Everything You Need to Know About the Revised GRE Test
The Revised GRE (Graduate Record Examination) test is an important standardized exam used by many graduate schools and business programs around the world. It assesses the skills and abilities of prospective graduate students in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing. The test underwent significant changes in 2011, with the introduction of the Revised GRE format. Here's everything you need to know about the Revised GRE test.
Structure: The Revised GRE consists of six sections, split into three main categories: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The test takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete.
Analytical Writing: This section evaluates your ability to articulate complex ideas and analyze arguments. It consists of two tasks: "Issue Task" and "Argument Task." In the Issue Task, you are given a statement and required to present your perspective on the issue. In the Argument Task, you evaluate and critique a provided argument. Each task is timed for 30 minutes.
Verbal Reasoning: This section assesses your reading comprehension skills, vocabulary usage, and critical reasoning abilities. It includes two sections with 20 questions each, with a time limit of 30 minutes per section. The questions may be in multiple-choice format or require you to select multiple answers.
Quantitative Reasoning: This section measures your mathematical and problem-solving abilities. It also consists of two sections with 20 questions each, and the time limit for each section is 35 minutes. The questions cover arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis, with both multiple-choice and numeric entry formats.
Experimental Section: The Revised GRE may include an additional unscored section, which can appear in any part of the test. This section is used for research purposes and does not count towards your final score. You won't know which section is experimental, so it's important to give your best effort throughout the entire test.
Score Scale: The Revised GRE uses a scoring scale of 130-170 for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, with one-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6, in half-point increments. The scores are reported separately, and some programs may have specific score requirements for admission.
Score Validity: GRE scores are valid for five years. You can choose to send your scores to up to four institutions for free on the test day, and you have the option to send additional score reports for a fee later on.
Test Availability and Registration: The Revised GRE is administered year-round at authorized testing centers worldwide. You can register for the test online through the official GRE website. It is advisable to register well in advance to secure your preferred test date and location.
Test Preparation: Adequate preparation is crucial for achieving a competitive score on the Revised GRE. Various resources are available to help you prepare, including official study materials, practice tests, and online courses. Additionally, there are numerous third-party study guides and prep courses that offer comprehensive GRE preparation.