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USA: FAQs on GRE Test

Updated: Mar 20, 2023

Q1: Which are the best resources for GRE Test


A: To prepare for the GRE, you can use the following resources:

  1. Official Guide to the GRE General Test: This guide is published by ETS, the organization that administers the GRE, and includes practice questions, test-taking strategies, and an overview of the GRE format.

  2. GRE Practice Tests: Taking practice tests is a great way to get a feel for the GRE format and to identify areas in which you need to improve.

  3. GRE Prep Books: There are many books available that are specifically designed to help you prepare for the GRE. Some popular options include "Barron's GRE," "Kaplan GRE," and "Princeton Review GRE."

  4. Online Study Material: Websites such as Magoosh, Khan Academy, and Manhattan Prep offer online study materials, practice questions, and practice tests.

  5. Tutoring or Test Prep Courses: Consider enrolling in a tutoring program or a test-prep course to get personalized attention and guidance on your GRE preparation.

Remember to allow yourself sufficient time to study and practice, and to stay focused and organized in your preparation. Good luck!

Q2: How much typically students spend to prepare for GRE and for how many months A: The cost of preparing for the GRE varies depending on the resources and methods used. Here are some common costs associated with preparing for the GRE:

  1. Official Guide to the GRE General Test: $40

  2. GRE Prep Books: $30-$50 each

  3. Online Study Material: Prices range from free to $100 or more, depending on the provider and the level of access you need.

  4. Tutoring or Test Prep Courses: $1,000-$2,000 or more, depending on the provider and the length of the course.

In terms of the time required to prepare, most students take several months to prepare for the GRE. On average, students spend 2-3 months preparing for the GRE, studying for a few hours each week. Some students may choose to study for a shorter period and intensify their preparation, while others may opt to study for a longer period at a slower pace. The key is to find a study schedule that works for you and allows you to achieve your target scores.

Q3: When are GRE tests scheduled A: GRE tests are administered year-round, and you can take the test on most business days, excluding some holidays. Appointments are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to availability. To schedule a GRE test, you can visit the official GRE website (www.ets.org/gre) and create an account. From there, you can select a test center, date, and time that works for you. It is recommended that you schedule your test at least 4 weeks in advance to ensure availability and to allow sufficient time for preparation. Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be changes to the GRE testing schedule and availability, so it is advisable to check the official GRE website for the latest information and updates. Q4: Is GRE test available online A: Yes, the GRE General Test is now offered in a computer-delivered format, which can be taken at a testing center or online in a secure, monitored setting. The online format of the GRE General Test provides the same content and questions as the paper-delivered test, but with the added convenience of being able to take the test from your home or office. Please note that the availability of online testing may be impacted by local conditions and regulations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, so it is advisable to check the official GRE website for the latest information and updates on test center availability and scheduling.

Q5: What kind of infrastructure required for online gre test A: For taking the online GRE General Test, you will need a computer with a reliable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. The following is a list of the minimum technical requirements for taking the online GRE test:

  1. Computer: A Windows or Mac computer that meets the system requirements specified by ETS (the organization that administers the GRE).

  2. Internet connection: A reliable and stable broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 1 Mbps upload and download.

  3. Webcam: A webcam that is compatible with your computer and meets the requirements specified by ETS.

  4. Microphone: A microphone that is compatible with your computer and meets the requirements specified by ETS.

  5. Operating System: Windows 7 or later, or Mac OS X 10.12 or later.

  6. Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

It is important to ensure that your computer and other equipment meet the minimum requirements and are in good working condition before you schedule your online GRE test. You may also need to perform a system check through the ETS website to ensure that your computer is ready for the online test. Q6: Can i pause online GRE test

A: No, you cannot pause the online GRE General Test once you have started. The GRE General Test is designed to be taken in a single, continuous session and does not allow for breaks or pauses during the test. You will have a set amount of time to complete each section of the test, and the clock will not stop during the test. However, if you need to take a break during the test, you can request a break between sections. The break time is included in the total testing time and is not additional time. It is important to be well-prepared and to arrive at the test center or start the online test feeling fresh and focused, so that you can perform at your best. If you have any concerns or special needs related to the test administration, you should contact ETS (the organization that administers the GRE) in advance to discuss your options.

Q7: What if my internet connection breaks during GRE test A: If your internet connection fails during the online GRE General Test, the test software will automatically pause and display a message indicating that your connection has been lost. In such a case, you should follow these steps:

  1. Try to re-establish your internet connection as soon as possible.

  2. If you are unable to re-establish your internet connection within a reasonable amount of time, you should contact the test administrator for assistance.

  3. The test administrator will assess the situation and determine whether it is possible to resume the test from where you left off or if you need to start the test over from the beginning.

It is important to note that a broken internet connection during the test could result in a loss of test time or a need to start the test over from the beginning, so it is crucial to have a reliable and stable internet connection when taking the online GRE test. You should also check your equipment and internet connection before starting the test to minimize the risk of technical issues during the test.

Q8: How long is GRE score valid

A: GRE scores are valid for five years from the date of the test. This means that any graduate programs or business schools you apply to within five years of taking the test will have access to your scores. If you need to take the test again after five years, you will need to retake the test and obtain new scores. Some graduate programs or business schools may accept scores that are older than five years, but it is best to check with the specific program or school to determine their policy on accepting older scores. It is also important to note that some graduate programs or business schools may have specific requirements or deadlines for submitting GRE scores, so it is important to check with the specific program or school and to plan accordingly. Q9: What is the minimum duration between two GRE tests A: According to the official policies of ETS (the organization that administers the GRE), there is a minimum wait time of 21 days between GRE General Test attempts. This means that if you take the GRE General Test, you must wait at least 21 days before you can take the test again. There is also a limit on the number of times you can take the GRE General Test in a rolling 12-month period. According to ETS policies, you can take the test up to five times within a 12-month period, but you must wait at least 21 days between each test attempt. These policies are in place to ensure fairness and prevent individuals from taking the test multiple times in a short period of time to artificially improve their scores. If you have questions about these policies or need additional information, you should contact ETS directly for assistance. Q10: Where do i find available test centres for GRE test A: You can find available GRE test centers by visiting the official GRE website at www.ets.org/gre. On the website, you can use the "Test Centers and Dates" tool to find the closest test centers to your location and to see the available dates for the GRE General Test. To use the tool, you will need to create an ETS account and select the type of GRE test you wish to take. You can then search for available test centers by entering your location and preferred test date. The tool will show you the test centers that are available on the date you select, along with information about the test center, including its address and hours of operation. It is important to note that test center availability may vary based on factors such as the time of year, local demand, and government restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. You should check the test center availability regularly and book your test as soon as possible to ensure that you can take the test on your preferred date.

Q11: Which are the best books available for GRE preparation A: Here are some of the best books for GRE preparation:

  1. Official Guide to the GRE General Test, Third Edition, by ETS (Educational Testing Service)

  2. Barron's GRE, 22nd Edition by Sharon Weiner Green

  3. Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems, by Manhattan Prep

  4. Kaplan GRE Premier, 2021 by Kaplan Test Prep

  5. Princeton Review Cracking the GRE, 2021 Edition by The Princeton Review

  6. Magoosh GRE Prep Book, by Magoosh

It is recommended to practice with multiple books to get a better understanding of the test and to have a diverse set of practice questions. Q12: Which are the best online study material for GRE test A: Here are some of the best online study materials for GRE preparation:

  1. Magoosh GRE - an online test prep platform offering video lessons and practice questions.

  2. Khan Academy - offers free video lessons and practice questions for the GRE.

  3. The Princeton Review - provides online courses and practice tests for GRE preparation.

  4. Kaplan - offers online courses and practice tests for the GRE.

  5. ETS (Educational Testing Service) - the official creator of the GRE test, offers various resources such as the Powerprep test preparation software and practice questions on their website.

  6. GREedge - an online platform offering personalized preparation with video lessons, mock tests and analytics.

It's important to find a study material that works best for you, as different people have different learning styles. So, exploring a few of these options and finding the one that fits your needs can be helpful. Q13: How do I manage my time in GRE test Here are some tips to manage your time during the GRE test:

  1. Familiarize yourself with the test format and question types in advance, so that you know what to expect on test day.

  2. Use a timer to pace yourself during practice tests. This will help you get used to the time constraints of the actual test.

  3. Prioritize your questions. If you are running out of time, start with the easier questions that you are more likely to get right and move on to the more challenging questions later.

  4. Make quick, educated guesses. On the GRE, you only lose a quarter of a point for each wrong answer, so guessing is better than leaving a question blank.

  5. Keep track of the time throughout the test. You can use a stopwatch or the timer built into the test software to keep an eye on the time.

  6. Stay calm and focused. Don't let the time constraints stress you out. Instead, stay focused on the task at hand and do your best to manage your time effectively.

  7. Take breaks as needed. If you start feeling overwhelmed or fatigued, take a few deep breaths or stretch your legs to help you recharge.

By following these tips and being mindful of your time during the test, you can increase your chances of success on the GRE. Q14: Can i go back to previous question A: Yes, you can go back to previous questions during the GRE. The GRE test software allows you to navigate through the questions and answer them in any order you prefer. This means that you can skip questions and come back to them later if you need to. However, it's important to use this feature strategically, as you only have limited time to complete the test. So, it's recommended to prioritize your questions and answer the easier ones first, while keeping in mind that you can always come back to the others later. Q15: Can i change my answer A: Yes, you can change your answers on the GRE. The GRE test software allows you to review and change your answers at any time during the test. This means that if you change your mind about a answer, you can go back and modify it. However, it's important to use this feature wisely, as you only have limited time to complete the test. So, be thoughtful about when and why you're changing your answers, and make sure to use your time effectively. Q15: Is there negative marking A: Yes, there is a negative marking system on the GRE General Test. For each wrong answer, you will lose one-fourth of a point. This means that if you're unsure about an answer, it's better to make an educated guess than to leave the question blank, as you won't receive any points for unanswered questions. On the other hand, there is no penalty for correct answers, so it's always to your advantage to answer every question to the best of your ability.


Q17: Which streams accept GRE score A: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test used for admission to graduate schools, business schools and law schools. Some graduate programs in fields such as engineering, computer science, physics, math, and psychology, may accept the GRE score. However, there are also programs in areas such as education, nursing, and social work, that may not accept the GRE as part of their admission process. It is important to check with the specific graduate program to determine if they accept the GRE score as part of their admission requirements. Q18: What is the difference between GRE and GMAT, where are they valid A: The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are both standardized tests used to evaluate the aptitude of prospective graduate students for admission into graduate schools, particularly business schools. The main difference between the two tests is the content and focus. The GMAT is designed specifically for admission into business and management programs and places a greater emphasis on mathematics and logic skills. On the other hand, the GRE is a more general test, which tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills, and is accepted by a wider range of graduate programs, including those in fields such as engineering, physics, psychology, and education. Both the GMAT and the GRE are accepted globally, and the validity of the scores is determined by the specific graduate program and the institution to which you are applying. Some programs may accept either test, while others may prefer one over the other. It is recommended to check with the specific graduate program to determine which test, if any, is required for admission. Q19: Do medical schools require GRE A: Medical schools in the United States generally do not require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as part of their admission process. Instead, they typically require the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) which is a standardized test specifically designed to evaluate the aptitude of prospective medical students. The MCAT covers a wide range of subjects including biology, chemistry, physics, and critical thinking, and is used to assess an applicant's understanding of the natural sciences, as well as their problem-solving and analytical skills. It is important to check with the specific medical school to confirm their admission requirements, as some schools may accept the GRE in place of the MCAT or as supplementary information to support the application. Q20: Do Design schools require GRE A: Admission requirements for design schools vary and some may require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), while others may not. The GRE is not a commonly required admission test for design programs, but some institutions may consider the scores as part of the application process. It is best to check with the specific design school to determine their admission requirements. Some design schools may require other standardized tests such as the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for non-native English speakers. They may also consider an applicant's portfolio, previous academic record, and letters of recommendation, among other factors, in the admission process. Q21: Do law schools require GRE score A: Law schools in the United States generally do not require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as part of their admission process. Instead, they typically require the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which is a standardized test specifically designed to evaluate the aptitude of prospective law students. The LSAT assesses an applicant's critical reading and analytical writing skills, which are essential for success in law school and the legal profession. However, some law schools may accept the GRE as an alternative to the LSAT, or as supplementary information to support the application. It is important to check with the specific law school to determine their admission requirements and to see if they accept the GRE. It is important to note that the LSAT and GRE are different tests that assess different skills, and an applicant's performance on one test may not necessarily predict their performance on the other.


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