What is the GRE Test and how is it structured?

The Graduate Record Examinations (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:

• Two essays to be written on the computer: Analysis of an Argument and Analysis of an Issue (introduced in October 2002)

• One 45-minute, 28-question Math section: Problem Solving and Quantitative Comparison

• One 30-minute, 30-question Verbal section: Sentence Completions, Antonyms, Analogies, and Reading Comprehension

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

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 Test scored?

Each of the multiple-choice sections is scored on a scale of 200 to 800. The average scores for the GRE are about 470 for Verbal and 570 for Quantitative. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6.

How important are my 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. It is important to note that your GRE scores are a major factor in determining your eligibility for financial aid.

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 test 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. While in theory you could sign up for the GRE test with only two days' notice, don't depend upon this luxury. Call at least one month prior to your desired test date.

When the GRE is conducted in Pakistan?

The GRE is offered at testing centers almost every day in Pakistan. Call your local center for details and to book your test. 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.

Where the GRE is conducted in Pakistan?

There are two local offices that conduct the GRE in Pakistan. One is in Karachi and the other is Lahore. The contact numbers of the two are as follows.

Global Education Center                     LUMS(Lahore University of Management Sciences)
Ph:021-5823671                                    Ph:042-5722670-79

What fees are associated with the GRE Test?

The fee to take the GRE test is $115 within the United States, some U.S. Territories, and Puerto Rico. The fee is $140 in all other locations including Pakistan.

What are the GRE Subject Tests?

The GRE Subject Tests are intended 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.

These tests are given separately from the GRE General Test and require additional fees. Check with the graduate schools to which you are applying to determine whether any of these extra tests are required.

Where can I get more information about the GRE Test?

You can contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) at: (800) GRE-CALL (609) 771-7670 or on their website, www.gre.org

GRE SAMPLE TEST:

If you want to practice the sample questions or the test, you can download free GRE PowerPrep software from the site www.gre.org

GRE PowerPrep Software: (FREE)

Includes two computer-based GRE General Tests, sample analytical writing topics, scored sample essays and reader commentary, test-taking strategies, a math review, and test tutorials.