GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination. It is a computer-delivered test that is offered all year round by ETS which stands for Educational Testing Service. The test is also computer-adaptive, which means that the level of difficulty of the test keeps getting adjusted on the basis of your responses. Paper-delivered GRE tests are also available three times a year but only in selective locations where computer-delivered tests are not accessible.

Let’s talk about the various sections on the GRE.

Sections on the GRE

The GRE has three test sections:

• Verbal Reasoning section
• Quantitative Reasoning section 
• And Analytical Writing section 

The Verbal Reasoning section assesses your ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it. It emphasizes the understanding of words, meanings, jargons as well as vocabulary. There are two sections of verbal reasoning on the test. 

The Quantitative Reasoning section assesses your understanding of the mathematical concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. There are two sections of quantitative reasoning as well. There is also a surprise section on the test which can be either a verbal reasoning or quantitative reasoning section. 

The Analytical Writing section asks you to write two essays. One essay is about “Analyzing an issue” and the other is about “Analyzing an argument.” 

The total time an average GRE takes is 3 hours and 30 minutes. You obtain a GRE score as soon as you finish the test! But remember that this score is only based on the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections; your analytical writing section is yet to be assessed. Your final official scores are reported to you 10-15 days after the test and include information on all three sections. 

Scoring on the GRE

The GRE is administered on the scale of 340. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative reasoning sections are each scored on a scale of 170.

The analytical writing section is scored separately and is on the scale of 12. So, each essay is scored on a scale of 6.  

You might be wondering what a good GRE score looks like? A good GRE score is 310 or above on the scale of 340. Usually, when people talk about their GRE scores, they’re only mentioning a total of their quantitative and verbal reasoning sections. 

Most universities in the US require a GRE score when you apply for a master’s degree. MBA programs and Law programs that initially accepted different standardized tests have also started accepting GRE scores now. Some programs would mention that they don’t require a GRE score for their applications but recommend it. In such cases, we would still suggest taking the GRE for better admission prospects! 

At UniRely, our expert mentors will guide you on the requirements of applying to universities in the US for a Masters degree. For more information about how to apply to universities in the US for your master’s degree, please visit our website – www.unirely.com.