All About the GRE
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a major hurdle for anyone applying to grad school or business school, especially for MBA programs, around the world. It’s a multiple-choice, computer-based standardized test that’s often required for admission. In fact, many U.S. law schools have started accepting the GRE instead of the LSAT, which is pretty convenient if you’re thinking about applying to multiple types of programs.
The GRE is designed and run by ETS (Educational Testing Service), and it’s meant to give grad, business, and law schools a standard way to compare applicants. They look at your GRE score along with other things like your grades and application materials to figure out if you’re ready for the challenges of grad-level work.
The bottom line? Scoring well on the GRE can definitely boost your chances of getting into the program you want.
What’s Tested on the GRE?
The GRE checks how well you know basic math (think arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis) and college-level vocabulary. But more than that, it tests your ability to think critically, analyze written material, and solve problems effectively.
GRE Sections
The GRE gives you three main scores:
- Analytical Writing
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
To get these scores, you’ll complete the following sections:
- 1 Analytical Writing section
- 2 Verbal Reasoning sections
- 2 Quantitative Reasoning sections
You might also see an unscored section (which can be either Verbal or Quant) or a research section (used for ETS studies).
The Verbal and Quant sections are scored on a scale from 130 to 170, with the average for Verbal around 152 and Quant at 156. The Analytical Writing section is graded from 0 to 6 in half-point steps, with an average score of about 4.
What’s in Each Section?
Analytical Writing
This part is all about how well you can express your thoughts in writing. It checks whether you can explain your ideas clearly, form logical arguments, and back them up with solid reasoning. The “Analyze an Issue” task gives you a topic and asks you to write a clear, well-supported essay in response.
Verbal Reasoning
In this section, you’ll deal with questions that test how well you understand written material, sentences, and the relationships between words and concepts. There are a few types of questions you’ll face:
- Text Completion: You fill in blanks in sentences, which can have 1-3 blanks. Getting them right requires a solid vocabulary and good prediction skills based on context.
- Sentence Equivalence: You choose two words that fit a sentence and give it a similar meaning. These questions rely on vocabulary and context clues.
- Reading Comprehension: You’ll read passages and answer questions about the main ideas, structure, and details. You’ll need to do strategic reading and paraphrasing to nail these.
Quantitative Reasoning
This section tests your math skills, but don’t worry—it’s mostly high school-level stuff like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Here’s what to expect:
- Quantitative Comparison: You compare two quantities (Quantity A and Quantity B) and figure out their relationship.
- Problem Solving: These are typical multiple-choice questions, but you’ll also see numeric entry questions where you have to input your own answer. Some of these problems come with charts or graphs, so you’ll need to interpret that info correctly.
What’s a Good GRE Score?
A good GRE score depends on the program you’re applying to. Some schools have minimum scores, while others don’t. It’s a smart idea to research the average GRE scores of students admitted to your target programs. For reference, the average scores are 152 for Verbal, 157 for Quant, and 4.0 for Analytical Writing.
GRE Logistics: How Long, When, and How Often Can You Take It?
The GRE lasts about an hour and 58 minutes, with no breaks. You’ll want to arrive at the test center early—at least 30 minutes ahead of time. You can also take the GRE at home with a virtual proctor, which is super convenient if testing centers are full.
GREs are offered year-round, and test center spots fill up quickly, especially during the fall. You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in a year. Scores take about 8-10 days to process, so plan your test date accordingly, especially if you’re close to application deadlines.
How Much Does the GRE Cost?
As of 2023, the GRE fee is $220 for most locations (except China, which has a different fee). That price includes sending your scores to four schools.
Conclusion
The GRE is a significant part of the graduate and business school application process. While it can seem overwhelming at first, knowing what to expect and preparing in advance will help you feel more confident. With a clear understanding of the test sections and a solid study plan, you’ll be able to tackle the exam and boost your chances of getting into your dream program. Remember, it’s not just about mastering the content—your ability to think critically and solve problems is key. So, give yourself plenty of time to study, take a deep breath, and go crush that GRE!
