Almost like the SAT and ACT, the GRE aims to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills that have been acquired over a long period of learning.

The content of the GRE however consists of certain specific algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and vocabulary.

There are two types of GRE, the GRE general test and the GRE subject test.

The main purpose of each GRE examination is to help graduate schools decide if you’ve got the right stuff for their program.

WHAT GRE ENTAILS

There are seven sections to the GRE Test:

• Two Verbal Sections (38 questions and 30 min each)
• Two Quantitative Sections (30 questions and 30 min each)
• Two Analytical Sections (25 questions and 30 min each)
• One Experimental Section (30 min)

The Experimental section is not scored, nor is it identified in the exam booklet.

It may be of a verbal, quantitative, or analytical nature.

There are some important facts to remember when taking the GRE General Test.

First, each question is worth the same number of points, no matter how hard or easy it is.

Second, in each section except the reading comprehension questions (in the Verbal Section), the questions tend to go from easy to difficult. Therefore, it is foolhardy to spend too much time on early questions when you know that later ones will probably take even longer.

You have somewhere around one minute or less to answer each question (on the average), so budget your time effectively.

Finally, when in doubt, guess. Do not leave a question unanswered. There are no penalties on the General Test for wrong answers.

WHEN GRE IS OFFERED

The GRE is offered almost every day of the year. (Not on Sundays or national holidays, though! If you have a full-time job, Saturday is probably your best bet.)

However, there’s a big caveat to that: seats at test centers fill up fast on GRE test dates, so it may not be available to you every day of the year.

That’s why you should register for the exam as soon as you know you want to take it, bearing in mind deadlines for the programs to which you’re applying.

If you’re taking the paper-based exam (rare, but it still happens), it’s so important to schedule your test date as soon as you know you’ll be taking the GRE. Why? Because there are only three GRE test dates a year FOR PAPER-BASED TESTS.

You can take it in September, October, or April—but that’s it.

GRE VS. GMAT

If you are planning to apply to business schools, you might be wondering which entrance exam is better for you – GRE or GMAT

In recent years, some business schools have begun to accept the GRE as a replacement for the GMAT. (To clarify, no schools accept the GMAT instead of the GRE, so that test remains exclusively for business-school candidates.) Both tests have Verbal and Quantitative sections.

So why might you prefer to take the GRE exam?

Well, if you’re very strong in verbal skills but weaker on math, the GRE is probably your better bet. GMAT math is much harder than GRE math.

If you’re stronger in math than verbal, you still might want to consider taking the GRE, depending on your skill set. GMAT verbal isn’t necessarily easier than GRE verbal, but it is more focused on grammar and identifying errors than the GRE is. So if you’re strong in math and vocabulary, the GRE still might be the way to go.

Finally, if you’re strong in math and better at grammar than vocabulary, the GMAT is probably a good test for you.

However, it really doesn’t matter what test you’ll do better. Your choice of the exam must be dependent on your target program whether it will accept the scores or not.

GRE registration is done year-round in most locations around the world.

Register early to get your preferred test date and test location.

Registration can be done online, on phone or via mail.

Online Registration

• You need to create or have an ETS Account to register online. Watch a quick video on how to create your ETS Account.
• Register at least two business days before your preferred test date.
• American Express^®, China UnionPay^®, Diners Club International^®, Discover^®, JCB^®, MasterCard^® or Visa^® credit/debit cards are accepted. Payment by e-check (drawn against U.S. bank accounts only), PayPal and voucher numbers are also accepted.
• If you are testing in Mainland China, refer to the instructions in your NEEA account for payment methods.
• If you are testing in Nigeria, only Visa, PayPal and voucher numbers are accepted.
• If you are paying with a paper check or money order, you will need to request a GRE General Test Authorization Voucher by mail.
• Online registration is not available for test takers with disabilities or health-related needs. Please see Disability Accommodations.

ETS reserves the right to add or delete payment options at its own discretion and without notice.  Register Online Here

Phone Registration

• Call the appropriate Regional Registration Center (RRC) at least two business days before your preferred test date.
• American Express, China UnionPay, Diners Club International, Discover, JCB, MasterCard and Visa credit/debit cards are accepted. Payment by e-check (drawn against U.S. bank accounts only) and voucher numbers are also accepted. If you are testing in Nigeria, only Visa and voucher numbers are accepted.
• Test takers with disabilities or health-related needs, please see Disability Accommodations
• If you are paying with a paper check or money order, you will need to request a GRE General Test Authorization Voucher by mail.

ETS reserves the right to add or delete payment options at its own discretion and without notice.

Register By Mail

Complete the Authorization Voucher Request Form found in the GRE Information and Registration Bulletin. Mail the fee and signed voucher request form in the envelope provided to the address printed on the voucher.

You will receive a confirmation email from ETS that confirms your test choice, test date, test center and score recipients. To correct personal data, contact GRE Services.

CONCLUSION

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