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What is GRE?
GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized assessment—delivered in English—that helps universities assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in a chosen area.
The test scores are mostly used for the purpose of shortlisting candidates for MS/PhD Programs in universities abroad. The test is available in two variants:
1. GRE General Test
2. Subject GRE
Students usually need to take the General Test. The Subject Test is to evaluate undergraduate achievement in only 8 specific fields and is taken as per the requirements of the universities.
What are the 8 subjects that are tested through the Subject GRE?
The GRE® Subject Tests gauge undergraduate achievement in the eight disciplines listed below. Each Subject Test is intended for students who have majored in or have extensive background in that specific area.
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Literature in English
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
When is it required to take the Subject GRE?
Normally subject GRE is not required but there are two instances where the Subject GRE may be asked for:
1.If the person is switching streams, that is Commerce to Computer Science or say Civil Engineering to English Literature.
2.If one is applying for a Ph.D. or an integrated MS + PhD program.
However, taking the Subject GRE is purely University specific and hence prospective students are required to check this out first with the respective universities that they are applying to.
For further details on Subject GRE click here >>
What is the eligibility for taking GRE?
There are no eligibility criteria for taking the GRE. The eligibility is determined as per the requirements of the University that one applies to.
- For applying to universities in the US and Canada one needs to have completed 16 years* of education (10+2+4).
- For applying to universities/schools in the UK, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand etc, one needs to have 15 years of education (10+2+3).
Recently, there have been talks about waiving of the 16th year of education by Canadian universities and US so that more students can apply to them. However, it is yet to be implemented by the universities. Hence one needs to wait and watch. In a situation where the 16th year continues to be mandatory, Indian students having pursued a 3 years bachelor’s degree will need to first pursue a masters in the subject to meet the 16th year criterion. Note here that you need not complete the 2 years of master’s degree. You can apply with your results for the 1st year of master’s degree itself.
What is the selection criteria used by the universities apart from the GRE scores?
Apart from the GRE, most international students are required to take the TOEFL or the IELTS as per the university requirements. These are to test your overall communication skills in the English language.
Further, apart from your scores in the GRE and TOEFL/IELTS, your complete application packet comprising of Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, Resume, Transcripts, etc matter in getting you the final admit.
When is the right time to take the GRE?
The timing of taking the GRE needs to be determined based on the session (Spring/Fall) that one is applying for. International students are suggested that they apply for the Fall Session since the maximum intake is during the fall session. Given below is an activity chart that one may use to determine when one should take the GMAT:
Activity |
Timeline |
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Spring (March ’10) |
Fall (September ’09)* |
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Early |
No later than |
Early |
No later than |
Information Research |
Sep ‘08 |
Dec ‘08 |
Mar ‘08 |
June ‘08 |
GRE/TOEFL/IELTS Preparations |
Sep ‘08 |
Dec ‘08 |
Mar ‘08 |
June ‘08 |
Appear for GRE/TOEFL/IELTS |
Jan ‘09 |
Apr ‘09 |
Jul ‘08 |
Oct ‘08 |
Shortlist Universities |
Jan ‘09 |
Apr ‘09 |
Jul ‘08 |
Oct ‘08 |
Prepare Documents |
Nov ‘09 |
May ‘09 |
May ‘08 |
Nov ‘08 |
Send Applications (Deadlines) |
May ‘09 |
Jul ‘09 |
Nov ‘08 |
Jan ‘09 |
University sends admission confirmation |
Jul ‘09 |
Nov ‘09 |
Jan ‘09 |
May ‘09 |
Apply for Visa |
Dec ‘09 |
Feb ‘10 |
Jun ‘09 |
Aug ‘09 |
Prepare for departure |
Feb ‘10 |
Aug ‘09 |
Course commences |
Mar ‘10 |
Sep ‘09 |
Can I take the GRE while still pursuing my graduation?
Yes, you can surely prepare for and take the GRE while in your graduation. However, you must take care that your GRE is no older than 2 years when you actually apply to the universities. This is because most universities give more weightage to the latest test scores.
How much does one need to score in GRE so as to make it to a good university?
Based on the current structure of GRE a 1400+ will be considered as a good score.
What does the GMAT test?
The GMAT measures basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills that you have developed over a long period of time in your education and work.
What is the GRE test structure?
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Current GRE
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(Valid till 31st July '07) |
What Is The Test Format? |
Computer-adaptive: the test adapts to your performance; question pool varies by test taker |
How Long Is It? |
2½ hours |
When Is It Offered? |
Most weekdays and weekends, year-round |
How Is It Scored? |
Verbal Score 200 to 800 points |
Quantitative Score 200 to 800 points |
Analytical Writing Assessment 0 to 6 points |
| What Is The Test Content? |
Analytical Writing |
2 essays: one 30-minute and one 45-minute |
One Issue essay, one Argument essay |
Quantitative |
28 multiple-choice questions |
One 45-minute section |
Verbal
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30 multiple-choice questions
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One 30-minute section
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Includes analogy and antonym questions
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| *One section may be experimental |
How does one apply for the GRE?
Web: Register online at www.ets.org/gre using an international Credit Card.
Phone: Call Prometric Delhi at least 2 business days prior to the requested test date.
Prometric – New Delhi
160-A, Senior Plaza, 3rd floor,Gautam Nagar, Yusuf Sarai,Behind Indian Oil Building,New Delhi – 110049
Phone: 011-26511649/26531442
Fax: 011 – 26529741/26523266
Web: www.prometricindia.com
Mail or Fax: Complete the International Test Scheduling Form given in the GRE Brochure (URL for GRE Brochure http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/GRE/pdf/0708_gre_bulletin.pdf )
For registration by mail, the preferred method of payment is by Certified Cheque or Money Order
What is the fee for taking the GRE?
General Test: USD 170
Subject Test: USD 170
What are the best universities that one should be applying to?
The best universities in the world are those located in the US followed by the UK. While choosing a university one needs to first check out the ranking of the schools based on the specialization that one intends to take. Once that is done, one needs to research on the universities and match them up with one’s profile and requirements for arriving at a shortlist. So the list of best universities would be different for different individuals.
How much time does one need to prepare for GRE?
Preparations for GRE would involve two areas:
1.Preparing for the test
2.Research on universities/schools to apply for
Preparing for the test would take approximately 3 to 4 months time giving 2 to 3 hours a day.
Research on universities/schools is important since one needs to mention 5 choices of universities/schools that one wishes to apply for at the time of taking the GRE. In case you miss out on mentioning them, you will need to bear an additional fee for each school that you wish your scores to be sent to.
How to start preparing for GRE?
Preparations for any aptitude test including GRE needs to done in a step-by-step manner.
This entails that you know where you stand today.
To know where you stand today we suggest that you take the Diagnostic Test that is based on the GRE. You can take the test online (free of charge) by registering for it through the following link: http://www.cieglobal.com/onlinetesting/register.php3
The test will help you understand:
- Your current level of aptitude
- The areas that GRE assesses you on
- Your current strengths and areas of improvement
- The extent of effort required to clear the GRE and prepare a study plan.
- To identify the appropriate IMS Training Program.
Once you have taken the test you may walk in to the nearest IMS Learning Centre with a printout of the feedback or write in to ims@imsindia.com with your scores. A counselor will help you with preparation guidelines based on your scores.
What are the IMS Programs that can help me secure a good GRE score and make it to a reputed university?
IMS offer both Classroom (across select centres) and Correspondence Training Programs for GRE preparations.
Apart from the above, and considering the need for assistance on applying to universities, IMS also offer consulting services called MaxConsulting Sciences Program.
What does the MaxConsulting Sciences Program include?
The program includes:
1.Personalized profiling and selection of 8 best (Graduate) Masters programs vide the list below that best suit your profile and futuristic career aspirations globally:
- Engineering Sciences & technology
- Mathematical Sciences
- Architecture
- Pharmacy
- Life Sciences
- Earth Sciences
- Social Sciences and Economics
2.Support in registration process for the GRE/TOEFL/IELTS
3.Strategizing on persuasive application essays with evaluation & vetting of the same – inclusive of critical inputs in content, structure, flow and verbiage
4.Exploring ways towards soliciting classic letters of recommendation
5.Exploring financing options either through aid, scholarship or bank loan
6.Comprehensive guidance and assistance in visa formalities
7.Simulated sessions towards application: telephonic, web based, alumni, faculty or visa interviews.
8.Assistance in case preparation if need be.
For details on GRE and IMS programs for same, click here:
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