applicants to graduate schools. The test is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), under the sponsorship of the Graduate Record Examinations Board. The GRE is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), and consists of three scored sections:

SECTIONS IN GRE

Verbal Quant AWA*
Sentence completion
Analogies
Antonyms
Reading comprehension
Problem solving
Quant comparisons
Graph based questions
Perspectives on an issue
Analysis of an argument

Marks 800 800 0-6(Graded)
Questions
30
28
1+1

Time
30 min
45 min
45 min + 30 min = 75 min


*As of October 2002, the "Analytical Ability" section will be replaced with an Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA).



What is a CAT and how does it work?
A CAT is a computer-adaptive test, whose software calculates your score based on the number of questions you answer correctly, the difficulty of the questions you answer, and the number of questions you complete. When you take the GRE CAT, you'll begin each section with a medium-level question and a score of 500. If you answer the question correctly, the computer will raise your score and give you a harder question. If you answer the question incorrectly, your score will decrease and you'll be given an easier question. The process repeats for each question in the section, to arrive at your final score for that section. more....>>

How is the GRE scored?
Each of the three sections is scored on a scale of 200 to 800. The average scores for the GRE are about 470 for Verbal and 570 for Quantitative.

How important are my GRE scores?
Schools vary tremendously in the weights they place on the different factors in the admission process, so be sure to contact the specific schools to which you are applying in order to determine their unique requirements. Some programs weight GRE scores very heavily, and/or have a minimum score for applicants, while other programs consider GRE scores more of a formality. It is important to note that your GRE scores are a major factor in determining your eligibility for financial aid.

Can I cancel my scores?
Yes. You can cancel your scores immediately after you take the GRE. This is the only time you can cancel your scores. Unfortunately, you must make the decision to cancel at the testing center before you see your scores. In addition, the fact that you cancelled your scores will be noted on your official GRE score report.

How do I pick a test date?
First find out the application deadlines for the graduate schools to which you are applying, then work backwards from your earliest deadline. Build some extra time into your planning process for unexpected delays because you can only take the GRE once per calendar month. Keep in mind that it can take as long as four weeks for your official scores to arrive at your designated schools. The GRE is offered at testing centers almost every day. Call your local center for details and to book your test. While in theory you could sign up for the GRE with only two days' notice, don't depend upon this luxury. Call at least one month prior to your desired test date.

What fees are associated with the GRE?

Fee for the GRE exam (W.e.f. Oct 1, 2002)
$140
TOEFL: This test is mandatory for International students applying to a Graduate course or University in US. Fee for this exam is
$110.

What are the GRE Subject Tests and Writing Assessment Test (WAT)?
The GRE Subject Tests are intended to measure your knowledge of specific subject matter. Subject Tests are available in eight disciplines: biochemistry, cell and molar biology; biology; chemistry; computer science; literature in English; mathematics; physics; and psychology. These tests are given in paper-and-pencil format three times per year, in November, December, and April.

The WAT is a computer-based test, consisting of two analytical writing tasks: a 45-minute essay in which you present your perspective on a particular issue; and a 30-minute essay in which you analyze an argument.

As of October 2002, the WAT will become part of the GRE General Test, replacing the multiple-choice "Analytical Ability" section.
 

navin_c

MP Guru
how to apply

How to apply ?
There are no specific dates or schedules for taking the GRE/GMAT/TOEFL. These are conducted round the year.The procedure is to first obtain a form and consequently register your self for the exam.

1. Ordering the form- Forms and their details are available (free of cost) at:

Institute of Psychological and Educational Measurement(IPEM)

119/25-A, Mahatma Gandhi Marg
Allahabad - 211001 (U.P.), India
Phone: 0532 - 624881, 623858
Fax: 0532 - 624637
E-mail : [email protected]
Website : IPEM - University & College Admission Tests, Corporate Recruitment Tests, Scholastic Aptitude and Achievement Tests for Schools (Class 7 to 12)
The United States Education Foundation in India (USEFI):

Educational Advisor,
USEFI, Fulbright House,
12 Hailey Road,
New Delhi - 110 001
Phone : (011) 3328944
Fax : (011) 3329718
E-mail : [email protected]


2. Registration : Thereafter, to register yourself for a particular test date, you can contact Sylvan Testing Services in New Delhi.

Address:
Sylvan Testing Services Pvt. Ltd.
Senior Plaza 160-A, Gautam Nagar, 3rd Floor Yusuf Sarai,
Behind Indian Oil Building
New Delhi 110 049
Tel: 011-6511649 Fax: 011-6529741

Acceptable Forms of Payment :

1. International Credit Card : The fee can be paid to Sylvan Testing Services through any of the following international credit cards- VISA, Master , American Express over a telephone.

OR

2. Cheques, bank drafts, money orders payable in U.S. dollars must be drawn on banks located in the U.S and be made payable to ETS-GMAT/GRE/TOEFL.

If payments are made in the Indian currency, these must be made at the telegraphic transfer selling (TTS) exchange rate of the U.S. dollar equivalent. Cheques, money orders payable in Indian Rupee must be drawn on a bank in India

Computer Based Test (CBT) Centres in India

ALLAHABAD – IPEM
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8903
PERMANENT CENTRE
AHMEDABAD
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8902
PERMANENT CENTRE

BANGALORE
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8904
PERMANENT CENTRE
CALCUTTA
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8906
PERMANENT CENTRE

HYDERABAD
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8908
PERMANENT CENTRE
MADRAS
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8909
PERMANENT CENTRE

MUMBAI
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8921
PERMANENT CENTRE
MUMBAI USEFI
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8905
PERMANENT CENTRE

NEW DELHI
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8901
PERMANENT CENTRE
TRIVANDRUM
TEST CENTER NUMBER: 8912
PERMANENT CENTRE
 
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