If you’re aiming to take the GRE exam in 2024, you’re on the right path to opening doors to graduate schools worldwide. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the GRE exam, including important dates, schedule, pattern, and everything else you need to know. Let's dive into the essentials and ensure you're fully prepared for the test day.
This article answers the following questions:
- What is the GRE exam?
- What are the types of GRE tests?
- What is the structure and timing of the GRE General Test?
- What is the GRE exam pattern?
- What is the GRE exam dates for 2024?
- How do I register for the GRE exam?
- What are the fees for the GRE exam?
- What is the eligibility for the GRE exam?
- What is the validity of GRE scores?
- What is the GRE exam used for?
- How do I prepare for the GRE exam?
- What is the total testing time for the GRE General Test?
- Where can I find test preparation materials for the GRE?
What is the GRE Exam?
The GRE exam, or Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools in the United States and other countries. It measures your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. The GRE exam is designed to assess your readiness for graduate-level work. In a nutshell, if you are planning to go to graduate, business, or law school, then you need to take the GRE test.
Types of GRE Tests
There are two types of GRE tests administered:
GRE General Test
The GRE General Test evaluates candidates on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, skills that are essential for success in graduate programs. It is widely accepted by universities for various disciplines. This test measures your ability to think critically, analyze written material, solve quantitative problems, and articulate complex ideas effectively.
GRE Subject Tests
The GRE Subject Tests focus on specific fields such as Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. These subject-specific tests are intended for students who have an extensive background in one of these areas and want to highlight their expertise to prospective graduate programs. Taking a GRE Subject Test can showcase your in-depth knowledge and strengthen your application to specialized programs.
GRE Exam Dates for 2024
The GRE exam is available throughout the year, offering flexibility in choosing a date that fits your schedule. For 2024, you can select test dates from January to December. It's important to book your test date as early as possible because popular dates can fill up quickly. Here is an image of the test date selection screen.
- GRE General Test: Available year-round, usually on a rolling basis. You can take it at home or at a test center.
- GRE Subject Tests: Offered three times a year in September, October, and April.
Test Administration
Online Test Administration
The GRE can be taken online from home, offering flexibility and convenience. However, you must meet technical requirements and follow strict proctoring protocols, such as identity verification and continuous monitoring by a live proctor or invigilator, to ensure test security and fairness.
Test Center Administration
Alternatively, the GRE can also be taken at authorized test centers, availableworldwide. These centers provide a controlled environment with all necessary equipment and supervision. The test center administration follows standardized procedures to ensure a consistent and secure testing experience for all candidates.
Check our comprehensive guide on GRE Exam Preparation
GRE Exam Registration
Creating an ETS Account
First, you will need to create an ETS Account at www.ets.org/mygre to do the following:
- Register for a GRE test
- Sign up for the free GRE® Search Service
- Purchase test preparation materials
- View, change or cancel your registration
- View your scores
- Order Additional Score Reports
- Access the free GRE Diagnostic Service
How to Apply for the GRE Exam
Registering for the GRE exam is straightforward. Follow these steps:
Create an ETS Account: Go to the ETS website and sign up for an account.
Sign In for Test Takers (ets.org)
Select Your Test Date and Center: Choose a convenient date and location for the test.
Fill in Your Details: Complete the registration form with your personal information.
Pay the Exam Fee: Pay the registration fee to confirm your booking.
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Fees for GRE Exam
The GRE exam cost varies by country. As of 2024, the standard test fee is $220 in most locations. Additional fees may apply for special services like late registration or rescheduling. Check the ETS website, GRE General Test Fees (ets.org), for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding fees for the GRE exam.
|
LOCATION |
FEE |
|
INDIA |
22550/- |
|
China |
$231.30 |
|
Other parts of the world |
$220 |
Fees are stated in U.S. dollars, effective July 1, 2024, and are subject to change without notice.
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GRE General Test Pattern and Timing
The GRE General Test, administered beginning on September 22, 2023, is composed of three sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Here is a detailed breakdown of each section and their respective timings:
- Analytical Writing:
- One section with one timed writing task
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Verbal Reasoning:
- One 18-minute section with 12 questions
- One 23-minute section with 15 questions
- Quantitative Reasoning:
- One 21-minute section with 12 questions
- One 26-minute section with 15 questions
The total testing time for the GRE General Test is approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes.
Further Reading: GRE Syllabus
Purpose and Validity of the GRE Exam
What is the Purpose of the GRE Exam?
The GRE exam is used by graduate and business schools to assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study. It provides a common measure for comparing candidates' academic abilities, helping admissions committees make informed decisions.
GRE Validity
Your GRE exam scores are valid for five years from the test date. This allows you some flexibility in your application timeline. For example, if you take the test in 2024, your scores will be valid until 2029.
For information related to cancelation, refund, retest, ID requirements, score reports, and refund policies you can check the latest ETS bulletin - gre-info-bulletin-2024-25.pdf (ets.org)
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