Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Information

A Student Guide to the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

GRE Web Site

Much of the information below was taken (verbatim) from The Princeton Review GRE site.

Taking the GRE at Bridgewater State University

  • Register on-line at  BSU Testing Services (Maxwell Library, Ground Floor): 508-531-1780
  • Busy period: October-January (register early - at least one month in advance)
  • Times: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, (9:00 AM)
  • August - September: Sign up for required standardized tests.
  • October - January: Take standardized tests.
  • Good Advice: Stop by to get acquainted with the testing facility (all computerized)
  • Fee: $130

What is the GRE and how is it structured?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is a multiple-choice admission test for applicants to graduate schools. The test is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), under the sponsorship of the Graduate Record Examinations Board. The GRE is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), and consists of three scored sections:

  • 30-minute, 30-question "Verbal Ability" (vocabulary and reading) section
  • 45-minute, 28-question "Quantitative Ability" (math) section
  • 75-minute, "Analytical Writing Assessment" (two essays written on the computer)

In addition, there may be a marketing survey, or one or two experimental sections, which can be Verbal, Quantitative, or Analytical.

Free Test Preparation Material

When you register for the GRE you will be sent GRE "POWERPREP" CD Software (General test), and/or a Subject Test Practice Book. It may take up to four weeks to receive this material, so take this into account when scheduling your test date. You can also download the Free Test Material from the GRE Web site.

Important Change

In October 2002, the GRE underwent a drastic makeover. The multiple-choice Analytical Skills section was replaced with an Analytical Writing Assessment Test (WAT). According to ETS, the writing section, "has people doing a task much more similar to what they'll be doing in grad school than clicking in an answer on a multiple-choice test."

The section is divided into two parts; for each part you're presented with a topic on which you have to write an essay. The first part lasts 45 minutes and is entitled "Present Your Perspective on an Issue," which requires you to formulate an opinion on an issue of general interest and support that opinion. The second part is entitled "Analyze an Argument", where test takers will have 30 minutes to discuss how convincing they find an argument's line of reasoning and the evidence supporting it.

You are strongly advised to visit "An Introduction to the Analytical Writing Section" of the GRE General Test" (PDF file) at the GRE Web site, which contains a description of the analytical writing section, strategies for each task, directions, scoring information, scoring guides, score level descriptions, a sample test, and scored essay responses with reader commentary. You can also view the entire pool of Issue topics and Argument topics.

What is a CAT and how does it work?

A CAT is a computer-adaptive test, whose software calculates your score based on the number of questions you answer correctly, the difficulty of the questions you answer, and the number of questions you complete. When you take the GRE CAT, you'll begin each section with a medium-level question and a score of 500. If you answer the question correctly, the computer will raise your score and give you a harder question. If you answer the question incorrectly, your score will decrease and you'll be given an easier question. The process repeats for each question in the section, to arrive at your final score for that section.

How is the GRE scored?

The Verbal and Quantitative sections are scored on a scale of 200 to 800. The average scores for the GRE are about 470 for Verbal and 570 for Quantitative. The scoring on the Analytical Writing Assessment is just plain scary. Each essay is read by two readers, each of whom will assign your writing a grade from 0 - 6 in half-point increments. You may think that famous authors and English professors are hired to grade these essays. Think again. Part-time college TAs are the only ones who will see your work!

Your writing will be judged not on small details but rather on its overall impact. The graders are supposed to ignore small errors of grammar and spelling. These graders practically work in a sweatshop environment, with each person getting two minutes to read each essay, tops! That's 30 essays an hour. They have to work for eight hours straight, with only an hour off for lunch, so they basically grade 240 essays a day. The graders do not have time for an in-depth reading of your essay. Do you think a well thought-out idea and clever analysis is going to win them over? Think again, they're really not in the mood. They have a quota to meet so the most your essay will get is a fast skim. So no matter how innovative you were in coming up with original thoughts, that grader has either already seen them or couldn't really care less.

How important are GRE scores?

Schools vary tremendously in the weights they place on the different factors in the admission process, so be sure to contact the specific schools to which you are applying in order to determine their unique requirements. Some programs weight GRE scores very heavily, and/or have a minimum score for applicants, while other programs consider GRE scores more of a formality. In some cases, your GRE scores may be a factor in determining your eligibility for financial aid.

Can I cancel my scores?

Yes. You can cancel your scores immediately after you take the GRE. This is the only time you can cancel your scores. Unfortunately, you must make the decision to cancel at the testing center before you see your scores. In addition, the fact that you cancelled your scores will be noted on your official GRE score report.

How do I know if I am ready for the GRE?

Try the free online GRE course demo, which includes a full-length practice test. When you finish the practice test, you'll get a complete report detailing your strengths and weaknesses. If you are satisfied with your results, then you may be ready. If you feel that you still need help, check out The Princeton Review's many test preparation options or call 800-2Review.

How do I pick a test date?

First, find out the application deadlines for the graduate schools to which you are applying, then work backwards from your earliest deadline. Build some extra time into your planning process for unexpected delays because you can only take the GRE once per calendar month. Keep in mind that it can take as long as four weeks for your official scores to arrive at your designated schools. The GRE is offered at testing centers almost every day. Call your local center for details and to book your test (see above). While in theory you could sign up for the GRE with only two days' notice, don't depend upon this luxury. Call at least one month prior to your desired test date.

What are the GRE Subject Tests?

Some graduate programs may require you to take a GRE Subject Test in order to measure your knowledge of specific subject matter. Subject Tests are available in eight disciplines: biochemistry, cell and molecular biology; biology; chemistry; computer science; literature in English; mathematics; physics; and psychology. These tests are given in paper-and-pencil format three times per year, in November, December, and April.

 

Last Modified: August 24, 2010