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GRE Preparation Overview

All you need to know GRE Preparation: Overview

Graduate Record Exam is one of the largest testing exams for graduate and post graduate admits across the world. Primarily this is attempted by students targeting admissions out of their home countries. It is recognized uniformly among the top universities and has been made part of their master and doctoral degree application process. This exam is conducted by Education Testing Service (ETS). The test focuses on 3 sections – Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing. ETS has both options – Paper based or Computer Based testing. You can refer the structure of both the formats on the ETS website.

GRE Preparation: Sections

Structure of the Computer-delivered Test

The overall testing time for the paper-delivered test is about 3.5 hours. There are six sections with a 10-minute break following the second section. Measure Number of Questions Allotted Time. The Analytical Writing sections will always be first, while the other four sections may appear in any order.

01.

Analytical Writing Assessment

One “Analyze an Issue” task and one “Analyze an Argument” task 30 minutes per task

02.

Quantitative Reasoning

[Two Sections]25 questions per section 35 minutes per section​

03.

Verbal Reasoning​

[Two Sections]25 questions per section 40 minutes per section​

Above information is as per the ETS website. We will keep updating as and when changes are announced by the testing agency.

Structure of the Computer-delivered Test

The overall testing time for the computer-delivered exam is about 3 hours and 45 minutes. There are 6 sections with a 10-minute break following the third section. Measure Number of Questions Allotted Time. The Analytical Writing sections will always be first, while the other sections may appear in any order.

01.

Analytical Writing Assessment​

One “Analyze an Issue” task and one “Analyze an Argument” task 30 minutes per task

02.

Quantitative Reasoning

[Two Sections]25 questions per section 35 minutes per section​

03.

Verbal
Reasoning ​​

[Two Sections] 20 questions per section 30 minutes per section​

04.

*Unidentified Unscored

Time & Section Varies​​

05.

**Identified Research ​

Time & Sections Varies​

* An unidentified unscored section that does not count toward your score may be included and may appear in any order after the Analytical Writing section. Questions in the unscored section are being tried out either for possible use in future tests or to ensure that scores on new editions of the test are comparable to scores from earlier editions.

** An identified research section that does not count toward your score may be included in place of the unscored section. The research section will always appear at the end of the test. Questions in this section are included for ETS research purposes.

Above information is as per the ETS website. We will keep updating as and when changes are announced by the testing agency.

GRE Preparation: Cut-Off

Many students ask about whether they have passed or failed in the GRE. Actually, GRE will result into a score. This score will just be a part of the application process and then it is up to University to provide certain weightage or set a minimum acceptance limit for a particular program. A certain score can neither guarantee an admission nor does a bad score mean you will not be accepted in the program. Generally, university will grant admits based on strength of the application of a candidate.

Eligibility

There is no criteria to attempt the GRE. But since this a Graduate Record Test used in applying to universities for masters or doctoral programs, you will be eligible to do so only if you have completed your undergraduate degree. There is no age or qualification criteria to attempt only GRE. This exam is conducted around the year and candidate can select the date based on admission cycle and his convenience.

GRE Preparation: Sectional Details​

Briefly, here are the four main areas across which you will be assessed:

Arithmetic:
This section includes questions pertaining to integers and their properties, including topics such as prime numbers, divisibility, factorization, exponents and roots, as well as tests your grip over concepts like percentages, ratios, decimal representations and the number line.

Algebra:
Simplifying algebraic expressions, solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities and coordinate geometry, including graphs of functions, equations, and inequalities, intercepts, and slopes of lines.

Geometry:
Among other things, this section contains properties of lines, circles, triangles (including isosceles, equilateral and 30°-60°-90° triangles), polygons, 3D figures, area, volume, perimeter, and the Pythagoras theorem. This part is often deemed to be the most challenging domain.

Data Analysis:

Topics include basic descriptive statistics, such as mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, interquartile range, quartiles and percentiles; interpretation of data in tables and graphs, such as line graphs, bar graphs, circle graphs, boxplots, scatterplots and frequency distributions; elementary probability, such as probabilities of compound events and independent events; conditional probability; random variables and probability distributions, including normal distributions; and counting methods, such as combinations, permutations and Venn diagrams.

The content in these areas includes high school mathematics and statistics at a level that is generally no higher than a second course in algebra; it does not include trigonometry, calculus or other higher-level mathematics.

The Verbal Reasoning assesses your ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences and recognize relationships among words and concepts.
Verbal Reasoning questions appear in several formats. About half of the measure requires you to read passages and answer questions on those passages. The other half requires you to read, interpret and complete existing sentences, groups of sentences or paragraphs.

The Analytical Writing measure tests your critical thinking and analytical writing skills. It assesses your ability to articulate and support complex ideas, construct and evaluate arguments, and sustain a focused and coherent discussion. It does not assess specific content knowledge.

The Analytical Writing measure consists of two separately timed analytical writing tasks: a 30-minute “Analyze an Issue” task and a 30-minute “Analyze an Argument” task
The Issue task presents an opinion on an issue of general interest followed by specific instructions on how to respond to that issue. You are required to evaluate the issue, consider its complexities and develop an argument with reasons and examples to support your views.

The Argument task requires you to evaluate a given argument according to specific instructions. You will need to consider the logical soundness of the argument rather than agree or disagree with the position it presents.

GRE Preparation:Prepare on your Own or look out for best online coaching institute?
Many students remain in dilemma whether to prepare for GRE on their own or to go for coaching classes. These days there are plethora of options even for coaching classes – online and offline. Many offer personalized guidance in a limited batch.

Although there is no replacement to self-preparation, there is no harm in asking for professional help from an experienced trainer. Since this exam is an expensive one, it is advisable to ace in one go with best of preparation.

CareerCarta, provider of one of the best online GRE classes, will always advise students to make a better judgement of the preparatory program evaluating factors like quality of the trainer, travel time before enrolling in a physical coaching class, and most importantly size of the batch. Don’t just fall prey to advertisements highlighting success of past students. Every student has his or her own caliber to attempt the exam.

GRE Preparation: Still need more clarity?
We are a platform that connects aspiring candidates with experts who have aced the GRE exam. We offer highly personalized courses at the most affordable market beating prices. If you want to join our online/offline course write to us at connect@careercarta.com. Alternatively you can fill the form below.

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