The GRE is the required entrance exam for postgraduate study in the United States, Canada, and a few other nations. For most master's abroad programs and doctorate programs at some of the top universities in the US, UK, Germany, and Canada, candidates must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) updated General Test. 

The GRE test is designed and conducted by Educational Testing Service (ETS).

The Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing components of the GRE are all three sections. Calculations for both the verbal and quantitative portions range from 130 to 170. 

The range of the GRE is between 260 to 340. The GRE AWA score is determined between 0.0 and 6.0. Top colleges require GRE verbal and quantitative scores between 150 and 160. In addition to GMAT scores, top business schools now accept GRE scores for MBA programs. 

Candidates can receive GRE Exam dates for general exams throughout the year, and GRE dates are set for subject exams in September, October, and April.

 Different Universities have made submitting GRE results optional. According to the obtained GRE score, university scholarships are also offered.

Due to the questions being created for applicants who have finished college studies, the GRE appears to be more challenging than the ACT or SAT. 

The GRE verbal reasoning section measures vocabulary through difficult reading passages, text completion tasks, and sentence equivalence questions. 

Comparatively speaking, the GRE quant is more straightforward than other competitive examinations. The GRE is taken to evaluate a candidate's degree of undergraduate subject excellence. 

If you believe that getting a solid GRE score is a myth, you must compare and analyze each graduate program you consider applying to in great depth. 

Exam scales for the verbal and quantitative portions range from 130 to 170. The typical GRE verbal reasoning score is 151, and the specific GRE quantitative reasoning score is 154. 

Talking about the validity period of the GRE, the GRE has a five-year score validity period.

This article will address all of your worries regarding the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), beginning with the start of your preparation to how to submit your GRE results to the institutions. So, without wasting much time, let's get to the article.

GRE: Purpose of the Exam

You might question whether the GRE test, taken by students worldwide, has a purpose or not. According to the ETS, the GRE is designed to assess analytical and quantitative abilities. The questions on the GRE are based on vocabulary, verbal reasoning, and basic mathematical ideas.

GRE: Eligibility Criteria

• Regarding age or educational requirements, there are no requirements for taking the GRE. 
• If you have completed your undergraduate degree, your only two concerns should have a passport and qualifications. 
• Additionally, the university the applicant is applying to determines the GRE entrance requirements.

GRE: Registration Process

Candidates must register for the GRE by setting up an MY GRE Account on the official website. There are three options to register for the GRE, including

• Online registration
• Registration through phone
• Registration through mail

GRE: Steps for Registration 

• At ets.org/gre, the official GRE website, Applicants need to create a My GRE Account.
• Candidates must correctly enter their details to create a profile. Information like as name, birthdate, address, phone number, and preferred methods of communication are necessary. Candidates can then use their newly established Username and Password to access the ETS portal.
• Candidates must next select either the GRE General Test or the GRE Subject Test.
• From the list of available GRE dates, candidates can select GRE Exam locations and GRE dates.
• Finally, credit or debit cards will be used to pay the US $205 GRE price.
• Candidates can also register for the GRE by telephone by dialing 1-800-473-2255. All required details will be provided over a phone call.

GRE:  Exam Fees

The registration cost for the GRE is roughly $213. 

Students who can demonstrate financial need can also receive financial aid through ETS. You must complete a Fee Reduction form and send a copy of your FAFSA Student Aid Report to apply for financial assistance, which includes a GRE fee waiver and fee reduction program (SAR). 

ETS will communicate the following stages after you fill out the form and courier the report.

The cost of the GRE is listed below for the various GRE services:

Different GRE Services	GRE Fees
GRE Exam Fees	US$ 213
GRE Rescheduling Fee	US$ 50
Request to change exam centers for GRE	US$ 50
GRE Cancellation Fee	50% of the Registration Fee is refunded
Additional GRE Score Report	US$ 27 each
GRE Score Reinstatement Fee	US$ 50

GRE:  Exam Patterns

The Exam patterns for GRE fluctuate depending on whether they are computer-based or paper-based. The computer-based GRE has an adaptive exam format. 

The three sections of the GRE General Test format are verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing evaluation. These sections all have two subsections each. 

The GRE General Test lasts for a total of 3 hours and 45 minutes. The GRE test is divided into three main parts, which are as follows:

Analytical Writing

The first segment of the GRE, which consists of two types of questions, is  Analytical Writing. The activities in this area include two types: Analyzing an Issue and an Argument. 

Candidates have 60 minutes to complete two sections of the GRE Analytical Writing, each lasting 30 minutes, in which they must assess the argument's logical plausibility. For additional practice,  one can look through the GRE AWA Practice Papers.

Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal reasoning section of the GRE tests a candidate's ability to comprehend and analyze textual material. Due to its challenging question styles, candidates perceive the GRE verbal reasoning portion to be difficult. 

Three different types of questions are asked in this section: reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. The GRE verbal syllabus includes subject-verb agreement, pronoun agreement, idioms, idiomatic expressions, verb tense, and more. Candidates have 60 minutes to attempt 40 questions. 

For more practice, one can look at the GRE Verbal Practice Papers.

Quantitative Reasoning

The GRE test also includes a portion of quantitative reasoning. Candidates' quantitative reasoning GRE results can be changed with practice. Problem-solving, data interpretation, and quantitative comparison are all included in the GRE quantitative course. 

On the quantitative reasoning component of the GRE, several problems are either wholly or partially modeled in mathematical settings. These data interpretation inquiries are shown in tables, graphs, or other data presentations. 40 questions must be answered within 70 minutes by candidates. 

One can consider the GRE Quant Practice Papers for more practice.

QGRE: Subject Test

In addition to the GRE general test, there is also the GRE subject test. This test aims to evaluate the candidates' knowledge of their chosen field. 

The GRE subject test covers six topics: physics, chemistry, math, English literature, psychology, and biology. Aspirants take the GRE topic test to enhance their applications by demonstrating in-depth knowledge of a particular subject. Each subject's GRE practice book is offered as study material by ETS. 

Only the paper-based version of the GRE is accessible for subject tests, which are offered three times a year in September, October, and April. Scores are calculated in 10-point increments on a scale from 200 to 990.

Best time to take GRE Exam

Candidates mostly focus on the Fall and Spring semesters. When you are certain that you can ace the test is the ideal time to take the GRE in the fall and spring. 

Throughout the year, the GRE is administered practically every weekend. There isn't a specific day or hour when you can perform well. It all depends on when you are prepared.

In the final or even pre-final year, students take the GRE. Some hopefuls wish to pursue their further education while still in high school, while others wait until they have professional experience.

There is no set schedule for taking the GRE, so working people can do so whenever they have time. 

Being in the lead gives you an advantage; therefore, submitting your application before the priority deadline boosts your likelihood of being accepted than doing so after. Most colleges and institutions normally have a January deadline for fall applications. 

So the ideal time to take the GRE is from August through November of the previous year. It is best to take the GRE before applying because it takes 15-20 working days for your GRE score to appear on your ETS account.

Preparation Tips and Tricks for GRE

For GRE, candidates take various in-person or classroom courses. The candidates often take between two and four months before the scheduled date. Candidates must aim for the score first to perform at their best. 

Here are some GRE study suggestions, tips, and tricks to assist you as you prepare for the test:

• One of the most effective methods for GRE practice is self-preparation. 
• Remain calm and go back to any questions you couldn't finish. 
• Get a review of the top GRE preparation books and practice tests. Self-motivation will constantly be improved by self-preparation.
• Get hold of legitimate study guides and practice tests.
• Online crash courses can be used to get updated study resources. Recognizing your talents and shortcomings will help.
• To receive regular feedback on the state of your preparation, hire a personal tutor.
• Learn specifics about the GRE's course and exam format.
• Candidates may choose from various study tools, including books, CDs, videos, practice questions, and webinars.
• Regularly taking practice exams will aid in efficient study. It will assess how well your preparation is ready.
• Making a good study plan will enable you to track how well the candidates are progressing in preparation.
• Recognize the context in which the GRE words are used.
• Candidates will benefit from reading a variety of analytical nonfiction works.
• Read the passage carefully before providing your answers to the sentence equivalence and text completion questions.
• Enroll in  GRE preparation classes for more detailed coaching. 

How to score high on GRE?

To perform well and score high on the GRE, you must have the right attitude and strategy for handling the test's issues or weak areas. Knowing which reason contributed to your lower score in a given section is crucial because there may be multiple others. 

As a result, it is advised for you to routinely take GRE practice exams to track your improvement on any subject you previously found challenging.

You can determine which component needs more time by keeping a timetable to grasp the timeframe and effectively arranging it. This will aid in the distribution of your daily time.

Best books for GRE Preparation

The finest books and resources for the GRE vary from person to person. However, this post has highlighted the best books that may aid you in your quest for success.

• Barron’s new GRE (19TH EDITION)
• ETS Official GRE Guide (2nd Edition)
• Kaplan GRE Premier/ New GRE: Strategies, Practice & Review
• Barron’s Verbal Workbook
• Barron’s Math Workbook