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Content Writer - Study Abroad | Updated On - Jun 20, 2024
GRE revised general test is widely accepted by graduate, business, and law schools worldwide for master's programs. The revised general test came into effect on 1st August 2011, in place of GRE General Test. ETS has recently updated the exam pattern from September 22, 2023. You can check the ETS official guide to the GRE revised general test for the new changes to the exam. The typical paper-based GRE revised general test standard testing time was approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
GRE Revised General Test consists of six sections with a total duration of about 3 hours 30 minutes. At the beginning of each section, read details regarding the number of questions, allotted time, and directions for answering. The exam pattern of GRE revised general test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. The official guide to the GRE revised general test offers comprehensive study materials and practice tests for effective preparation.
GRE revised general tests are conducted as paper-based only in remote locations outside North America. For the rest of the places, the revised GRE general test is available only as computer-based. Both the paper-based and the computer-based exams contain similar questions and exam times. GRE revised general test score ranges on a scale of 260 to 340. Most of the top universities worldwide require a GRE score of 300 for a successful admission process.
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Changes in the GRE Revised General Test
The revised GRE General Test which replaced the previous GRE General Test has undergone some significant changes in the exam format like
- Earlier it was computer adaptive test, now it is multi-stage test (MST)
- It is more user-friendly and effective
- In the CAT format, there is a display of one question at a time, whereas in the revised MST format, the questions are answered in sections where candidates can navigate back and forth between questions in a section.
GRE Revised General Test Syllabus
GRE has three main sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The new pattern of GRE syllabus removed the unidentified, unscored section. Both the Verbal Reasoning and GRE Quantitative Reasoning sections are scored on a scale of 130-170. GRE Analytical Writing is scored on a scale of 0-6.
Analytical Writing
This section assesses your ability to analyze an issue and argue a position. In GRE Analytical Writing, the candidate is evaluated based on their skill to articulate themselves in writing. Usage of standard English and well-structured sentences along with relevant examples and evidence for your writing is measured in this section. The two tasks will be aimed at bringing out these skills.
- You'll get two writing tasks, each with a 30-minute time limit.
- Your essays are scored on a 0-6 point scale by trained readers.
Quantitative Reasoning
Your math skills and your ability to interpret and solve quantitative problems analyze in the quantitative section. For GRE Quantitative Reasoning, the questions will be analyzing the candidate's ability to handle quantitative problems. Mathematical problems, interpretations, basic mathematical skills etc. are the abilities which are measured in this section. As per the revised GRE format, candidates can skip and later retry questions within a section, which makes answering the Revised General Test more efficient for the appearing candidates.
- Similar to Verbal Reasoning, there are two sections with 25 questions each, and you'll get 40 minutes to complete each section.
- Questions may involve selecting a single answer or entering a numeric answer.
Verbal Reasoning
The verbal reasoning section is designed to evaluate your ability to understand and analyze text, along with your vocabulary knowledge. The overall idea of GRE verbal reasoning is to measure the candidate's ability to interpret and draw conclusions from data. The skills that help in this part of GRE Test are interpretation, distinguishing points, summarizing lengthy information, understanding the whole structure, meaning and concept of texts. As mentioned in quantitative reasoning, GRE revised format allows the candidate to navigate between questions of a section in the verbal reasoning part as well.
- There are two sections with 25 questions each, and you'll get 35 minutes to complete each section.
- Question formats include multiple choice and selecting one or more answer choices.
GRE Preparation Tips
While preparing for GRE Revised General Test, the most important thing is to understand the concept and aim of the test. By knowing the test structure and the skills measured in it, the candidate can work on themselves. Preparation for GRE Revised General Test should be smart work instead of just hard work. Assessing yourself for the measured cognitive skills and improving where you lack is the key.
Suggestions for GRE Revised General Test Candidates
- Be familiar with the objective of the GRE test.
- Work and practice on the tested skills to improve efficiency.
- As per the official notifications, calculators for GRE tests will be provided at the centers. Become familiar with using similar calculators.
- Check and understand the marking scheme and time allotted for each section of GRE.
- Practice regularly, preferably online.
GRE revised General Test is a standardized exam used by many graduate schools to assess a candidate's readiness for academic work. Understanding the different sections and question types will help you prepare more effectively for the test. Official ETS materials, practice tests, prep courses, and online resources like Khan Academy GRE prep can be helpful for effective GRE preparation.
FAQs
Ques: What is the GRE Revised General Test?
Ans: GRE General Test is a standardized exam widely accepted by graduate, business, and law schools to measure a candidate's verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills.
Ques: Why take the GRE?
Ans: Many master's programs require GRE scores for the admission process. It helps universities assess your academic skills for the program you have opted for.
Ques: When should I take the GRE?
Ans: Plan to take GRE early in your application process. Ideally, a year before your desired program start date, this allows time for retakes if needed.
Ques: How much does the GRE cost?
Ans: The GRE registration fee varies depending on your location. GRE test fee for the general test is INR 22,550 in India
Ques: How long is the GRE?
Ans: The typical paper-based GRE revised general test standard testing time was approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. The updated GRE general test is 1 hour and 58 minutes long.
Ques: How is the GRE structured?
Ans: GRE has three main sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The new pattern of GRE removed the unidentified, unscored section.
Ques: What is the Analytical Writing section like?
Ans: The Analytical Writing section assesses your writing skills through two essay prompts. You'll have 30 minutes to write each essay.
Ques: What is tested in the Verbal Reasoning section?
Ans: The Verbal Reasoning Section is designed to measure your ability to understand and analyze text, with question types like reading comprehension, sentence equivalence, and vocabulary.
Ques: What math skills are covered in the Quantitative Reasoning section?
Ans: GRE Quantitative Reasoning section focuses on basic math concepts like algebra, data analysis, and geometry, applied in problem-solving contexts.
Ques: Is the GRE computer-based or paper-based?**
Ans: GRE is primarily computer-based, but paper-based testing is available for those with documented disabilities with prior approval from ETS.
Ques: How is the GRE scored?
Ans: Both the Verbal Reasoning and GRE Quantitative Reasoning sections are scored on a scale of 130-170. GRE Analytical Writing is scored on a scale of 0-6.
Ques: What is a good GRE score?
Ans: A good score depends on the programs you're applying to. Achieving a score above 300 is considered a good score and is accepted by most of the top universities worldwide.
Ques: How long are GRE scores valid?
Ans: GRE scores are generally valid for five years, and you can send your scores to the institutions within this valid time frame.
Ques: How long should I study for the GRE?
Ans: The ideal study time depends on your academic background. Most candidates recommend 3-4 months of dedicated preparation to achieve a good score.
Ques: What are some good resources for GRE prep?
Ans: Official ETS materials, practice tests, prep courses, and online resources like Khan Academy GRE prep can be helpful for effective GRE preparation.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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