What is Gre: Definition and 445 Discussions

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools in the United States and Canada and few in other countries. The GRE is owned and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). The test was established in 1936 by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.According to ETS, the GRE aims to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills that have been acquired over a long period of learning. The content of the GRE consists of certain specific algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and vocabulary sections. The GRE General Test is offered as a computer-based exam administered at testing centers and institution owned or authorized by Prometric. In the graduate school admissions process, the level of emphasis that is placed upon GRE scores varies widely between schools and departments within schools. The importance of a GRE score can range from being a mere admission formality to an important selection factor.
The GRE was significantly overhauled in August 2011, resulting in an exam that is not adaptive on a question-by-question basis, but rather by section, so that the performance on the first verbal and math sections determines the difficulty of the second sections presented. Overall, the test retained the sections and many of the question types from its predecessor, but the scoring scale was changed to a 130 to 170 scale (from a 200 to 800 scale).The cost to take the test is US$205, although ETS will reduce the fee under certain circumstances. It also provides financial aid to those GRE applicants who prove economic hardship. ETS does not release scores that are older than five years, although graduate program policies on the acceptance of scores older than five years will vary.

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  1. M

    Testing Prepare to GRE Exam in physics

    Hi, I want tp prepare to GRE Exam in physics, please give me some titles to male sure that i will get score over able me to continue at Stanford, Cornell..
  2. J

    Preparing for Calculus on the GRE Exam

    So next fall I will be taking the Mathematics subject GRE, and I've been looking over the website, here is a description of the Calculus which will make up the majority of the examination: Material learned in the usual sequence of elementary calculus courses — differential and integral...
  3. J

    Testing Acing the Math GRE Subject test?

    OK, so I have a solid year+ to prepare for the math GRE subject test. It's pretty intimidating because I don't know where to begin studying. Does anyone know of a good game plan to approach this test with? If you've taken the test, please share how you prepped for it.
  4. D

    Admissions When is too late to take the GRE for fall admission?

    Roughly, when is the latest I could take the GRE for fall grad school admission? I'm a second semester junior currently, and I am planning on going straight to grad school after senior year. Would taking the GRE (applied physics major) in the fall (around September) be too late? Also...
  5. H

    Masters in Math from non-math Background but w/ good GRE subjec

    Hey guys, first post. I graduated with a AB in Econ with a 3.8 from an Ivy League and would really like to get into a math Masters program - preferably applied/computing oriented But my math background is sophmore level - all the Calcs, Linear Algebra, 5 stats courses, and the typical...
  6. S

    Testing GRE physics: Evaluation of my abilities

    Dear Friends, I am planning to take physics GRE test in October, between October and now I have nothing to do but to study physics. I have a three year Bachelor degree in Natural Sciences (i.e. equal emphasis on Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics). So here is what I know: I understand although...
  7. F

    Courses GRE review course-is it worth it or not?

    I'm nearing the end of my degree with only 3 required courses to take to finish my undergrad with a possible 1 extra class if I do my research with this one professor, who I really connect with. Anyway, this whole grad school process is completely new to me and is a process that I've never...
  8. polygamma

    MHB GRE Test: Surviving the Analytical Writing Section

    I took the GRE General Test earlier this week. The verbal and quantitative reasoning sections were easy, but I was overwhelmed by the analytical writing section. How does one organize a multi-paragraph response in only 30 minutes? Due to the time constraints, I was only able to give partial...
  9. B

    Admissions Spring GRE, Fall admissions. Will I get my scores in time?

    So I'm studying for the physics GRE and plan on taking it this April. While I understand the deadline for admissions to most universities is right up until the semester begins, I also understand it is a first come, first serve deal. Are most slots going to be filled by May, when the scores...
  10. L

    Testing Do I need to take the Physics GRE for a Ph.D program if I have a Master's?

    Hi all, So, I'm finishing up my master's degree in applied physics (not much different from a master's in physics if you choose your courses correctly) and am looking into Ph.D programs. One thing I haven't seen much information about is the requirements if you are coming into the program...
  11. T

    Testing Anyone else called to find out your November Physics GRE score?

    Anyone else called to find out your November Physics GRE score? So in case you didn't know, today is the day you can start calling and give 12 dollars to ETS(...) to find out your GRE score before the 23rd when you can see it online. I still haven't finalized my list of schools so I called...
  12. M

    Testing Where Can I Find Previous Physics GRE Exams in PDF Format?

    Hi guys, I'm a first-semester junior seeking some quality study resources relevant to the physics GRE. I've heard that ETS has released a few exams from past years... Where (if anywhere) can I find the previous exams in some reasonable format, like PDF? The best I can find is this website...
  13. K

    Testing Math GRE Practice Exams: Is this all there is?

    I've been doing practice exams today for fun (I'm only in 3rd year, go to school in Canada, and have no real intent on going to graduate school in the USA; so there really isn't a reason to be practicing them considering I don't think I'm going to be required to take them). Each time giving...
  14. D

    Grad School in Cognitive Sciences: Junior Wants to Know if Possible & GRE Qs

    (sorry for the title, I ran out of room) Is it possible to go into Cognitive Sciences for graduate school even though I am earning my undergraduate in [applied] physics? I'm a Junior, and I know I want to go to graduate school, I'm just not positive in what yet, and I feel like I'm...
  15. O

    Testing Information about the Math GRE

    I was planning to skip fields, Lebesque measures/integration and complex analysis. Can someone who's given the test tell me how important these topics are? (I haven't looked at any practice tests yet) I haven't done this stuff in college yet so understanding them will take quite an effort on my...
  16. N

    3.11 GPA BSME 1230 GRE (740 Q 490 V) 1 year paid research, NSF

    3.11 GPA BSME 1230 GRE (740 Q 490 V) 1 year paid research, NSF funded research project. Acknowledge on a state report as a result of some of the research. Working with 2 professors currently with research. 1 deals with energy, the other is a project that is giving me knowledge in CFD...
  17. M

    Testing Yet another general GRE scores question thread-and physics GRE nightmares

    Yet another general GRE scores question thread--and physics GRE nightmares Sorry about that. I've done some searching, though, so I'm not too sorry. I haven't found anything that quite fits what I'm looking for. Namely, I'm wondering if physics grad schools might look highly upon high...
  18. D

    Comparing GRE and Physics GRE: Tips and Book Recommendations

    Hi all, I'm sure this subject has already been posted before, so please forgive me if this seems like a rehashed post. I know from google searches what the GRE is, but how exactly is it different from a physics GRE? And do I have to take both? I know that probably depends on what grad...
  19. F

    What to study for GRE Specialized Topics

    What to study for GRE "Specialized Topics" Hi, I am planning on taking the physics GRE and I have reviewed the topic list on the GRE's http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/content/physics" . I am wondering if anyone has any good suggestions of physics books to study to prepare for the...
  20. C

    Testing Physics GRE Prep: Topic Areas & Books for Success

    What are the main topic areas you would stress on to be prepared for the Physics GRE? What are the books you would suggest?
  21. T

    A few questions about GRE & PGRE (nothing score related)

    Hello PF, I have some questions regarding the PGRE in particular. 1) I heard most of the questions on the PGRE can be answered with knowledge of the Introductory Physics Sequence (intro mechanics, e&m, thermal, quantum). At the most, you would need to take one intermediate course...
  22. Z

    How can I solve two challenging GRE math problems without a calculator?

    expect I am going to have to skip ones like this during the test but thought I would get help with them anyway just for learning from the engineers here. Also putting both problems here in one post, hope that is ok. Problem 1 15 in problem150002.pdf Homework Statement Quantitative...
  23. Z

    Gre Math prep geometry problem 8C

    Homework Statement You have a parallelogram ABCD. You know one side has a length of 12. They have given a right triangle extended from one side of the parallelogram height 4 and base 2 hypotenuse is the side of the parallelogram. There is a diagonal that goes from A to C that they want...
  24. streeters

    What role does the GRE play in PhD admissions?

    I am an undergraduate at a UK uni and was talking to a prof at Northwestern and he encouraged me to apply there for a PhD as I was doing a pretty interesting placement. He then says "oh, you'll need to do a GRE" and then said that it was "just another piece of data they look at" during...
  25. M

    Lowish Verbal GRE Score and Top Physics Grad Programs

    Hi Everyone, I just finished up the GRE with with a Verbal:530, Q:780, A:5.5 and was wondering how much that low verbal score would hurt my chances at top grad schools in astrophysics. I know a lot of averages are ~600ish, but I have the following on my resume which I think is rather...
  26. S

    Practice for revised GRE (after August 1 2011)

    Hello all, Has anyone come across a good resource for practicing for the revised gre (computer based version). I really don't need any math prep. Thank you!
  27. G

    Engineering and the General GRE

    Hi, I am beginning to get ready to apply to graduate schools and I had a question. I just took the general GRE and scored 660 Quant, and 530 Verbal. Now, I have been told that engineering programs (I'm applying to Mat Sci) expect near perfect Quant scores. So should I retake it? A little...
  28. E

    Is the Barron's GRE Vocabulary List Effective for Test Preparation?

    I am taking the GRE General in a couple months and my vocabulary is horrible. There are a lot of lists out there but most of the sites that have these lists have no where for people to comment on the lists. So I am not sure what lists are good. I was curious if the list from the following...
  29. C

    Testing GRE Physics Syllabus: Depth & Lab Methods

    Hi I'm studying for the GRE exam and time is not on my side. So I wanted some idea of how much depth I need to go into in some of the more complex areas. The syllabus mentions the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation, noninertial reference frames and mathematical methods like Fourier...
  30. A

    GRE question: Young's Double Slit Experiment

    Homework Statement Consider a young double slit experiments where the two slits are spaced d = 0.1mm apart. If when the screen is at a distance of l=1m the first bright maximum is displaced y = 2cm from the central maximum, then find the wavelength of the light. Homework Equations...
  31. E

    Testing What Are Some Recommendations for Studying for the Physics GRE Exam?

    I tried searching for posts about the Physics GRE but couldn't find anything, did I not look hard enough or is there a reason why nobody talk about it? I tried to see if there was a rule against posting questions about it on this forum but I didn't find anything that ruled out asking general...
  32. R

    Should I Retake the GRE Before the Changes in August for Physics Grad School?

    Verbal: 440 Quantitative: 730 I registered for the exam a month ago and intended to study for it (books, vocabulary flash cards, etc), but didn't spend as much time as I intended and did horribly on verbal (quant. isn't so hot, either). Should I retake it again before they change it this...
  33. Simfish

    Testing How Can I Score 900 or Above on the Physics GRE with Limited Study Time?

    Okay, so, if you want to get a score that's 900 or above, do you have to go beyond the basic books like Halliday, Tipler's "Modern Physics", Schroeder's "Thermal Physics", HyperPhysics, Griffiths QM, Griffiths EM, and a brief chapter on positronium? What about a score of 950 or above? Also, is...
  34. J

    Math symbols on GRE POWERPREP software

    Homework Statement So far, I've encountered two symbols on the GRE practice tests which are unknown to me. The first is a number in a square, like a telephone key The second is a number with upside-down "L's" next to it What do these mean?
  35. B

    Another GPA, GRE and getting into a (physics) graduate program thread

    I made the mistake of actually graduating. I had a low GPA at the time but was planning to go overseas anyways and didn't realize just how much such a low GPA would affect me. I now have a BS in Physics with a GPA of 2.9 in a no-name state university. What are my options? My goal hasn't...
  36. R

    GRE Math Subject Test- which books ?

    Hello,I'm sure this topic has been discussed in the past, but I couldn't search the forum with the word "GRE". Here is my story, I don't even know if I want or am going to take the GRE Math Subject test. The thing is that I applied to a few top financial engineering programs and I was either...
  37. A

    Programs Is it worth taking GRE General Test before the major change in August 1st, 2011

    The thing is GRE will have a major change starting from August 1st, 2011. The question types and scoring will be changed. It will be called as GRE Revised General Test. I have read somewhere the last time a major change was introduced(in 2002), there are some significant drops in scores fro...
  38. R

    Should i take the general GRE again ?

    I will be applying to US uni grad schools for a Phd for the fall 2012 semester. I just took my general GRE and am not happy with my score-verbal 520 and quant 760. I will be taking the TOEFL this summer and the Physics GRE in November. Should i take the general GRE again? The GRE is changing in...
  39. W

    Testing Preparing for the GRE Exam: Tips to Achieve a High Score

    Hi, How to prepare to the GRE exam? and, how to get high score?
  40. Math Is Hard

    Revamped GRE Exam: All You Need to Know | 2011 General GRE Updates

    Coming in August 2011, the revised GRE http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/faq/ The new format is supposed to be about 3 hours and 45 minutes long. Good heavens! I do like the part about being able to skip back and forth between the quantitative questions, though. I think the...
  41. C

    Mentioning lack of math GRE and classes in SOP?

    I'm about to apply to applied math grad schools. I completed the general GRE tests, and took the physics gre but not the math subject GRE. There are some schools that will look at my application, though they can't guarantee that my application will be treated equally as an identical one but with...
  42. C

    Admissions Applying to math phD programs without GRE?

    I'm applying for grad schools this fall, in physics and applied math. For the applied math, I would like to apply to programs that combine pure and applied math, rather than just separate applied math programs. But since I decided to apply to grad schools just a couple months ago, I registered...
  43. S

    Schools Help undergrad freshman with GRE Physics, Mathematics, Graduate school plans

    Please read the essay it is relevant. I just finished high school.. I am going to start Electrical and Electronics Engineering course in a crap university, I neither like the university nor the subject, but this is the best I can get as there is no other option in my country and I don't have...
  44. P

    Low GRE Analytical Writing Score - Is it a Problem?

    I just got back my score on the writing section of the general GRE. Apparently I got a 3.5, which puts me in the 25th percentile. Now I don't mean to sound arrogant, but writing has always been a strength of mine. When I write papers, either for physics or humanities classes, they usually come...
  45. U

    What is the technical description of the General GRE score?

    So I got 590 on Verbal, 630 on Quantitative, and 5.0 on Analytical writing. Would my total score be 1220, or 1225?
  46. U

    Testing I just failed the Physics GRE, now what?

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  47. M

    Math Subject GRE Error: Is it Possible to Report?

    Just took the Math Subject GRE today, and at the risk of making a fool of myself I believe I came across an error in one of the questions. I'm not sure how much I can mention about the question, but it was probably the easiest question on the entire test, which really makes me wonder if I read...
  48. C

    Testing Anyone else take the physics GRE today?

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  49. J

    Math (Subject) GRE without Diff EQ

    I just realized I won't have the chance to take a class in differential equations before I have to submit my math graduate school applications, so there's no way I'll have the class beforehand. I've taken pretty much every other topic mentioned, and will review heavily on the calculus (it's been...
  50. J

    Cauchy Sequence Convergence in the Real Numbers

    hello, i have 2 gre questions: 1) if i have a sequence xn in R that goes to 0, then: a) if f is a continuous function , then f(xn) is a cauchy sequence. (true ?) b) if f is a uniformly continuous function , then f(xn) is a convergent sequence. (true?) 2) lim z--> 0...
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