What is the GRE? When Should You Take the Test?

A large number of graduate schools in the United States have the GRE as their mandatory requirement for candidates wanting to pursue master’s degree courses. This test evaluates logical, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) is the body that administers this test. So, if you plan to apply to graduate programs in the United States (and some other countries), you may be required to take the GRE evaluation. Graduate schools use the test to assess the academic readiness and potential of applicants. It is usually indicated in their prospectus so that would-be applicants get to know about it. There are also some professional organizations and scholarship programs that may require the GRE as part of their application process.

This article will cover the GRE test in detail, including when to take it, how to prepare for it, and its format and scoring. 

When to Take the GRE? 

Consider taking the GRE test at least 3–4 months before the application deadline of your graduate program. Doing the test earlier will give you enough time to receive your scores, review them, and retake the test if necessary. 

If you are not sure whether to take the GRE or GMAT test, none is cheaper. The quantitative section of the GRE is more straightforward than the GMAT’s. However, the verbal reasoning bit is more challenging than the that of the GMAT. 

Details of the GRE Test 

As explained earlier, the GRE test is divided into sections, each with a specific area the school wishes to evaluate. Here is a breakdown of the different regions and the things they check. 

Verbal Reasoning Section 

The Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE measures your capability to comprehend written material, recognize relationships among words and concepts, and analyze arguments. The questions are designed to assess your vocabulary, reading comprehension, and critical reasoning skills. This section consists of two 20-question sections, and you have 30 minutes to complete each section. It is usually the most complex section. 

Quantitative Reasoning Section 

The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE measures your ability to understand and analyze quantitative information and solve problems using mathematical concepts. The questions are designed to assess your arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis skills. This section consists of two 20-question sections, and you have 35 minutes to complete each section. 

Analytical Writing Section 

The Analytical Writing section of the GRE measures your potential to analyze an argument, articulate complex ideas, and sustain a focused and coherent discussion. This section consists of two tasks. The first task requires you to analyze an issue and develop an argument in response to it.  

Then the second task requires you to analyze an argument and provide evidence to support or refute it. You have 30 minutes to complete each task. Your responses to the writing tasks are scored by trained tutors on a scale of 0–6. 

Scoring 

Each section of the GRE is scored on a scale of 130–170, except the analytical one, with a total possible score of 340. However, the point system for different sections varies. The scores for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are reported in one-point increments, while those for the Analytical Writing section are reported in half-point increments. There is no negative marking on the GRE. 

Kaplan states that the average score for Verbal Reasoning is 151 and that of Quantitative Reasoning is 153. Finally, Analytical Writing has a mean score of 4.0. 

You also receive a percentile rank for each section, indicating the percentage of test takers who scored lower than you. Your GRE score report also includes your average score for all the tests taken within the last five years and a list of the graduate programs to which you have sent your scores. 

Obviously, a high GRE score can increase your chances of getting accepted into a graduate program. Most universities also have a cut-off mark below, which they cannot take you into the desired program. Prepare well for the test and familiarize yourself with the test format and scoring to increase your chances of a high score. 

How to Prepare 

You can prepare for the GRE test in various ways, including self-study, taking a GRE prep course, and hiring a tutor. Self-study involves using study materials such as textbooks, online resources, and practice tests. GRE prep courses offer structured instruction, practice tests, and personalized feedback. Hiring a tutor provides one-on-one instruction and personalized feedback. 

Strategies for Effective GRE Preparation 

Here are some strategies to help you study effectively for the GRE: 

Establish your baseline: Before creating a study plan, take a full-length GRE practice test under test conditions. Your baseline score will help identify which content areas you need to focus on the most. 

Set a target score: Compare your practice test score to the average GRE scores of the most recent incoming class of your desired graduate programs. Your target score should be at or above the average score of your chosen programs. Check the University of People prospectus for a list of courses we offer. 

Develop a plan to improve: Research the best GRE prep courses, online programs, or test prep books to find the right fit. A smart study plan should hold you accountable and produce your desired results. 

Practice for technique: During practice tests and drills, focus on how you approach each question rather than just the results. Your problem-solving techniques will help you improve your GRE performance. 

Analyze your results: Review your performance after taking practice exams to identify which question types you consistently miss and which ones you excel at. A GRE tutor can help you analyze your performance and develop a smart plan to achieve your score goal. 

Build your vocabulary: Read academic journals and highbrow newspapers and magazines to absorb new GRE vocabulary words. Add new words to your list and practice using them.  

Use a calculator wisely: The GRE provides a calculator, but it can be a liability. Figure out when to use it for accuracy and when it’s better to learn the rules of a math concept. 

The GRE test is an essential component of the graduate school admissions process. It enables the school to measure your critical thinking, verbal and quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Start preparing for the test early, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and use appropriate study materials to polish your knowledge. When do you take the GRE? Several months before the application deadline, to leave room for a possible retake. 

Conclusion

Even though the GRE is an essential component in many colleges and universities, there are also many graduate programs that may not require the test. They can either have their individually designed admissions test or some other entirely different steps as part of their admissions process. Researching the admission requirements of the specific graduate programs you are interested in is vital to determine whether the GRE is required or recommended. 

University of the People has a straightforward admissions process that won’t need your GRE scores. Check out our graduate programs here. Our programs are entirely online and tuition-free. All courses at UoPeople are taught in an asynchronous mode, making it easy for learners from all walks of life to pursue higher education.