Do you wish to study abroad, especially in the USA and Canada?
If you answered yes, you’ve probably heard of GRE tests; if not, today you’ll learn about something new that will help you gain admission to international colleges for master’s and Ph.D. degrees.
The Graduate Record Exam, or GRE, is a standardized test used for graduate school admissions in the United States, Canada, and a few other countries. Most students who want to study abroad for their higher degrees such as masters or Ph.D., take the GRE test as a prerequisite before enrolling in various educational institutions. In this article, we will explore various advantages of taking GRE tests, various types of GRE tests, tips for GRE tests preparation, GRE test patterns, and understand everything about GRE tests at home.
Advantages of GRE Tests
The GRE Test is developed by the Educational Testing Service and administered to determine general academic preparedness for universities. Taking GRE tests before enrolling in graduate school has a number of benefits:
- It stands out among the other graduate and foreign language tests as having a high GRE score allows students to study in the best universities around the world.
- It assists applicants who achieve a high score in obtaining numerous scholarships at top-ranked universities all over the world.
- GRE tests assist institutions in determining whether applicants are adequately prepared for their degrees.
GRE Test Types
GRE tests are primarily divided into two categories. You should first choose which one best meets your needs before filling out the application form. The GRE subject and the GRE general are the two types of GRE tests. The types of GRE examinations you’ll be required to take will be determined by your university eligibility criteria. The subject test is limited to a particular subject and assesses your understanding of that subject, whereas the general test assesses your overall aptitude and evaluates your student profile.
1. GRE General Test
It is one of the most widely acknowledged tests for students who wish to study abroad. The test covers topics like numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning and analytical writing. Depending on your preference, you can take the GRE general test at home or at the centre. This is likewise an MCQ test.
2. GRE Subject Test
It examines a person’s knowledge of a certain subject, such as mathematics, psychology, or biology. Each is intended for pupils who want to demonstrate their mastery of the subject. A GRE maths subject test may be requested by the institution to demonstrate numerical ability and quantitative skills, particularly for degrees requiring extensive numerical competence, such as economics or computer science.
GRE Test Types on the Basis of Mode of Examination
Since the GRE subject test is a paper-based exam, students must take it at the designated testing center. However, ETS has made an exemption for the GRE general test, which students can take from the comfort of their own homes. So, depending on your choices, you can take the GRE test at home or at a testing center. The GRE test is paper-based when taken in a center, while it is a computer-based test when taken at home. There are a few differences between the GRE test at home and the GRE test taken at a center, which is as follows:
- While students are granted 210 minutes to attempt the paper-based GRE exam, they are only given 225 minutes to complete the computer-based GRE exam.
- The computer-based test has a total of 82 questions divided into 7 sections. The paper-based test has a total of 102 questions divided into 6 sections.
GRE Exam Patterns
Despite the similarities, the GRE exam pattern for both the paper-based and computer-based GRE tests differs. Furthermore, not everyone can take the paper-based test. It’s available only in locations where the computer-based GRE general test isn’t available. So, it depends on the location of the exam. The GRE exam pattern for the GRE general test in 2022 is expected to be as follows:
- Computer-based: It consists of quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, and analytical writing sections, divided into 7 sections. Applicants must complete the test in 225 minutes.
- Paper-based: It consists of quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing sections, divided into 6 sections. Applicants must complete the test in 210 minutes.
GRE Tests Preparation Tips For General Test
GRE test preparation is dependent upon the knowledge, abilities, time left, and preferences. Use the following preparation tips to excel in the GRE general test:
- To improve reading speed, read various nonfiction passages. Reading random newspaper or magazine articles can be very beneficial. Reading passages on the GRE requires you to become an expert reader of a wide range of materials, and students who are familiar with a wide range of books have a significant edge.
- Make a GRE study plan based on the amount of time you have until the exam. Make sure you’ve covered all the topics in the study plan and that you’re following it correctly.
- Practice the GRE general tests and practice tests from the previous year. This is the most effective strategy to prepare for the test because many of the questions are similar to those in previous year’s tests.
GRE Tests Preparation Tips For Subject Test
The GRE subject test is a test that assesses an applicant’s knowledge in a certain field. It is required for students applying for Master’s degrees in subject-specific fields such as economics and mathematics. Here are some GRE tip preparation strategies to help you ace the GRE subject test:
- Examine the university’s syllabus and outdated textbooks for basic information.
- Use GRE subject practice tests and previous year’s examinations to acquaint yourself with all the topics.
Conclusion
Study abroad trends show that a high score on the GRE test helps you take admission to your favorite university. The GRE test is necessary for colleges in the USA and Canada, as well as a few universities in other countries. Applicants must know the eligibility criteria of the university and accordingly prepare for the GRE test types. There are two types of GRE tests: GRE general test and the GRE subject test. While the GRE subject test is a paper-based test that has to be attempted at the center, the GRE general test can both be attempted at the center or at home.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact potential Ph.D. supervisors and attend online career counselling sessions by Mindler to know more about the GRE test.