GRE - Graduate Record Examination
Purpose of the General GRE
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is designed to provide admissions committee members, career counselors, and prospective applicants with predictors of academic performance in graduate-level academic study (Masters and Doctoral programs). GRE scores are only one of several factors considered in the admission decision. Other factors include undergraduate GPA, faculty recommendation letters, application essays (personal statements), and work and other experience.
Who Designs and Administers the GRE?
The GRE is developed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which also conducts ongoing research projects aimed at improving the test. ETS is a non-profit organization and is based in Princeton, New Jersey.
Is the GRE Required for Admission to Graduate-Level Academic Programs?
Admission requirements vary widely among schools and among programs within a school. Most graduate programs require scores for the GRE General Test or a GRE Subject Exam—or both. However, some graduate programs accept scores for the Miller Analogy Test (MAT) in lieu of GRE General Test scores.
A minority of graduate programs use—but don't require—GRE and/or MAT scores to access applicants' qualifications. Schools that do not require either GRE or MAT scores generally have relatively lenient admission standards and/or are located outside of the United States.
GRE - General and GRE - Subject Tests
GRE test is conducted in two categories - General GRE test and Subject GRE test. General GRE test is conducted all-round-the-year. Unlike other exams, you can choose your own date and time for taking the GRE Test. The test is administered in the five-days-a-week (Monday through Friday), twice-a-day. September to December is the high season for GRE Test, so in case you intend to take the test during this period, you need to register very early (say 2-3 months in advance) to get a date of your choice.
Who can take the GRE
Anyone is eligible to appear in GRE General test. There are no restrictions based on age or qualifications. The test scores are valid for five years, i.e., most universities accept scores up to five years old.
GRE - Subject
The GRE Subject test is meant to assess candidate's qualification in a specific field of study. It is required mainly for Doctoral Study in the US and is also required by some universities for Masters Level programs. GRE Subject test is a written test and not a computer test like the General GRE test. It is held thrice a year
The test is available in eight different areas:
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Literature in English
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
GRE Prep Classes
GRE is a worldwide test and its prep classes are available around the globe. Many institutions offer its preparation classes online as well. In Pakistan only one institution - College of Admission Tests has capabilities to conduct GRE classes.
