GRE

Conquering the GRE: Your Guide to

Graduate School Success

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test widely used for graduate school admissions in the United States and several other countries. It assesses your critical thinking, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.

Why Take the GRE?

While not all graduate programs require the GRE, taking it can offer several advantages:

  1. Standardized Evaluation: Provides a standardized measure of your abilities, allowing schools to compare applicants from diverse backgrounds.
  2. Improved Application: Strong GRE scores can strengthen your application and make you more competitive for top programs.
  3. Flexibility: Accepted by thousands of universities and programs worldwide.
  4. Choice of Scores: You can choose which scores to send to schools, allowing you to highlight your best performance.

What to Expect on Test Day:

The GRE General Test consists of three sections:

  1. Verbal Reasoning: Measures your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical reasoning skills. You will read passages and answer multiple-choice questions.
  2. Quantitative Reasoning: Assesses your basic math skills, data analysis, and problem-solving abilities. You will answer multiple-choice questions involving arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
  3. Analytical Writing: Evaluates your critical thinking and writing skills through two essay prompts. You will analyze an issue and argue a position in one essay, and analyze and evaluate an argument in the other.

Preparing for the GRE:

Several resources can help you prepare for the GRE:

  • Official GRE materials: ETS, the GRE test administrators, offer practice tests, study guides, and video lessons.
  • Preparation course by Excellence Institute of Technical and Management Sciences (EITMS)

Tips for Success

  • Start early and give yourself ample study time: Aim for at least 3-6 months of dedicated preparation.
  • Familiarize yourself with the test format and question types: This will help you pace yourself and avoid surprises on test day.
  • Develop a strong vocabulary foundation: A robust vocabulary is essential for success in the Verbal Reasoning section.
  • Practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills: The GRE is not just about memorizing formulas; it requires you to think critically and apply your knowledge to solve problems.
  • Sharpen your writing skills: Strong writing skills are crucial for the Analytical Writing section.
  • Take practice tests to track your progress and identify areas for improvement: Regularly taking practice tests will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and adjust your study plan accordingly.
  • Manage your time effectively during the test: The GRE is a timed test, so it's important to learn how to pace yourself and manage your time effectively.

Remember, achieving a high GRE score is attainable with the right preparation and strategies. Believe in yourself, commit to studying, and leverage the resources available to you. Good luck on your journey to graduate school success!

Test dates and Locations:

GRE® GENERAL TEST is offered at multiple dates in a month with quick results. To find GRE latest test dates, click here.

https://www.ets.org/gre.htmlTest.html

Test Registration:

GRE® GENERAL TEST can be registered online by creating  ECS account and logging in it directly with For https://www.ets.org/gre/test

Test Results:

Test takers will receive their official scores through email notification from ETS. They can also view their scores on their Official ETS Account. If you wish to have a paper copy of your official Test-taker Score Report, you may use the print functionality in your account to print a copy of your official score report.

ETS also sends official Graduate Institution Score Reports directly to all authorized score recipients that students enter at the end of their exam.

See a sample Graduate Institution Score Report (PDF).

Note: The preparation course by Excellence Institute of Technical and Management Sciences (EITMS) can provide valuable support in your GRE preparation.

GRE test scores are reported in score scale as mentioned below:

 

Section

Score Scale

Verbal Reasoning

130–170, in 1 point increments

Quantitative Reasoning

130–170, in 1 point increments

Analytical Writing

0–6, in half point increments

 

  • No Score (NS) is reported for a component, If no questions are answered in it.
  • Test taker can see their Unofficial Score report for two sections at the end of their exam i-e Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning.

Test Preparation:

Find the GRE General Test Preparation Resources from Here.

Information about the GRE General Test:

 Test Day Information

  1. Test taker must bring Passport or CNIC.
  2. Report the test center 30 min before the test time starts.
  3. Candidate must reach test centre 20-30 minutes before the starting time.
  4. Candidates are required to bring their CNIC card or Passport, or they won’t be allowed to take test.
  5. No edible is allowed within test centre.
  6. Candidates aren’t allowed to bring cell phone, any electronic devices and bags in the test centre.
  7. Stationary and page(s) will be provided by the institute to perform the exam.
  8. GRE General test is of duration of four and a half hours.
  9. Personal calculators are not permitted in the testing room.
  10. You will be required to read and sign a confidentiality statement at the test center agreeing to all rules and regulations. If you do not sign the statement, you cannot test and your test fees will not be refunded.
  11. The test administrator will provide you with scratch paper for use during the test. Scratch paper is not to be used before the test or during breaks. During the test, if you have used all of your scratch paper, you must return it to the test center staff in order to receive more. You cannot remove a page or portion of the scratch paper at any time. All paper, in its entirety, must be returned to the test center administrator at the end of the testing session.
  12. The GRE General Test uses a standard English-language (QWERTY) computer keyboard. It takes its name from the first 6 letters in the third row of the keyboard. If you haven’t used this kind of keyboard before, practice on one before test day to become familiar with it.
  13. If at any time during the test you have a problem with your computer, or for any reason need the administrator, raise your hand.
  14. The GRE General Test includes an optional 10-minute break after the third section and one-minute breaks between the remaining sections of the test. These break times cannot be exceeded. You are required to remain in the test center building or in the immediate area. You are not permitted to go outside the test center building unless it is to use the restroom during the test administration, including breaks.
  15. If you need to leave your seat at any time other than the break, raise your hand; timing of the section will not stop.
  16. You will have access to an on-screen calculator during the Quantitative Reasoning sections.

FAQs

 What is the GRE exam fee?

    • Answer: The GRE exam fee is $205, which can be paid online using a credit or debit card.
  1. How can we find the GRE institution codes?
    • Answer: You can download the PDF list of institutional codes for the GRE. Download it here.
  2. Are GRE scores accepted in Pakistan?
    • Answer: Yes, many universities in Pakistan accept GRE scores. You can download the list of these universities in a PDF.
  3. How can I register for the GRE test with accommodations?
    • Answer: ETS offers special accommodations for test-takers with disabilities and health-related needs. More information can be found at this link. Your exam will be scheduled at our test centers once your accommodations are approved.
  4. Can I bring my own calculator?
    • Answer: No, personal calculators are not allowed in the GRE General Test. An on-screen calculator with basic functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and square root is provided for use in the Quantitative Reasoning section