What Is the GRE Used For?
The GRE, or graduate record examination, is designed for undergraduate students who want to attend graduate school in business, law, and everything in between. Students use this exam to showcase their skills and improve their chances of being accepted into graduate school. Admissions teams also use the GRE at graduate schools worldwide to determine if a student is ready for grad school, a good fit for a particular school, or willing to take on the following path on their academic journey.
The GRE is a multiple-choice digital standardized test that is a requirement for graduate program admission and graduate business programs around the globe. The GRE was developed and is currently administered by the test developer ETS. The purpose of the GRE is to create the proper measures to compare applicant qualifications and overall preparedness for graduate schools and higher education. The GRE is used quite often by business schools, but it is worth noting that many different types of graduate schools use the exam. Typically, an admissions committee will look at one’s GRE score, academic record’s overall consistency, and several supporting materials to decide if a person is ready for graduate school. The GRE is rarely ever used as the sole material for determining this, though a high score on the exam can directly result in acceptance into a reputable graduate school.
What Does the GRE Consist Of?
The GRE is to test one’s skills in the realm of arithmetic, algebra, data analysis, and geometry in the context of college-level education. It’s a very math-based exam, though other things are tested via the exam as well. The GRE measures one’s ability to evaluate and analyze different types of written material, program solve and think critically.
There are seven sections of the GRE, each of which will be scored independently. These include analytical writing and assessment, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning.
The analytical writing section is usually scored for zero to six in half-point sections. The verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections contain two sections each. There will also be either an unscored section (the student does not know which section is unscored) or a research score for ETS research. The quantitative reason and verbal reasoning sections score on a scale of 130 to 170.
How to Study for the GRE
Start by taking a mock online test to see where you are currently. From here, you should spend at least three months studying for the GRE. There are a wealth of study materials online that are available for free. Just as well, ETS offers a wide range of mock tests and special preparation courses designed for those taking on the GRE. Read as much analytical non-fiction as possible. Keep track of your progress as well. A tutor could also be quite beneficial when studying for the GRE, though students can self-study with success.
GRE Exam FAQs
The main difference between GRE and SAT is that GRE will focus on college-level subjects and concepts, significantly more challenging than the SAT. The SAT is typically for high school students who are preparing to enter undergraduate school. The GRE is also based on STEM-specific subjects, while the SAT offers more language-based questions. There are only about six GRE subject exams and about twenty SAT subject exams.
A good score on the GRE is in the 75th percentile, and a score in the 90th percentile is considered excellent. A score of about 318 or more would be good. A score over 329 would be ideal.
The GRE is available on most weekdays and weekends annually. The base cost for the exam is $205 in the United States. Rescheduling fees are around $50. Students can also access test preparation materials that range in price from $20 to $72.
There are technically no eligibility requirements for individuals who want to take this exam. There is no limit or academic qualification limit. However, it's worth noting that this exam is designed specifically for college attendees and undergraduate students who want to enter graduate school.
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How Do I Become a GRE Tutor?
If you have a passion for teaching others and love the GREs, becoming a GRE tutor is easy. You need a minimum of a high school degree or GED to start teaching kindergarten and middle school grade levels. You may need a degree in a specialist subject for higher-level GRE courses depending on the level of practice you plan to teach. The costs of GRE tutors vary because you will set your pay rates and time schedules depending on your own experience and circumstances.
Your first step will be to decide which topics you’d like to tutor. Then choose the age groups and grade levels you want to teach. Learn the curriculum and critical concepts for those grade levels. And lastly, establish your teaching methods, tools, and eventually, you will create your own course materials over time as you get more experience working with students.
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