The Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
General Test is designed to provide graduate schools with common measures
for comparing the qualifications of applicants. The GRE is a
computer-based test. It is a computer-adaptive test: while the number of
questions in any given section is fixed, the difficulty and scoring value
of those questions varies according to the previous responses provided by
the test-taker. Rather than having a fixed point value, questions of
varied difficulty are used in order to 'zero in' on the level of question
that represents the upper bound of the test-taker's ability. Because of
the way in which the score value changes over the course of the test,
early questions are much more important in determining the final score
than those that appear near the end of a section. Questions cannot be
skipped or returned to. The exam measures verbal, quantitative, and
analytical writing skills that have been developed over a long period of
time. Data shows that scores on the GRE General Test consistently predict
graduate school students' grades and performance. In addition to an
admission criterion, schools often use GRE scores to determine eligibility
for merit-based grants and fellowships, as well as teaching and research
assistantships. Many programs, especially those at large state schools,
establish cutoff points for GRE scores to limit the application pool,
while others use GRE scores to directly determine how much financial
support you receive. Investing time and effort in preparing for the GRE
today can help you get into the grad school of your choice and can greatly
increase your chances of getting financial aid.
The Graduate Record
Examinations (GRE) General Test is a multiple-choice admission test for
applicants to graduate schools. The test is administered by the
Educational Testing Service (ETS), under the sponsorship of the Graduate
Record Examinations Board. The GRE is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), and
consists of three scored sections:
What is a CAT and how
does it work?
A CAT is a computer-adaptive
test, whose software calculates your score based on the number of
questions you answer correctly, the difficulty of the questions you
answer, and the number of questions you complete. When you take the GRE
CAT, you'll begin each section with a medium-level question and a score of
500. If you answer the question correctly, the computer will raise your
score and give you a harder question. If you answer the question
incorrectly, your score will decrease and you'll be given an easier
question. The process repeats for each question in the section, to arrive
at your final score for that section.
How is the GRE Test
scored?
Each of the multiple-choice
sections is scored on a scale of 200 to 800. The average scores for the
GRE are about 470 for Verbal and 570 for Quantitative. The Analytical
Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6.
How important are my
GRE scores?
Schools vary tremendously in
the weights they place on the different factors in the admission process,
so be sure to contact the specific schools to which you are applying in
order to determine their unique requirements. Some programs weight GRE
scores very heavily, and/or have a minimum score for applicants, while
other programs consider GRE scores more of a formality. It is important to
note that your GRE scores are a major factor in determining your
eligibility for financial aid.
How do I pick a test
date?
First find out the
application deadlines for the graduate schools to which you are applying,
then work backwards from your earliest deadline. Build some extra time
into your planning process for unexpected delays because you can only take
the GRE test once per calendar month. Keep in mind that it can take as
long as four weeks for your official scores to arrive at your designated
schools. The GRE is offered at testing centers almost every day. Call your
local center for details and to book your test. While in theory you could
sign up for the GRE test with only two days' notice, don't depend upon
this luxury. Call at least one month prior to your desired test date.
When the GRE is
conducted in Pakistan?
The GRE is offered at
testing centers almost every day in Pakistan. Call your local center for
details and to book your test. While in theory you could sign up for the
GRE with only two days' notice, don't depend upon this luxury. Call at
least one month prior to your desired test date.
Where the GRE is
conducted in Pakistan?
There are two local offices that conduct
the GRE in Pakistan. One is in Karachi and the other is Lahore. The
contact numbers of the two are as follows.
Global Education Center (Karachi)
Ph:021-5823671
LUMS(Lahore University of Management Sciences)
Ph:042-5722670-79
What fees are
associated with the GRE Test?
The fee to take the GRE test
is $115 within the United States, some U.S. Territories, and Puerto Rico.
The fee is $140 in all other locations including Pakistan.
What are the GRE
Subject Tests?
The GRE Subject Tests are
intended to measure your knowledge of specific subject matter. Subject
Tests are available in eight disciplines: biochemistry, cell and molecular
biology; biology; chemistry; computer science; literature in English;
mathematics; physics; and psychology. These tests are given in
paper-and-pencil format three times per year, in November, December, and
April.
These tests are given
separately from the GRE General Test and require additional fees. Check
with the graduate schools to which you are applying to determine whether
any of these extra tests are required.
Where can I get more
information about the GRE Test?
You can contact the
Educational Testing Service (ETS) at: (800) GRE-CALL (609) 771-7670 or on
their website,
www.gre.org
GRE PowerPrep
Software: (FREE)
Includes two computer-based
GRE General Tests, sample analytical writing topics, scored sample essays
and reader commentary, test-taking strategies, a math review, and test
tutorials.
The General Test:
It measures abilities in verbal, quantitative and
analytical fields.
Analytical Writing:
The skills
measured include the test taker's ability to articulate complex ideas
clearly and effectively examine claims and accompanying evidence
support ideas with relevant reasons and examples sustain a
well-focused, coherent discussion control the elements of standard
written English
Verbal Reasoning :
The skills
measured include the test taker's ability to analyze and evaluate
written material and synthesize information obtained from it analyze
relationships among component parts of sentences recognize
relationships between words and concepts.
Quantitative Reasoning :
The skills
measured include the test taker's ability to understand basic
concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis reason
quantitatively solve problems in a quantitative setting
The Subject Tests:
These measure achievement in specific
fields of study. Because of the high correlation between high GRE
scores and success in graduate school, many schools require that the
applicants take the GRE General Test. (They may also require the
applicant to take the appropriate GRE Subject Test.)
New changes in the GRE revised General Test
ETS has improved the test in many
significant ways to give students a better test experience and to
better demonstrate your skills and readiness for graduate-level work:
A new test-taker friendly
design: In this new format the computer-based test allows
students to edit or change their answer and skip questions, all
within a section, and use an on-screen calculator.
New types of questions: In
the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning section, many
questions are based on real-life scenario that reflect the kind of
thinking students will do in today’s demanding graduate and business
school programmes.
Special savings of 50% when you
take the GRE revised General Test: ETS has come up with an
exciting offer to attract students to choose this new exam. If you
take this exam between August 1 and September 30, 2011, you can save
50% off your test fee when you take this revised test.
Important score reporting
information you need to know: If you take the GRE revised
General Test during the special discount period of August-September
2011, your scores will be sent by mid-November. However, if you need
your scores before November, you need to take the current test
before August.
GRE Format
Computer-Based General Test Content
and Structure
The computer-based General Test has
three sections.
In addition, one unidentified pretest
section may be included, and this section can appear in any position
in the test after the analytical writing section. Questions in the
pretest section are being tested for possible use in future tests, and
answers will not count toward your scores.
An identified research section that
is not scored may also be included, and this section would always
appear in the final section of the test. Questions in the research
section are included for the purpose of ETS research, and answers will
not count toward your scores.
Total testing time is up to three
hours, not including the research section. The directions at the
beginning of each section specify the total number of questions in the
section and the time allowed for the section.
The analytical writing section is
always first. For the Issue task, two topics will be presented and you
will choose one. The Argument task does not present a choice of
topics; instead, one topic will be presented.
The verbal and quantitative sections
may appear in any order, including an unidentified verbal or
quantitative pretest section. Treat each section presented during your
test as if it counts.
Typical
Computer-Based GRE® General Test
Section
Number of
Questions
Time
Analytical Writing
1 Issue Task*
45 minutes
Analytical Writing
1 Argument Task*
30 minutes
Verbal
30
30 minutes
Quantitative
28
45 minutes
Pretest**
Varies
Varies
Research***
Varies
Varies
* For the Issue task, two essay
topics are presented and you choose one. The Argument task does not
present a choice of topics; instead one topic is presented.
** An unidentified verbal or quantitative pretest section may be
included and may appear in any order after the analytical writing
section. It is not counted as part of your score.
*** An identified research section that is not scored may be included,
and it is always at the end of the test.
Paper-Based General
Test Content and Structure
The paper-based GRE General Test
contains five sections.
In addition, one unidentified pretest
section may be included, and this section can appear in any position
in the test after the analytical writing section. Questions in the
pretest section are being tested for possible use in future tests, and
answers will not count toward your scores.
Total testing time is up to 3 3/4
hours. The directions at the beginning of each section specify the
total number of questions in the section and the time allowed for the
section.
The analytical writing section is
always first. For the Issue task, two topics will be presented and you
will choose one. The Argument task does not present a choice of
topics; instead one topic will be presented.
The verbal and quantitative sections
may appear in any order, including an unidentified verbal or
quantitative pretest section. Treat each section presented during your
test as if it counts.
Typical Paper-Based
General Test
Section
Number of
Questions
Time
Analytical Writing
1 Issue Task*
45 minutes
Analytical Writing
1 Argument Task*
30 minutes
Verbal (2 sections)
38 per section
30 minutes per section
Quantitative (2 sections)
30 per section
30 minutes per section
Pretest**
Varies
30 minutes
*For the Issue task, two essay topics
will be presented and you will choose one. The Argument task does not
present a choice of topics; instead, one topic will be presented.
** An unidentified verbal or quantitative pretest section may be
included and may appear in any order after the analytical writing
section. It is not counted as part of your score.
Modified Versions of
Verbal and Quantitative Questions
The test you take may include
questions that are modified versions of published questions or of
questions you have already seen on an earlier section of the test.
Some modifications are substantial; others are less apparent.
Thus, even if a question appears to
be similar to a question you have already seen, it may in fact be a
different question and may also have a different correct answer. You
can be assured of doing your best on the test you take by paying
careful attention to the wording of each question as it appears in
your test.
The GRE Program is currently
investigating the feasibility of reusing questions that have been
published in GRE practice materials. As part of that investigation,
you may see questions from these materials on a test you take.
GRE (Graduate Record
Examination) is a test for determining the capability and
suitability of a student for postgraduate studies. A lot of
universities in advanced countries require this as an admission
requirement. HEC conducts an examination similar to the one
conducted by ETS here in Pakistan through National Testing
Service (NTS). This is commonly termed as local GRE (GAT).
The format of the test is old GRE
general pattern prior to October 2002. This includes an
analytical section, a verbal section and a quantitative section.
The duration of the test will be 2 hours. Candidates may refer
to GRE books available for old pattern for sample papers. A
sample is available on the HEC website.
The test will be conducted in
selected major cities of Pakistan. Candidates will be called to
the center as per requirement of HEC. This will be indicated on
the admit card of the candidate.
The General Test is intended to
measure verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills. Although a
brief review will not dramatically change the abilities you have
acquired over years, use of this site may help you evaluate your
ability level and identify areas for further study before you
take the General Test. As the competition is growing intense,
you need a through preparation.
GRE (GAT by NTS)
Format
The GRE General Test
measures certain developed verbal, quantitative, and
analytical abilities that are important for academic
achievement. In doing so, the test necessarily reflects
the opportunities and efforts that have contributed to the
development of those abilities.
The General Test is only one of several means
of evaluating likely success in graduate school. It make
it possible to compare students with different
backgrounds. A GRE (HEC) score of 50/100, for example, has
the same meaning whether earned by a student at a small,
arts college or by a student at a large public university.
Test Format
Total Questions (MCQs) =
100
Total Test Time = 120 Minutes (2 Hours)
Follow these GRE prep
tips to help you have high score in GRE.
Evaluation Planning.
To have a better
understanding of the GRE sections, take a full length
test in very beginning. Download Initial Test.
Analyze your
performance on the test and identify your weak and
strong areas.
Plan a 15 days
schedule of preparation. Think you are to take the test
after 15 days and start preparing. Focus your weak and
strong areas of the test. Dont consider time per
question during this session.
After 15 days
preparation, you'll have a better understanding of what
the test is, what are its section along with your
understanding of your own weaknesses. Now, you'll be able
to plan your preparation.
Collect Study Material
You must have ample
number of questions and topics for better practice and
understanding. You can collect all stuff from
Books - A lot of
books are available in the market
Web - A mess of
study material is available on the web. You are to
select and download. Downloads are also available.
Friends who have
taken GRE in the past
Core Planning
Now plan for 30 days
preparation. Focus on your weak areas but dont let your
strong area orphan. Give time and efforts to each section.
Take topic and section evaluation tests time to time.
Direct your activities towards identified weak areas.
Pin Point Planning
After Core preparation of
30 days, take an evaluation test. Observe, whether a
particular type of questions are wrong or wrong questions
are of varied types.
If you find a
particular type error, improve it
If you find a
viewed type question errors, revise Core planning
for 10 days and again start pin point evaluation
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