What is Actually on the GRE?
What specific math topics are tested on the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section?
The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section assesses your understanding of basic mathematical concepts typically learned in high school. It covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
More specifically, the arithmetic questions will test your knowledge of topics such as integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, exponents, roots, and prime numbers. You should also be comfortable with concepts like estimation, rounding, and basic number properties. Algebra questions often involve solving linear equations and inequalities, working with quadratic equations, manipulating algebraic expressions, understanding functions, and interpreting graphs. Geometry problems may involve calculating areas, perimeters, volumes, and angles of shapes like triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, and 3D figures. Understanding coordinate geometry concepts such as slopes and intercepts is also useful.
Data analysis questions on the GRE include interpreting data presented in tables, graphs (line, bar, pie), and charts. You will need to calculate measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode), measures of dispersion (standard deviation, range), and probabilities. Familiarity with counting techniques and basic statistical concepts is also beneficial. The GRE focuses on applying these mathematical concepts to problem-solving rather than rote memorization of formulas.
What types of reading comprehension passages appear on the GRE?
GRE Reading Comprehension passages come in three primary forms: single paragraphs, short passages (2-3 paragraphs), and long passages (4+ paragraphs). These passages cover a variety of subjects, predominantly drawn from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, and are designed to assess your ability to understand complex arguments, analyze information, and draw inferences.
The content of the reading comprehension passages is diverse, reflecting the breadth of academic disciplines. You can expect to encounter topics like literary criticism (analyzing authors' styles and themes), historical events (interpreting causes and consequences), sociological studies (examining social structures and behaviors), biological processes (explaining scientific mechanisms), and artistic movements (understanding aesthetic principles). While specific prior knowledge isn't required, familiarity with the vocabulary and writing conventions common in academic texts will be beneficial. The passages aim to gauge your ability to process information presented in a formal, analytical style.
Beyond the length and subject matter, the passages also vary in their argumentative structure. Some passages present a clear thesis with supporting evidence, while others explore multiple perspectives or debate conflicting theories. Understanding the author's tone, purpose, and intended audience is crucial for accurate comprehension. You may encounter passages that are objective and informative, or passages that are persuasive and opinionated. Practice identifying the main idea, supporting details, inferences, and author's perspective to effectively navigate the diverse range of passages on the GRE.
How is the Analytical Writing section of the GRE graded?
The Analytical Writing section, consisting of two essays (Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument), is graded holistically on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments. Each essay is independently evaluated by at least one trained rater and, if the scores differ by more than one point, a second rater. The final score for the Analytical Writing section is the average of the scores for the two essays, rounded to the nearest half-point.
The raters are looking for well-developed, insightful essays that demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills. They assess the clarity and organization of your writing, the persuasiveness of your arguments, and your ability to support your claims with relevant evidence and reasoning. Strong grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure are also crucial components of a high score. The graders don't simply count errors; instead, they focus on the overall quality and effectiveness of your writing. Specifically, raters evaluate your essays based on the following key criteria: the clarity and effectiveness of your thesis or main point, the logical flow of your ideas, the strength of your supporting evidence and reasoning, your ability to analyze complex issues or arguments, and the quality of your writing mechanics. An essay scoring a 6 will present a cogent, well-articulated analysis, demonstrating mastery of reasoning and argumentation skills while exhibiting sophisticated writing prowess. Conversely, a low score (0-1) suggests fundamental deficiencies in argumentation and writing ability. Ultimately, preparation is key. Practice writing essays under timed conditions, review sample essays, and seek feedback on your writing to improve your performance in this critical section of the GRE. Understanding the scoring criteria and applying it to your practice essays will significantly increase your chances of achieving a strong score.What is the vocabulary level expected for the GRE Verbal Reasoning section?
The GRE Verbal Reasoning section requires a strong vocabulary, generally considered to be at the advanced high school to early college level. Expect to encounter words that are not commonly used in everyday conversation and that demand a nuanced understanding of their meanings and connotations. While memorizing lists of obscure words is not the most effective strategy, familiarity with a wide range of sophisticated vocabulary is crucial for success.
The vocabulary tested on the GRE isn't just about knowing dictionary definitions. It's about understanding how words function in context, recognizing subtle differences between synonyms, and discerning the author's intended meaning. The Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions specifically target vocabulary knowledge, requiring you to select the words that best fit the given sentences' meaning and tone. Reading Comprehension also relies heavily on vocabulary; understanding the vocabulary used is essential to grasping the arguments and ideas presented in the passage.
To prepare effectively, focus on learning words in context through reading challenging material such as academic journals, literary classics, and reputable news sources. Pay attention to unfamiliar words, look them up, and actively try to incorporate them into your own writing and speaking. Flashcards can be helpful for memorization, but make sure you understand the nuances of each word's meaning and how it is typically used. Furthermore, practice questions that mimic the style of the GRE Verbal section are indispensable to familiarize yourself with the types of vocabulary and reasoning skills tested.
What score is considered good on the GRE?
A "good" GRE score varies significantly depending on the programs you're applying to. Generally, a combined score of 320 or higher on the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, with a 4.5 or higher on Analytical Writing, is often considered competitive for many graduate programs. However, highly competitive programs, especially in fields like engineering, economics, or computer science, may expect scores closer to 330 or even higher. The median scores are around 150 for Verbal and 152 for Quant, so scoring above these represents a strong performance.
The best way to determine what constitutes a "good" GRE score for your specific situation is to research the average GRE scores of admitted students to the programs you're targeting. Many universities publish this information on their websites, either on the program's page or within application requirements. Aiming for a score that meets or exceeds the average of admitted students significantly increases your chances of acceptance. Also, remember to consider the specific weight each section carries for your desired program. Some programs might prioritize Quantitative Reasoning, while others place greater emphasis on Verbal Reasoning or Analytical Writing. Beyond the overall score, it's crucial to understand the score ranges and percentile rankings associated with GRE scores. The GRE is designed to differentiate candidates, and scores are not linearly distributed. A small increase in raw score can result in a significant jump in percentile ranking. Refer to official ETS resources and percentile charts to better understand how your scores compare to other test-takers. Finally, consider factors beyond GRE scores, such as your GPA, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and relevant experience, as these contribute to a holistic evaluation of your application.How long is each section of the GRE?
The GRE General Test consists of three scored sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Analytical Writing has one section with two separately timed 30-minute tasks. Verbal Reasoning has two 27-minute sections, and Quantitative Reasoning also has two 47-minute sections. There are also unscored sections, including an unscored experimental section of either Verbal Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning and an unscored identified research section.
The timing of the GRE is crucial to understand for effective test preparation and pacing strategy. The scored portions total 2 hours and 14 minutes. The Analytical Writing section allows for careful planning and execution of two essays, while the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections require efficient problem-solving within the time constraints. Recognizing the importance of time management for each section is key to maximizing your score. Remember, the inclusion of unscored sections means the total time spent at the testing center will be longer than the 2 hours and 14 minutes of scored sections. Factor in check-in procedures, the unscored experimental section, and the unscored research section when planning your test day. The experimental section could appear in either the Verbal or Quantitative sections, so be prepared to handle any type of question throughout the entire test.So, that's a quick peek at what the GRE throws your way. Hopefully, this has helped demystify the exam a bit and given you a clearer picture of what to expect. Thanks for reading! Good luck with your prep, and feel free to swing by again for more GRE tips and tricks!