The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is designed to provide graduate schools with common measures for comparing the qualifications of applicants. The exam measures verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills that have been developed over a long period of time. Data shows that scores on the GRE General Test consistently predict graduate school students' grades and performance.
In addition to an admission criterion, US graduate schools often use GRE scores to determine eligibility for merit-based grants and fellowships, as well as teaching and research assistantships. Many programs, especially those at large state schools, establish cut-off points for GRE scores to limit the application pool, while others use GRE scores to directly determine how much financial support you receive. Investing time and effort in preparing for the GRE today can help you get into the grad school of your choice and can greatly increase your chances of getting financial aid.
GRE (Graduate Record Exam) Format
GRE Verbal Section
Time: 30 minutes
Format: 30 questions
Topics Tested: Reading, Analytical Reasoning, Vocabulary
Question Types: Sentence Completions, Analogies, Reading Comprehension, Antonyms
GRE Quantitative Section
Time: 45 minutes
Format: 28 questions
Topics Tested: Basic Math, Mathematical Concepts, Quantitative Reasoning
Question Types: Problem Solving, Quantitative Comparisons
GRE Writing Assessment
Time: 75 minutes
Format: One 45-minute essay, One 30-minute essay
Topics Tested: Analysis of an Argument, Analysis of an Issue