What is the GRE?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that is used as part of the admissions process for graduate school, business school, and some undergraduate programs. The GRE assesses various skills in areas such as writing, reading comprehension, quantitative problem-solving and analytical thinking. It is designed to measure your aptitude in these skills that admissions officers use to determine the potential success of an applicant to their graduate program. The GRE can also be used to gain admission to specific professional schools, such as those for medicine, law, and engineering.
How to Prepare for the GRE
The best way to prepare for the GRE is to develop a comprehensive plan that includes: reading and writing practice, review of core concepts, practice exams and taking the actual test. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the structure and format of the GRE. Be sure to also familiarize yourself with the different question types (e.g., multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, drag and drop, essay, etc.), and the types of skills that you’ll be measured on (e.g., reading comprehension, comprehension, quantitative problem-solving, analytical thinking).
Once you understand the basics of the exam, start studying. Read up on the basic concepts in each section and practice answering questions from old exams. Doing this early on will give you an idea of what to expect and help you remain organized and focused on the task at hand.
Also, as you prepare for the GRE, you should also track your progress and make sure to test yourself under timed conditions. This way, you can figure out which areas you’re struggling with and be sure to give yourself extra time to focus on those topics.
What is the GRE Score?
The GRE provides scores on the three critical areas of Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are each scored on a scale of 130 to 170, in one-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments. Your total GRE score is a combination of your individual scores in each section.
The average GRE score can depend on which field you plan to pursue, but generally, the higher the score, the better. Higher scores demonstrate your academic preparedness and can give admission officers an indication of your potential for success in the program. According to ETS (the company that developed and administers the GRE), the average scores for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections in 2018/2019 were 148.7 and 151.8, respectively.
The GRE is just one part of your graduate school admissions package. When combined with your grade point average and letters of recommendation, a high GRE score can demonstrate your readiness to pursue the next phase of your education. With the right preparation and focus, you can take advantage of this great opportunity and demonstrate your aptitude for the program you wish to enter.