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Graduate Record Examination, GRE

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.

The GRE Subject Tests gauge undergraduate achievement in eight specific fields of study and can help forecast a candidate's potential for success in graduate school. Each Subject Test is intended for students who have majored in or have extensive background in that specific area.

The GRE General Test

Prospective graduate school applicants take the GRE General Test. The Graduate Record Examination General Test scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement undergraduate records and other qualifications for graduate study. The GRE test scores provide common measures for comparing the qualifications of applicants and aid in evaluating grades and recommendations.

The GRE Analytical Writing: The skills measured include the GRE 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.

The GRE 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.

The GRE 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.

Where Do People Take the GRE General Test?

The GRE General Test is offered GRE ear-round at computer-based test centers in the U.S., Canada, and many other countries. It is offered at paper-based test centers in areas of the world where computer-based testing is not available.

Who Accepts the GRE General Test?

Any accredited graduate or professional school, or any department or division within a school, may require or recommend that its applicants take the GRE General Test, a GRE Subject Test , or both. If approved by the GRE Board, a non-accredited institution can also receive test takers' scores.

The GRE Subject Test

The GRE Subject Tests gauge undergraduate achievement in the eight disciplines listed below. Each GRE Subject Test is intended for students who have majored in or have extensive background in that specific area.

  • Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Computer Science
  • Literature in English
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology

Who Takes the GRE Subject Tests 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 GRE Subject Tests yield subscores that can indicate the strengths and weaknesses of individual students' preparation and may be useful for guidance and placement purposes.

Where Do People Take the GRE Subject Tests?

The GRE Subject Tests are given at paper-based test centers worldwide three times a year in:

  • November
  • December
  • April

Who Accepts the GRE Subject Tests?

Any accredited graduate or professional school, or any department or division within a school, may require or recommend that its applicants take the GRE General Test, a GRE Subject Test, or both. A non-accredited institution can receive test takers' scores if approved by the GRE Board.