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Introduction
The primary purpose of the GRE is to assist schools in
selecting the best-qualified candidates for admission to
general graduate programs. Schools also use GRE scores to
determine eligibility for merit-based grants and
scholarships, as well as teaching and research
assistantships. The test assesses the verbal, math, and
analytical skills of applicants for graduate school.
The GRE
computer-based General Test is an adaptive test that
covers the same content and uses the same types of
questions as the paper-based General GRE Test. Applicants
can take the computer-based General Test once a month up
to 5 times per year, the exam is offered the first three
weeks of every month. The fee to take the GRE is $105. The
total time for the test is approximately 4 hours.
The
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) measures an individual’s
ability to handle graduate level academics through verbal,
quantitative, and analytical reasoning questions. This
examination is developed and administered by the
Educational Testing Service (ETS). Graduate school
admissions officers use the scores to gauge a student’s
abilities and compare them to other applicants.
The GRE is now a computer adaptive test (CAT). This means
that you will take the test on a computer, no more
pencils, ovals, and erasers. You only view one test
question at a time and must answer it before you can view
the next question. The questions increase in difficulty
based on your ability to answer the question before it
correctly. The computer selects the appropriate questions
based on your answers and the test will continue this way
until you have achieved the required mix of concepts and
question types.
Each of the three sections that you are tested on, verbal,
quantitative, and comprehension, are scored within a range
of 200 to 800. You can score no higher that 800 nor lower
that 200 on anyone section.
More information can be found by contacting:
Educational Testing Service
GRE Testing Program
CN 6000
Princeton, NJ 08541-6000
USA
http://www.gre.org
Test Procedures:
The
GRE® General Test measures critical thinking, analytical
writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning
skills that have been acquired over a long period of time
and that are not related to any specific field of study.
·
Verbal (V): 30-minute section (30 questions)
·
Quantitative (Q): 45-minute
section (28 questions)
·
Analytical (A): 60-minute section (35 questions)
Analytical Writing — The skills measured include the test
taker's ability to
-
articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively
-
examine claims and accompanying evidence
-
support ideas with relevant reasons and examples
-
sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion
-
control the elements of standard written English.
Verbal
Reasoning — The skills measured include the test taker's
ability to
-
analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize
information obtained from it
-
analyze relationships among component parts of sentences
-
recognize relationships between words and concepts.
Quantitative Reasoning — The skills measured include the
test taker's ability to
-
understand basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra,
geometry, and data analysis
-
reason quantitatively
-
solve
problems in a quantitative setting.
Score
Applicants will receive a GRE "scaled score" within a
range of 200-800 for each of the two sections (verbal and
quantitative). The highest score on any one section is 800
and the lowest score on a section is 200. Score for each
section
is
determined by two factors: how many questions were
answered correctly, and the level of difficulty of the
questions correctly answered. For each of the scaled
scores, applicants also receive a percentile ranking from
0-99%. Percentile rank in each section reflects an
applicant's performance in each section relative to all of
the GRE test-takers during the most recent three-year
period.
GRE score reports are “cumulative” – they include all
scores for GRE tests which an applicant has taken during
the previous 5 years. In addition, all test absences and
score cancellations appear on the official report.
Registration
The GRE Information and Registration Bulletin published by
ETS (Educational Testing Services) contains all of the
information regarding registration procedures and test
dates. This can be obtained by calling the Educational
Testing Service at-
Mail: Graduate Record Examinations
Educational Testing Services
P.O. Box 6014
Princeton, NJ 08541-6014
Telephone: 1-800-537-3160 (to request a Bulletin)
Outside U.S.A. or Canada, (609) 771-7243
E- Mail: gre@ets.org
Internet:
http://www.gre.org
How does the
Computer-Based General Test Work?
At the start of the test, you are presented with test
questions of middle difficulty. As you answer each
question, the computer scores that question and uses that
information, as well as your responses to any preceding
questions and information about the test design, to
determine which question is presented next. As long as you
respond correctly to each question, questions of increased
difficulty typically will be presented. When you enter
incorrect responses, the computer typically will present
you with questions of lesser difficulty. Your next
question will be the one that best reflects both your
previous performance and the test design. This means that
different test takers will be given different questions.
Since the computer scores each question before selecting
the next one, you must answer each question when it is
presented. For this reason, once you answer a question and
move on to another, you cannot go back and change your
answer. The computer has already incorporated both your
answer and requirements of the test design into its
selection of the next question for you.
Each computer-based test section meets pre-established
specifications, including the types of questions answered
correctly and incorrectly, including the difficulty
levels, are taken into account in the calculation of the
score. Therefore, it is appropriate to compare scores of
different test takers even though they received different
questions.
ETS has conducted research studies indicating that
computer-based General Test Scores are comparable to
scores earned on the paper-based General Test.
Test Registration
Register to Test (US, American Samoa, Guam, US Virgin
Islands, Puerto Rico, and Canada).
Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served
basis, so register as soon as you know your application
deadlines. Avoid the crowded testing period of November
through January.
There are three ways you can register for a General Test:
1. Register by Phone
2. Register by Fax
3. Register by Mail
On the Test Date
Plan to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes
prior to your scheduled appointment for check-in
procedures. If you arrive late, you may not be admitted
and your test fees will be forfeited.
What to bring to the test center:
· your authorization voucher (if you requested one from
ETS)
· acceptable identification
· the names of the schools where you would like to send
your scores (See the instructions)
Testing Center Rules and Regulations
· The test will be given on the day and at the time
scheduled.
· Test takers will be assigned seats.
· Testing aids are not permitted in the testing room.
These include but are not limited to beepers, pens,
calculators, watch calculators, books, pamphlets, rulers,
highlighter pens, stereos or radios with headphones,
cellular phones, watch alarms (including those with
flashing lights or alarm sounds), dictionaries,
translators, any electronic or photographic devices or
keyboards.
· You may not eat, drink, or use tobacco during the test.
· Dress in a way that you can adapt to any room
temperature.
· ID verification at the test center may include
thumbprinting, photographing, videotaping, or another form
of electronic ID confirmation. This does not replace the
photo ID requirements.
· If you requested and received an authorization voucher
from ETS, you must take it with you to the test center.
· On occasion, technical problems may require late starts
and/or rescheduling of your test.
· You will be asked to complete a confidentiality
statement at the test center. If you do not sign the
statement, you cannot test and your fees will NOT be
refunded.
· Other than ID, personal items are not allowed in the
testing room. Before the test, you will be told where you
can deposit such items as telephones, pagers, handbags,
and the like.
· Test centers do not have large waiting areas. Friends or
relatives who accompany you to the test center will not be
permitted to wait in the test center or contact you while
you are taking the test.
· The administrator will provide you with scratch paper
that may be replaced as needed during testing. You may not
take your own scratch paper to the test, nor may you
remove scratch paper from the testing room at any time.
· There will be an optional 10-minute break after section
2 of the testing session. If you need to leave your seat
at any other time, raise your hand; timing of the section
will not stop.
· The time permitted for a break may not be exceeded.
· If at any time during the test you believe you have a
problem with your computer, or need the administrator for
any reason, raise your hand to notify the administrator.
Grounds for Dismissal
The test center administrator/super
visor is authorized to dismiss you from a test session for
attempting to take the test for someone else; failure to
provide acceptable identification; creating a disturbance;
giving or receiving unauthorized help; eating or drinking
during the test; using notes, books, calculators,
wristwatch calculators, digital assistants, or other aids;
attempting to remove scratch paper from the computer-based
testing room, exceeding time permitted for a scheduled
break; attempting to tamper with the operation of the
computer; attempting to remove from the test room test
questions in any format or any notes relating to the test
on paper or in any electronic form.
Failure to comply with the test administrator/supervisor's
directions can result in the cancellation of your test. If
this should be necessary, your scores will not be
reported, and your fees will not be refunded.
Cheating
Although tests are administered under strict supervision
and security measures, testing irregularities may
sometimes occur. Please contact us as soon as possible to
report any behavior or suspicion of cheating, e.g.,
someone receiving assistance or copying from another test
taker, taking a test for someone else, having access to
test questions before the exam, or using notes or
unauthorized aids. All information will be held strictly
confidential. Call 1-800-353-8570 (U.S. only), Fax
609-406-9709 or send a e-mail to tsreturns@ets.org
Test-Taking Strategies
We strongly urge you to carefully review the following
information and the ETS as you prepare for your test and
before you arrive at the test center. It could help
improve your chances for success.
1 .Become familiar with the test before test day.
· Learn about the test by downloading the new CBT . It is
always best to know as much as possible about what to
expect before you arrive at the test center. Thoroughly
read this section of our web site to learn about the
purpose of the test, the content of the questions, test
day procedures, and test preparation strategies and
materials.
· Once you know what to expect on your test, it's time to
practice. At a minimum you should do some sample questions
from each section of the test to become familiar with
them. Try our free interactive sample questions, or
download the full-length GRE Practice General Test. You
can also purchase test preparation materials.
· Try to practice test questions under timed conditions so
that you get used to the pace of the test. In other words,
if there are 20 questions in a section and you have a
total of 40 minutes to complete the section, give yourself
an average of 2 minutes to complete each question. When
you are practicing, keep your time in mind and remember
that if you spend too much time on one question, you will
have less time to spend on others.
· Use the computer tutorial to your advantage. When you
arrive at the test center on the test day, you will have
the opportunity to complete an untimed computer tutorial
before the actual test begins. This tutorial will let you
try out the functions of the computer (e.g., the mouse,
the scroll bar) that you will need to use during the test.
You can spend as much time as you need to make yourself
familiar and comfortable with the computer before you
start the timed sections of the test. Don't start until
you are ready! Once the test is under way, you can always
click on "Help" to review the directions or a summary of
the tutorial again, but be aware that this will count
against your allotted time for that section of the test.
Some questions, graphs, or passages are too large to
appear completely on the computer screen. In these cases a
"scroll bar" appears to the right of the material and the
word "Beginning" appears on the information line at the
top of the screen. These are your cues to scroll for more
information.
2. Pace yourself throughout the test - You want to finish!
· Use the resources available for test practicing (Web
site, test preparation books, or software) to become
familiar with the test and test instructions before you
get to the test center.
· Read the directions carefully before you begin. The
directions at the beginning automatically alert you when
five minutes remain in the allotted time for that section.
· Try to budget enough time for each question so that you
will be able to complete the test without having to rush
at the end of each section. Keep in mind the average
amount of time you may want to spend per question.
· Once you start the test, an on-screen clock display will
continuously count down the remaining time. You can hide
this display if you want, but it is a good idea to check
the clock periodically to monitor your progress. The clock
will automatically alert you when 5 minutes remain in the
allotted time for that section.
· Use your time wisely. Read each question carefully to
determine exactly what is being asked. Eliminate the wrong
answers and select the best choice. Don't let yourself get
stuck on a tough question and lose time. Keep moving
through the test and try to finish each section.
· You may want to use the one-minute break between test
sections to replenish your supply of scratch paper. After
section 2, an on-screen message will tell you a 10-minute
break is available. Section timing will not stop if you
take an unscheduled break.
3. Know the rules.
· Computer-adaptive tests require that you answer every
question in the order it is presented. You can't skip a
question and go back. The computer selects the next
question you see from a large pool of available questions
based upon your previous responses.
· Click on the appropriate answer. Answer each question by
clicking on the oval next to your answer choice or by
clicking on any part of the text of that answer choice.
Complete your answer by clicking on "Next" and then
"Answer Confirm." You can change your answer any time
before confirming it by clicking on a different answer
choice.
· Understand the implications of exiting a section or
quitting the test. Once you exit a section, you cannot
return to it. Click on the "Test Quit" box at the bottom
of your screen only if you decide to end your testing
session. If you quit the test, you will not receive a
score for any section, even for sections you have already
completed. If you click on "Section Exit" or "Test Quit"
by mistake, you will be given the opportunity to reverse
or confirm your decision. You may take the CBT once per
calendar month. This is true even if you ended your
testing session by clicking on "Test Quit " or canceled
your scores after completing the test.
4. Understand how the test is scored.
· Computer-adaptive tests are scored differently than most
paper and pencil tests. Your score on the
computer-adaptive test depends on a combination of such
factors as
5. Don't panic if you don't know an answer.
· Don't spend too much time on any one question. The last
thing you want to do is waste a lot of valuable time on
any one question. If, after you've given it a reasonable
amount of thought, you don't know the answer, eliminate as
many answer choices as possible and then select and
confirm the answer you think is best. Keep going and aim
to complete the test.
· If you are running out of time at the end of a section,
make every effort to complete the test. Data indicate that
most candidates get higher scores if they finish the test.
In fact, based on analyses of test takers, a majority of
test takers will score higher if they finish the test than
if they do not attempt to answer all of the questions.
There is a chance that guessing at the end of the test can
seriously lower your score. The best strategy is to pace
yourself so that you have time to consider each test
question, so you don't have to guess. Guessing at the end
of the test can seriously lower your score.
The Test Development Process
The General Test is composed of questions formulated
by specialists in various fields. Each question is
reviewed by several independent critics and revised if
necessary. New questions are pretested in actual tests
under standard testing conditions.
Questions appearing in a test for the first time are
analyzed for usefulness and potential weaknesses; they are
not used in computing scores. Questions that perform
satisfactorily become part of a pool from which new
editions of the General Test are assembled at a future
date.
After questions for a new edition of a General Test have
been assembled, they are reviewed by other subject matter
experts and test specialists from inside and outside ETS.
Individual test questions and the test as a whole are
reviewed to eliminate material considered to be
potentially offensive, inappropriate for major subgroups
of the test-taking population, or serving to perpetuate
any negative attitude concerning these subgroups.
The extensive procedure described above has been developed
to ensure that every question in the General Test is
appropriate and useful and that the combination of
questions is satisfactory. Even so, the appraisal
continues until after the new edition has been
administered and subjected to a rigorous statistical
analysis, before scores are reported, to see whether each
question yields the expected statistical results.
This analysis could provide information that suggests that
a particular question is ambiguous, requires knowledge
beyond the scope of the test, or is inappropriate for the
total group or for a particular subgroup of test takers.
Answers to questions found to have such flaws are not used
in computing scores.
CBT Scoring Process
Scores will be based on one section each of verbal,
quantitative, and analytical questions.
You will receive a test score on every section (except
unidentified pretest sections and/or research sections),
regardless of the number of questions answered, even if
time expires before you answer all the questions. However,
if you answer no questions at all in a section, that
section will be reported as a No Score (NS).
Your score on each section of the test will depend on the
number of questions answered in the time allotted, as well
as on your performance on the questions given. The
questions given are selected because they best reflect
both your performance on previous questions and the test
design. The test design factors that influence which
questions will be presented to you include:
· the statistical characteristics of those questions
already answered (including the difficulty level)
· question types
· appropriate coverage of content
Canceling Your Scores
Upon completing the CBT General Test, you can choose to
view your unofficial scores on screen immediately or
cancel them before viewing them. If you choose to cancel
your scores, they cannot be reinstated, and no refund will
be made.
Current policy states that you may take the General Test
one time per calendar month. This is true even if you
canceled your scores on a previous test taken within the
same month.
Reporting Your Score
Unofficial scores will appear on your screen following the
test. If you choose to view your scores, you may request
that they be sent to as many as 4 graduate institutions at
no additional charge. An official paper score report will
be mailed from ETS to you and to your score recipients
10-15 days following the test. However, institutions have
the option of receiving scores on paper roster, disk,
tape, or internet. These forms are sent out approximately
twice a month.
· If an institution is not listed, ask the test center
administrator for help.
· If you do not select institutions on the test day, you
will be required to pay $13 per recipient to have the
scores sent at a later time.
· Test centers cannot provide written copies of score
reports. |
