What is GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) consists of two separate tests: the
General Test and the Subject Test in psychology. The General Test is composed
of three parts--verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing. The verbal and
the quantitative tests each yield a separate score between
200-800. Scores on the analytical writing test are reported in ˝-point
increments along a scale of 0 to 6. The Subject Test, required by only some
programs, measures knowledge of psychological concepts that are essential to graduate study;
it also yields a score of from 200-800. The book, Graduate Study in Psychology,
will tell you whether schools
require the GRE as well as the minimum scores they require for admission.
More than anything else, your admission to graduate school
will depend on your scores on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE
(not the Subject Test). It is essential that you do well--at least 550 on each
test (600+ is even better)--to get into most doctoral programs. Master's programs
are less competitive, so lower scores (450-500 on each of the tests) are less
of a problem. You will probably have trouble being admitted into any program
with scores less than 450 on one of the tests.
To ensure that you score as high as you can, it is
essential to prepare for the GRE. Buy one of the review books and develop a
systematic plan that will enable you to brush up on your skills in vocabulary, reading
comprehension, analogies, algebra, and geometry. Don't think
that you can "cram" in these areas the week before the test--you will
simply need more time (months) if you are serious about doing well. (When you
register for the GRE General Test, you will receive free software to help you study
for the test, but it is likely that you will need to begin studying before you
register.)
Plan to take the General Test in November. This
will ensure that your scores will be available to meet any admissions deadline.
Also, if you do poorly on your first try, you should have enough time to
re-take the test in December to try to improve your scores. Remember, though,
that you have a 50-50 chance of doing worse on the next try, and that both sets
of scores will be reported to the schools to which you apply, unless you cancel
your scores, an option you have after taking the computerized General Test (you
must cancel without knowing your scores). You will receive your unofficial test
scores on the General Test--taken on computer--as soon as you complete the
test; official scores will be sent to you and to the institutions to which you
will be applying within 10 to 15 days after the test. Scores for the Subject
Test are usually reported about six weeks after you take the test.)
You must register to take any GRE. It is given at
specific testing sites in each state (check to see if your school is one of the
testing sites). For the General Test, it is important to register early to get
your choice of test dates in the busy testing months of November, December, and
January. For the Subject Test, you need to register at least six weeks in
advance. In any event, you will need to have taken it by February 1 of your
senior year to meet the admissions deadlines for most doctoral programs. You
can register online (as well as take sample tests and order review books) at
GRE Online. You can also register by mail by completing the registration form
in the GRE Information and Registration Bulletin. You can obtain the latter by
downloading it from GRE- Online or by writing to: GRE, CN 6000,
Taking the General Test (Verbal, Quantitative,
Analytical Writing)
Note that the General Test now includes an
analytical writing test, in which you type or write by hand your answers to two
questions (one on an “issue” topic for 45 minutes and one on an “argument”
topic for 30 minutes). The writing test is always taken first. (You can go
GRE-Online and review examples of both types of questions.) You are permitted
to re-take the General Test only 1 time per calendar month and only 5 times in
a 12-month period. You will receive unofficial scores as soon as you complete
the test; official scores will be sent to you and to the institutions to which
you will be applying within 10 to 15 days after the test. You can register
on-line (www.gre.org) or by calling the 800 number given in the Information and
Registration Bulletin.
Taking the Subject Test
The Subject Test is only given in the
paper-and-pencil version. If you plan to take it, you should do so in November
(remember that you must register for it approximately six weeks before it is
given). Taking the test in November will ensure that your scores will be
available to meet any admissions deadline--it usually takes about six weeks
from the time you take the test for the scores to be reported to you and to
schools. Also, if you do poorly on your first try, you should have enough time
to re-take the test in December to try to improve your scores. If you do poorly
on either the November or December test, you can re-take it the following
April—if the score-reporting dates are not past your admissions deadlines.
Finally, if you are not planning to attend
graduate school immediately upon graduation, you should still take the GRE
sometime during your senior year. Scores are good for five years, and you will
never be as prepared for it as you are now. (It's easy to forget the details of
grammar and math and for your reading speed to drop when you're not in school.)
GRE General Test
What Is It?
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.
Analytical Writing — The skills measured include the test taker's ability to
Verbal
Reasoning — The skills measured include
the test taker's ability to
Quantitative
Reasoning — The skills measured include
the test taker's ability to
Who Takes It and Why?
Prospective graduate
applicants take the General Test. GRE test scores are used by admissions or
fellowship panels to supplement undergraduate records and other qualifications
for graduate
study. The scores provide common measures for comparing the
qualifications of applicants and aid in evaluating grades and recommendations.
Where Do People Take
It?
The General Test is
offered year-round at computer-based
test centers in the
Who Accepts It?
Any accredited graduate
or professional school, or any department or division within a school,
may require or recommend that its applicants take the General Test, a Subject
Test, or both. If approved by the GRE Board, a non-accredited institution can
also receive test takers' scores.
GRE Subject Test
What Are They?
The GRE® Subject Tests
gauge undergraduate
achievement in the eight disciplines listed below. Each Subject Test is
intended for students who have majored in or have extensive background in that
specific area.
Who Takes Them and
Why?
Prospective graduate
applicants take the Subject Tests. GRE test scores are used by admissions or
fellowship panels to supplement undergraduate records and other qualifications
for graduate
study.
The scores provide
common measures for comparing the qualifications of applicants and aid in the
evaluation of grades and recommendations. Some Subject Tests yield sub scores
that can indicate the strengths and weaknesses of individual students'
preparation and may be useful for guidance and placement purposes.
Where Do People Take
Them?
The Subject Tests are
given at paper-based test centers worldwide three times a year in:
Who Accepts Them?
Any accredited graduate
or professional
school, or any department or division within a school,
may require or recommend that its applicants take the General Test, a Subject
Test, or both. A non-accredited institution can receive test takers' scores if
approved by the GRE Board.
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