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What is the Graduate Record Examination®?

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE®) General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and are not related to any specific field of study.

The GRE® Subject Tests gauge undergraduate achievement in eight specific fields of study, and can help forecast a candidate's potential for success in graduate school. Each Subject Test is intended for students who have majored in or have extensive background in that specific area.

Format of the GRE General Test

The GRE General Test is available in paper-based, as well as computer-based versions. The computer-based test lasts for 3 hours 15 minutes, and the paper based one, for 3 hours 45 minutes. It comprises three sections:

Verbal reasoning

Skills measured include:

Quantitative reasoning

Skills measured include:

Analytical writing

Skills measured include:

  • the test taker's ability to
    analyse and evaluate written material and synthesise information obtained from it
  • the test taker's ability to
    understand basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis
  • the test taker's ability to
    articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively

  • analyse relationships among component parts of sentences
  • reason quantitatively

  • examine claims and accompanying evidence
  • recognise relationships between words and concepts
  • solve problems in a quantitative setting

  • support ideas with relevant reasons and examples
  • The Verbal Reasoning score is reported on a 200-800 score scale, in 10-point increments.
  • The Quantitative Reasoning score is reported on a 200-800 score scale, in 10-point increments.
  • sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion
    control the elements of standard written English
  • The Analytical Writing score is reported on a 0-6 score scale, in half-point increments. 

Format of the GRE Subject tests

The GRE Subject Tests dealswith content emphasised in undergraduate programmes as preparation for graduate study in the field. last for 2 hours 50 minutes. These paper-based tests are offered in eight fields of study:

  • Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular biology
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Literature in English
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology

The total score is reported on a 200-990 score scale, in 10-point increments. Sub scores are reported for the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology; Biology; and Psychology Tests on a 20-99 score scale, in one-point increments.

Why the GRE test?

Taken by more than 550,000 prospective graduate applicants each year, the GRE General and Subject Tests:

  • Measure the skills that faculty and deans consider essential for graduate school success
  • Provide the only common measures for comparing the qualifications of applicants from different educational backgrounds and countries of origin
  • Furnish independent information to supplement the evaluation of grades and recommendations

Who uses the GRE test?

  • Any accredited graduate, business or professional school, or any department or division within a school, may require that its applicants take the General Test, a Subject Test, or both
  • Fellowship or admission panels use the scores to supplement undergraduate records and other qualifications for graduate study

Contact us now to find out more about the GRE, and how to register for it. 


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