The GRE exam is a series of standardized, multiple-choice tests many schools use to predict post-graduate success. It's one way of comparing prospective students from a wide range of colleges and universities with varying standards.
The exam measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills that have been acquired over a long period of time. Quantitative sections of the GRE cover arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The analytical portion evaluates reasoning skills. Each area of the test is scored on a scale of 200-800.
Verbal Reasoning: The skills measured in this section of the GRE include the test taker's ability to:
- Analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it.
- Analyze relationships among component parts of sentences.
- Recognize relationships between words and concepts.
Quantitative Reasoning: The skills measured in this section of the GRE include the test taker's ability to:
- Understand basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- Reason quantitatively.
- Solve problems in a quantitative setting.
Analytical Writing: The skills measured in this section of the GRE exam include the test taker's ability to:
- Articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
- Examine claims and accompanying evidence.
- Support ideas with relevant reasons and examples.
- Sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion.
- Control the elements of standard written English.
The GRE is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), and will be offered consistently throughout the months of October through January and in the first three weeks of each month February through June.
The CAT, given in testing centers at private computer stations, covers one section for verbal (30 minutes), quantitative (45 minutes), and analytical (60 minutes) areas.
Both versions of the exam include unidentified sections for testing future questions, not calculated in GRE scores. Because several sets of each are administered, not everyone receives the same test. The CAT asks fewer questions because it adapts to meet the test taker's ability.
