Know the Various GRE Test Types in Order to Pursue Study Abroad

The Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is a worldwide test that is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Services). The test is typically taken by candidates who wish to compete and achieve the highest results in order to enroll in a postgraduate program at one of the best universities in the world or obtain a scholarship for the same.

There are essentially two GRE test categories. You should first choose which one meets your needs before filling out the application. To prevent future issues, be sure to use the same name on your GRE form as on your other documents.

What is the GRE Exam?

GRE or Graduate Record Examination is a standardized test that measures reasoning, quantitative and critical thinking capacities. The exam is literally an essential as an academic requirement to get admitted into top-tier universities across the globe for graduate programs.

Types of GRE Tests

The two types of GRE tests include the GRE subject test and the GRE general test. In most cases, the type of GRE tests you’ll be required to give depends on your university or scholarship provider. The subject test is confined to a single subject and checks your abilities and knowledge on that specific subject. The general test will test your aptitude in general and evaluate your student profile as a whole. Let us dive in deeper.

GRE Subject Test

The GRE subject test is a subject-based test used mainly in postgraduation and graduation courses abroad. This test takes place three times a year and is paper-delivered. Four subjects come under the eligibility of this category: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Psychology. The number of questions varies greatly. For example, the Psychology GRE might have about 250 MCQs while the mathematics test has only about 70.

GRE General Test

The GRE general test is the most versatile and widely accepted test for studying abroad, especially for master’s students. The test scope is generally confined to analytical writing, and verbal and quantitative reasoning. You can answer the GRE general test both using a computer or on paper, depending on your choice. This is also an MCQ-based test.

Different Types of GRE: Home, Centre, Computer, and Paper

While the GRE subject test is only paper-based, the general test can be delivered either on paper or using a computer. The subject test, because it is paper-based, is conducted usually in centers around the world but the general test can be taken from the comfort of your home too. Let us look at the major difference between the computer and paper delivered types of GRE tests in the general category.

Computer-delivered:

• ONE analytical section: two tasks each
• 20 questions each in the other two sections
• 95 minutes total time

Paper-delivered:

• TWO analytical sections: one task each
• 25 questions each in the other two sections
• 105 minutes total time

After fully analyzing the syllabus and paper format, you must also know how the GRE scores are evaluated to gain more insight into how to plan your study. In all, a score higher than 300 is considered to be a good score, and you’ll get into most colleges. Check out this video to know top colleges accepting 300-310 GRE scores across the globe:  

Make sure to properly plan your study and register for GRE on time, and stay panic-free throughout your GRE journey. The preparation period might be difficult, but in the end, it's all going to be worth it: admission to your dream university!

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