Should You Take the GRE?

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When planning to study abroad a frequently asked question amongst test takers is whether or not to take the GRE. In this article, we cover the essential details about the GRE and why taking it is a good step. Let us start by understanding the GRE in brief.

What Is the GRE?

The GRE is a standardised test conducted globally by its administering body ETS. An essential requirement to most masters and post-doctoral programmes, the GRE is divided into three main sections: analytical writing, quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning. Timed at 3 hours and 47 minutes, the overall GRE score range is 260 to 340 and is a section-adaptive test. The section-adaptive nature of the test implies that the GRE alters the difficulty level of the next part of the verbal or quant section depending on your ability to answer the previous part of the two sections. Now that you know the broad details about GRE exam, let us understand how to prepare for it.

Preparing for the GRE

Preparing for any test requires a robust study plan to help you be dedicated towards your goal, but getting a really good score on a test requires a lot more than that. When it comes to preparing for the GRE, the effort required to ace the test is no different than any other standardised test. With the right study material and effort, you can find yourself in the upper spectrum of the score range.

To begin with, it is essential you take a GRE mock test to understand how familiar you are with the concepts tested on the GRE. Furthermore, when you take a practice test you realise the amount of effort and time you will have to put in to reach your targeted score. Once you have your mock scores, start practising questions from the GRE official guide and thoroughly complete all the questions in it. If you do not understand any concept, you may want to consider an online GRE coaching or traditional GRE prep class to help you understand the concepts. Once you’ve completed a thorough practice of all the topics, take another mock test to see whether you have improved in terms of your understanding and time management. With the right amount of practice tests and review of questions banks, you will find yourself gradually progressing and increasing your performance.

Should You Take the GRE?

With several universities waiving the GRE requirement for admissions to their programmes, students are often left confused about whether taking the GRE is worth the time or effort. Simply put, take the GRE! It is worth the time and effort since it builds essential skills that you will need through the journey of your masters or PhD programme. Moreover, the concepts taught on the GRE are basic and help to hon your critical thinking, logical reasoning and problem-solving skills, which are quintessential in today’s jobs market.

All in all, the GRE is an expensive test, both in terms of registering for the test and preparing for it. However, by preparing for the test you have more to gain than to lose.

Now that you know about the GRE and the benefits of taking the GRE, you’re better positioned to plan your GRE attempt.