Err... What is GRE?

Individuals applying to graduate schools to pursue a Masters in Arts (MA) or Science (MS) take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). The test helps schools by providing them with common parameter to gauge the competence of the applicants.It is a standardized computer adaptive test.To elaborate : a Computer adaptive test starts with a question of medium difficulty level,if it the answer is right then a question of high difficulty is asked. However, If the question is answered wrong the next one becomes easier.

Tried Trick: Answer the first question wrong so that the next one is easier, and from the on moves to a higher level of difficulty.

Result: Never works.

Why: Easier questions earn fewer points, so the loss is more than the gain when u answer the first /first few questions wrong.

• The General Test measures verbal reasoning , quantitative ability, and analytical writing skills. Data shows that scores on the GRE General Test consistently predict graduate school students' grades and performance.
• For the brave:The Subject Test measures the achievement in a particular subject area or extensive background in that discipline. These tests are in the following areas: Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Literature (English), Physics and Psychology.It is conducted on a fixed date for everyone, more on the terms of an entrance exam.

  The subject test is generally only required for admission by some particular universities and most of the universities don’t require you to take one. So before taking the GRE subject test refer to the university website for the requirements. Although most of the good schools recommend a subject gre to gauge the technical potential of the student.

In addition to being an admission criterion, schools often use GRE scores to determine eligibility for merit-based grants and fellowships, as well as teaching and research assistantships programs Gre scores can be as important as the most decisive factor for admission to being a mere formality for admission.A decent GRE score ,though,irrespective of the university is a good cushion for applying to the top universities.

The GRE is conducted by the Education Testing Services group (ETS) at select qualified test centers. For now, the test can be taken all the year round. From coming year, however, there will be fixed dates. The fees for the test are US$140 (Rs 7,000).