The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that plays a crucial role in the admissions process for many graduate schools in the United States and Canada. Owned and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE evaluates candidates on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Understanding the structure and scoring of the GRE can help prospective students better prepare for this important
exam.
The Structure of the GRE
The GRE is divided into three main sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Each section is designed to assess different skills that are essential for success in graduate school. The verbal reasoning section tests the ability to analyze and evaluate written material, synthesize information, and understand relationships among words and concepts. The quantitative reasoning section measures problem-solving ability using basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
The analytical writing section requires test-takers to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively, support ideas with relevant reasons and examples, and examine claims and accompanying evidence. This section is scored separately from the verbal and quantitative sections, and it provides a unique insight into a candidate's critical thinking and writing skills.
Scoring System of the GRE
The GRE scoring system is designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate's abilities. Verbal and quantitative reasoning scores are reported on a scale of 130 to 170, in one-point increments. The analytical writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments. An interesting aspect of the GRE is that a test-taker can miss one or more questions on a multiple-choice section and still receive a perfect score of 170. Conversely, the lowest possible score is 130, even if no questions are answered correctly.
ETS provides percentile ranks for each score, which indicate the percentage of test-takers who scored lower than a particular score. This helps schools understand how a candidate's scores compare to those of other applicants. For example, a verbal reasoning score of 170 places a candidate in the 99th percentile, meaning they scored better than 99% of test-takers.
Preparing for the GRE
ETS offers a variety of resources to help candidates prepare for the GRE. One of the most valuable tools is the PowerPrep software, which includes practice tests with retired questions. This software replicates the test format and questions, providing a realistic practice experience. Additionally, many test preparation companies offer courses, books, and other materials to aid in preparation.
While ETS does not license its past questions to other companies, the official retired material is considered the most reliable source for practice. Candidates can also use university textbooks, GRE preparation books, and free online resources to supplement their study efforts. By understanding the structure and scoring of the GRE, candidates can better focus their preparation and improve their chances of achieving a high score.
