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.

 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 : http://ipem.org/
 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
 

GRE Subject Test Detail

What Are They?

The GRE? Subject Tests gauge undergraduate achievement in the eight disciplines listed below. Each Subject Test is intended for students who have majored in or have extensive background in that specific area.

Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Literature in English
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology
Who Takes Them and Why?

Prospective graduate applicants take the Subject Tests. GRE test scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement undergraduate records and other qualifications for graduate study.

The scores provide common measures for comparing the qualifications of applicants and aid in the evaluation of grades and recommendations. Some Subject Tests yield subscores that can indicate the strengths and weaknesses of individual students' preparation and may be useful for guidance and placement purposes.

Where Do People Take Them?

The Subject Tests are given at paper-based test centers worldwide three times a year in:

November
December
April
Who Accepts Them?

Any accredited graduate or professional school, or any department or division within a school, may require or recommend that its applicants take the General Test, a Subject Test, or both. A non-accredited institution can receive test takers' scores if approved by the GRE Board.

GRE General Test Detail

What Is It?

The GRE? General Test measures critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study.

Analytical Writing — The skills measured include the test taker's ability to

articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively
examine claims and accompanying evidence
support ideas with relevant reasons and examples
sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion
control the elements of standard written English.
Verbal Reasoning — The skills measured include the test taker's ability to
analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it
analyze relationships among component parts of sentences
recognize relationships between words and concepts.
Quantitative Reasoning — The skills measured include the test taker's ability to
understand basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis
reason quantitatively
solve problems in a quantitative setting.
Who Takes It and Why?

Prospective graduate applicants take the General Test. GRE test scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement undergraduate records and other qualifications for graduate study. The scores provide common measures for comparing the qualifications of applicants and aid in evaluating grades and recommendations.

Where Do People Take It?

The General Test is offered year-round at computer-based test centers in the U.S., Canada, and many other countries. It is offered at paper-based test centers in areas of the world where computer-based testing is not available. See which format is available in your area.

Who Accepts It?

Any accredited graduate or professional school, or any department or division within a school, may require or recommend that its applicants take the General Test, a Subject Test, or both. If approved by the GRE Board, a non-accredited institution can also receive test takers' scores.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) consists of two separate tests: the General Test and the Subject Test in psychology. The General Test is composed of three parts--verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing. The verbal and the quantitative tests each yield a separate score between 200-800. Scores on the analytical writing test are reported in ?-point increments along a scale of 0 to 6. The Subject Test, required by only some programs, measures knowledge of psychological concepts that are essential to graduate study; it also yields a score of from 200-800. The book, Graduate Study in Psychology, will tell you whether schools require the GRE as well as the minimum scores they require for admission.

More than anything else, your admission to graduate school will depend on your scores on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE (not the Subject Test). It is essential that you do well--at least 550 on each test (600+ is even better)--to get into most doctoral programs. Master's programs are less competitive, so lower scores (450-500 on each of the tests) are less of a problem. You will probably have trouble being admitted into any program with scores less than 450 on one of the tests.

To ensure that you score as high as you can, it is essential to prepare for the GRE. Buy one of the review books and develop a systematic plan that will enable you to brush up on your skills in vocabulary, reading comprehension, analogies, algebra, and geometry. Don't think that you can "cram" in these areas the week before the test--you will simply need more time (months) if you are serious about doing well. (When you register for the GRE General Test, you will receive free software to help you study for the test, but it is likely that you will need to begin studying before you register.)

Plan to take the General Test in November. This will ensure that your scores will be available to meet any admissions deadline. Also, if you do poorly on your first try, you should have enough time to re-take the test in December to try to improve your scores. Remember, though, that you have a 50-50 chance of doing worse on the next try, and that both sets of scores will be reported to the schools to which you apply, unless you cancel your scores, an option you have after taking the computerized General Test (you must cancel without knowing your scores). You will receive your unofficial test scores on the General Test--taken on computer--as soon as you complete the test; official scores will be sent to you and to the institutions to which you will be applying within 10 to 15 days after the test. Scores for the Subject Test are usually reported about six weeks after you take the test.)

You must register to take any GRE. It is given at specific testing sites in each state (check to see if your school is one of the testing sites). For the General Test, it is important to register early to get your choice of test dates in the busy testing months of November, December, and January. For the Subject Test, you need to register at least six weeks in advance. In any event, you will need to have taken it by February 1 of your senior year to meet the admissions deadlines for most doctoral programs.You can register online (as well as take sample tests and order review books) at GRE Online.You can also register by mail by completing the registration form in the GRE Information and Registration Bulletin. You can obtain the latter by downloading it from GRE- Online or by writing to: GRE, CN 6000, Princeton, NJ 08541-6000. You may also be able to obtain a copy from the Testing Office on your campus.

Taking the General Test (Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing)

Note that the General Test now includes an analytical writing test, in which you type or write by hand your answers to two questions (one on an “issue” topic for 45 minutes and one on an “argument” topic for 30 minutes). The writing test is always taken first. (You can go GRE-Online and review examples of both types of questions.) You are permitted to re-take the General Test only 1 time per calendar month and only 5 times in a 12-month period. You will receive unofficial scores as soon as you complete the test; official scores will be sent to you and to the institutions to which you will be applying within 10 to 15 days after the test. You can register on-line (www.gre.org) or by calling the 800 number given in the Information and Registration Bulletin.

Taking the Subject Test

The Subject Test is only given in the paper-and-pencil version. If you plan to take it, you should do so in November (remember that you must register for it approximately six weeks before it is given). Taking the test in November will ensure that your scores will be available to meet any admissions deadline--it usually takes about six weeks from the time you take the test for the scores to be reported to you and to schools. Also, if you do poorly on your first try, you should have enough time to re-take the test in December to try to improve your scores. If you do poorly on either the November or December test, you can re-take it the following April—if the score-reporting dates are not past your admissions deadlines.

Finally, if you are not planning to attend graduate school immediately upon graduation, you should still take the GRE sometime during your senior year. Scores are good for five years, and you will never be as prepared for it as you are now. (It's easy to forget the details of grammar and math and for your reading speed to drop when you're not in school.)