Muzammil Khalid
New member
Graduate school aspirants should be cautious against cramming for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), as achieving a high score requires substantial preparation. The GRE is a graduate school entrance exam that tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. It's not just about memorizing content, but also about developing problem-solving skills under time pressure.
The GRE is undergoing a change, with a new, shorter version launching on September 22, 2023. Here's what you need to know:
- The GRE General Test measures academic readiness for graduate school, with three scored sections: analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning.
- Some graduate programs require both the general test and a GRE Subject Test, which assesses technical knowledge in a specific discipline.
- The test is structured to include three scored sections and one unscored section, with a 10-minute break.
- The new version will be shorter, with a reduced test time of 1 hour and 58 minutes, and changes to the analytical writing and quantitative and verbal reasoning sections.
Experts recommend taking timed practice tests and analyzing performance to build confidence and achieve a high score. The GRE is accepted by various graduate programs, and scores matter, but the weight of scores varies by program. Preparation is key, and test-takers should budget sufficient time for prep and consider different types of test prep resources.
Students who excelled in their undergraduate studies and are pursuing the same field in graduate school typically don't need to take the GRE Subject Test. However, for those who struggled, the subject test can be an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency. The subject tests are available in mathematics, physics, and psychology, and the Educational Testing Service (ETS) offers free digital practice books for each.
In September 2023, ETS will introduce new, shorter versions of the physics and psychology subject tests, each lasting under two hours. Here's an overview of the topics covered on each test:
- Mathematics: Half of the exam focuses on calculus, while a quarter covers algebra, number theory, and other undergraduate math topics. The remaining questions cover miscellaneous math subjects.
- Physics: The exam includes questions on various topics, such as:
- Optics and wave phenomena
- Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics
- Classical mechanics
- Electromagnetism
- Quantum mechanics
- Atomic physics
- Special relativity
- Laboratory methods
- Specialized topics like nuclear and particle physics, and condensed matter (specific topics may vary)
- Psychology: The exam covers six aspects of psychology:
- Biological
- Cognitive
- Social
- Developmental
- Clinical
- Measurement and methodology
These subject tests can help students showcase their expertise in their chosen field, especially if they struggled in their undergraduate studies.
The GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests are two different exams that serve distinct purposes. The General Test assesses critical thinking skills applicable across various disciplines, while the Subject Tests evaluate knowledge in a specific academic field. The General Test focuses on strategy and reasoning, whereas the Subject Tests require content-based knowledge.
Key differences between the two tests include:
- Format: General Test is timed, while Subject Tests are self-paced
- Content: General Test covers verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, while Subject Tests focus on specific disciplines like mathematics, physics, and psychology
- Scoring: General Test scores range from 130-170 (verbal and quantitative) and 0-6 (analytical writing), while Subject Test scores range from 200-990
The at-home version of the GRE General Test is identical to the test center version, with the same content, format, and scoring. However, it's taken on a personal computer with a human proctor monitoring online.
When deciding where to take the test, consider your individual situation and preferences. Both at-home and in-person options yield similar scores, so choose the environment where you'll perform best.
Many graduate programs accept GRE scores, including master's, Ph.D., and professional degree programs in various disciplines. Some business schools and law schools also accept GRE scores in lieu of the GMAT or LSAT.
To prepare for the GRE, set aside 2-3 months for intensive study or spread out your prep over 3-4 months. Use official ETS resources, consider a formal test-prep course, and focus on improving your weaknesses.
Remember, GRE scores are just one factor in graduate school admissions. A strong application package, including grades, extracurricular activities, and recommendations, is also crucial.
Lastly, to raise your GRE score, identify your mistakes, devise strategies to prevent them, and practice consistently. Focus on improving your weaknesses, and use active reading and learning techniques to enhance your skills.
The GRE is undergoing a change, with a new, shorter version launching on September 22, 2023. Here's what you need to know:
- The GRE General Test measures academic readiness for graduate school, with three scored sections: analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning.
- Some graduate programs require both the general test and a GRE Subject Test, which assesses technical knowledge in a specific discipline.
- The test is structured to include three scored sections and one unscored section, with a 10-minute break.
- The new version will be shorter, with a reduced test time of 1 hour and 58 minutes, and changes to the analytical writing and quantitative and verbal reasoning sections.
Experts recommend taking timed practice tests and analyzing performance to build confidence and achieve a high score. The GRE is accepted by various graduate programs, and scores matter, but the weight of scores varies by program. Preparation is key, and test-takers should budget sufficient time for prep and consider different types of test prep resources.
Students who excelled in their undergraduate studies and are pursuing the same field in graduate school typically don't need to take the GRE Subject Test. However, for those who struggled, the subject test can be an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency. The subject tests are available in mathematics, physics, and psychology, and the Educational Testing Service (ETS) offers free digital practice books for each.
In September 2023, ETS will introduce new, shorter versions of the physics and psychology subject tests, each lasting under two hours. Here's an overview of the topics covered on each test:
- Mathematics: Half of the exam focuses on calculus, while a quarter covers algebra, number theory, and other undergraduate math topics. The remaining questions cover miscellaneous math subjects.
- Physics: The exam includes questions on various topics, such as:
- Optics and wave phenomena
- Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics
- Classical mechanics
- Electromagnetism
- Quantum mechanics
- Atomic physics
- Special relativity
- Laboratory methods
- Specialized topics like nuclear and particle physics, and condensed matter (specific topics may vary)
- Psychology: The exam covers six aspects of psychology:
- Biological
- Cognitive
- Social
- Developmental
- Clinical
- Measurement and methodology
These subject tests can help students showcase their expertise in their chosen field, especially if they struggled in their undergraduate studies.
The GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests are two different exams that serve distinct purposes. The General Test assesses critical thinking skills applicable across various disciplines, while the Subject Tests evaluate knowledge in a specific academic field. The General Test focuses on strategy and reasoning, whereas the Subject Tests require content-based knowledge.
Key differences between the two tests include:
- Format: General Test is timed, while Subject Tests are self-paced
- Content: General Test covers verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, while Subject Tests focus on specific disciplines like mathematics, physics, and psychology
- Scoring: General Test scores range from 130-170 (verbal and quantitative) and 0-6 (analytical writing), while Subject Test scores range from 200-990
The at-home version of the GRE General Test is identical to the test center version, with the same content, format, and scoring. However, it's taken on a personal computer with a human proctor monitoring online.
When deciding where to take the test, consider your individual situation and preferences. Both at-home and in-person options yield similar scores, so choose the environment where you'll perform best.
Many graduate programs accept GRE scores, including master's, Ph.D., and professional degree programs in various disciplines. Some business schools and law schools also accept GRE scores in lieu of the GMAT or LSAT.
To prepare for the GRE, set aside 2-3 months for intensive study or spread out your prep over 3-4 months. Use official ETS resources, consider a formal test-prep course, and focus on improving your weaknesses.
Remember, GRE scores are just one factor in graduate school admissions. A strong application package, including grades, extracurricular activities, and recommendations, is also crucial.
Lastly, to raise your GRE score, identify your mistakes, devise strategies to prevent them, and practice consistently. Focus on improving your weaknesses, and use active reading and learning techniques to enhance your skills.