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. Roma93

    Schools GRE verbal for top universities

    Hi guys, I wonder if I could hope to be enrolled in a top university (like MIT) for physics graduate course with GRE verbal 155? I have bachelor degree in physics and I am going to obtain master's degree in Spring. My GRE quant is 168, TOEFL 105, GPA 5/5, and I also have two publications in...
  2. Crush1986

    Testing Mastering Normal Modes: Tips for Solving Physics GRE Questions Quickly

    I'm just looking for any tips one might have for finding normal modes quickly? The GRE always seems to have a question or two on them and I have no idea how they expect someone to do a problem like that in the time given. I know that there is normally, in the problems given, a symmetric and an...
  3. O

    Testing Registering for the GRE by mail

    Not sure if this is the right place, but I'm desperate. I mailed a paper registration for the Physics GRE since I need to take it on Monday. I mailed it in awhile ago and have heard nothing about whether or not it was received or processed and there's nothing on my bank account statement to say...
  4. B

    Admissions Find Out the Latest GRE Test Dates and Submission Tips - Don't Miss Out!

    Hi all. This year the subject test dates are scheduled for September 17th, and October 29th, with scores being available online on October 17th, and November 28th respectively. I know the magic cut-off time for some of the schools I was looking at seem to be around mid-December. I was...
  5. PabloAMC

    Physics Importance of GRE to be admited in LMU (Munich)

    Hi, I think this is rather a specific question, but I would like some advice. Next year I am finishing my physics degree in a rather small university of Spain, and I intend to at least try to go into a master's degree in Munich in Theoretical Physics (LMU). I would like to make to remarks here...
  6. J

    Preparing for MATH GRE: Tips & Recommended Books

    I am planning to give the MATH GRE. I intend to go to physics graduate schools but I may have to given the MATH GRE according to my college's requirement. I very much like maths, but I'm overloaded with physics related work, including the GRE, since I have been making a transition from...
  7. D

    Programs Planning on doing the physics GRE (not a physics major)

    Hi everyone, I've read a few posts on this forum and thought they were helpful enough that I should try to get some help as well. My situation is a little unusual in that I am a third year undergraduate student majoring in biochemistry, minoring in mathematics. I want to tackle biological...
  8. Crush1986

    Quantum Quantum Book Self Study for GRE

    Hello, I'm taking the GRE this comming fall. Unfortunately my university doesn't do QM until your senior year. Which means I won't see much QM in school until after I take the GRE. I want to study up some this summer to increase my chances of getting a good score. What book would you suggest...
  9. O

    Admissions Chances that a rising senior can make it into nuclear physics PhD programs?

    Hi PhysicsForums, I was hoping to get a little guidance on my chances for PhD programs. I am a second-semester junior. I feel like I'm going at this totally blind and am starting to get nervous, I'd mostly like to know how strong my credentials are so far, what kind of GRE score I might need...
  10. Victor Alencar

    Schools How much grad schools cares about GRE?

    I'm 3rd year undergraduate student at Brazil and I wish to apply for some USA universities,but I'm scared with GRE. I have good and knowed physicists for rec. letters, experience with research and good grades,what are my chances? I'm thinking in 4 uni : Stony Brook,Chicago,Cornell and Penn. Here...
  11. Alpharup

    Other Preparing for GRE Math Subject Test: Engineering Background

    I am undergrad doing third year of my engineering. I looked into websites of many US universities for MS Applied math. Most of them require GRE math subject ( as far as I searched)test. The problem is am from engineering background and find it difficult to grasp seemingly simple concepts to math...
  12. I

    Uploading score reports of GRE and TOEFL

    During the application process for graduate schools, I have the option of uploading GRE and TOEFL score reports that I 'printed to pdf' from the website. The score reports also show the other schools I sent official score reports to. I was wondering if the admissions committee could use this...
  13. R

    Other Physics Textbook Recommendations (Especially for GRE)

    So I plan on giving the GRE this year and I was wondering which textbook(s) would be good for it as well as learning physics in general. I've already obtained a copy of one by Randall D. Knight and another by Halliday and Resnick. Are there any others I should look for?
  14. R

    Will a Low Math Score on the General GRE Affect My PhD Program Admissions?

    I know this question has been asked by others before, but: I did poorly on the math part of the general GRE. I got a 160 (78%). I actually did better on the verbal (161, 87%)! I just ran out of time because I took too long on some problems. I did practice tests and did fine on them, but I...
  15. M

    Options in higher education in physics (no math/science bkg)

    Hello! I've been reading this forum for a while now, and while I see many threads asking about similar questions as I am, I still cannot get answers to some of my questions. So I hope to get some advice here on PF. I am very interested in pursuing a career in Physics, but I don't have any...
  16. M

    Bringing cellphone to GRE test center

    I have scheduled a GRE test next week and in the ETS website it says that "Do not bring cell phones, smartphones (e.g., Android®, BlackBerry® or iPhone® devices), PDAs, digital watches, smartwatches and other electronic, recording, listening or photographic devices into the test center". Does it...
  17. W

    Should I Retake the General GRE if My PGRE Scores are Average?

    Hello, I'm an ex-teacher (4 years) who got her Physics degree (with minor in Math) in 2010. I have a Masters in Teaching and went straight into teaching high school. I have since decided I wanted to go back to school for Physics/Astrophysics/Astronomy/Aerospace Engineering (still deciding...
  18. M

    Time limit between GRE and application packages

    I have a question regarding GRE general as it is new to me. Suppose I have registered for the test on 15th of November and the score will be received by the college I apply on 1st of December. But my application packages (CV, statement of purpose, diploma etc) will only arrive there one month...
  19. X

    Admissions Applying for Ph.D program in physics and got 166 quant GRE

    I got a 166 on the quant section of my GRE today. I also took the PGRE and believe I did quite well on it, at least 900+. Is a score of 166 on the quant section considered good for someone applying for a physics Ph.D program or can anything short of a 170 hurt my application?
  20. A

    Schools Learning Disability and Grad School

    Hello fellow good people. I feel like i am suffering from a delima in my life and for my future, so i am reaching out for any guidence. I'm currently a junior at the University of Texas at austin studying my BS in physics. I transferred recently, and it is going stellar for me to my surprise...
  21. Prins

    Physics GRE Test: Preparing for a PhD Program

    I'm thinking of giving gre test i don't know if i need only to give the subject test or general is must. i'm thinking of getting into physics Ph.D program so Physics GRE test. Please someone explain how am i supposed to give the test to be considered for a phd thanks
  22. S

    Testing Invalidation of physics GRE scores?

    This is probably the wrong place to ask, but I'm curious. This morning, I took the physics GRE. For the entire test, they forgot to cover up the giant periodic table hanging from the ceiling at the front of the room. I assume that this is one of those things we aren't supposed to have access to...
  23. I

    Other Book recommendation to study for the Physics GRE in ~40 days

    I recently took the decision to apply for physics grad school and registered for the GRE test coming up on Oct. 24, a couple of days ago. The thing is I feel I'm vastly under-prepared as my academic background is in engineering. I have had only a freshman course in physics. I've been recently...
  24. M

    Is Choice A Correct for Comparing GRE Math Quantities?

    I was going through some GRE Quantitative Practice Tests, and found this question. Maybe I'm not understanding the question right (not a native speaker, and have never solved math problems in English), but choice B doesn't seem correct to me. Solutions for x (Quantity A) are 6 and -1, and for...
  25. Lagraaaange

    GRE Quant Very bad score? Why?

    I did atrocious on my GRE quant: 152. I don't understand this since I'm able to get As in upper level physics classes and math classes. I found myself very pressed for time. I found myself often trying to "think" out the math problems instead of resorting to math "tricks" to simplify...
  26. Lagraaaange

    General GRE Tomorrow: Skip Analytical Writing sections?

    What's your take on preserving stamina/maximum mental capacity for quant and skipping the essays? I hear physics grad programs don't care at all, some don't even take the scores. Thoughts?
  27. L

    Testing GRE Physics Subject Test Course Equivalents

    I'm trying to make a check list of courses I need to study and review for the GRE Physics Subject Test. I have a few questions following the list. Thank-you for any help. Engineering Physics I Engineering Physics II Modern Physics Electricity & Magnetism Statistical Mechanics & Thermodynamics...
  28. K

    Extremely low verbal GRE score, what should I do?

    Hey guys, I know this maybe a question that reappears all the time, but I really get frustrated due to this. I want to apply for the graduate physics program. Most recently, I took GRE and the score is 143V/165Q with 3 at writing. It is extremely poor on the verbal section due to the lack of...
  29. Lagraaaange

    Schools General GRE Quant: Will a 155 keep me out of top grad school?

    Will a 155 keep me out of graduate school? I hear the general matters very little and I didn't study. Should I bother taking it again for 160+ or am I wasting my time?
  30. S

    Boost Your Chances of Admissions with Low GRE Quant Score

    Hello, I am a hopeful candidate for next year's admissions. I feel like a I have a fairly ok resume, State school (top 30 for physics, 15 for CM) GPA:3.7 Physics GPA:3.85 (all A's in upper level physics courses) Materials Science GPA :3.9+ 2 summers research experience in a condensed matter...
  31. Lagraaaange

    Schools General GRE for top schools? Any Weight?

    I will have 1 week to study for general GRE. I hear it has very little impact on admission. Is this true? Is that enough?
  32. S

    Is General GRE Score Important for International Applicants in US PhD Programs?

    Hello! I am in 3rd year of engineering in Biochemical engineering. I want go for a Ph.D in High Energy Physics in the US (and I will be an international applicant). So, I will have to write both the General GRE and Physics GRE. I want to know how important is the General GRE score. Do I need to...
  33. deep838

    GRE with 3 years of Bachelors degree?

    Hi, I am currently in my 3rd and final year of B.Sc Physics. Soon I'll have to start applying for a Masters degree. Is it true that you need 4 years of bachelor degree to get admitted for Postgraduate via GRE exam? If so, is there any university outside India which will accept my 3 year course...
  34. L

    Testing Conquering Physics GRE book wanted

    ..anyone who used this book to study for the Physics GRE test willing to sell it? I can't find used copies anywhere.
  35. yeshuamo

    Average general GRE scores at Stanford

    Stanford's Physics profile on GradSchoolShopper.com lists their incoming class's GRE scores as: "The average GRE scores for admitted students in 2014–15 were: Verbal-171, Quantitative–176; Analytical–4.42; Physics Subject–928." How do we interpret these general GRE scores? Everywhere I look...
  36. PsychonautQQ

    Math GRE subject test question

    Let k be the number of real solutions to the equation e^x + x - 2 = 0 in the interval [0,1] and let n be the number of real solutions NOT on the interval [0,1]. Which of the following are true? A) k = 0 and n = 1 B) k = 1 and n = 0 C) k = n = 1 D) k > 1 E) n > 1 Can anyone help me understand...
  37. SonOfGod

    Calculate Triangle Area with Basic Ratio Method

    This is supposed to be a simple question. However, I forgot a lot of the basics and rules I have to follow. I tried to workout the height based on the area: 0.5 x 3 x h = 30 h = 20 But couldn't figure out the rest. Then I thought about going by ratio (not from knowledge but out of...
  38. chimath35

    GRE Math Subject Test summer study group Milwaukee area

    Is anyone interested in a GRE Math Subject Test study group in the Milwaukee area that meets up to 3 times or so per week?
  39. chimath35

    GRE Math Subject Test study suggestions

    I am looking for suggestions pertaining to preparation for the GRE Math Subject Test. I plan to take it around fall semester. Which text preparation books are the best?
  40. EternusVia

    Intensive GRE study or job over summer?

    Hello all, I'm going into my senior year of applied mathematics this coming Fall semester. My adviser recommended that I take the GRE before Fall semester starts so that I can have my Grad school applications in by the December deadline. My question is as follows: Would it be better to study...
  41. blue_leaf77

    Register for GRE Physics Subject Test | Tips & Deadlines for Fall 2021

    Hi everyone, I'm planning to take GRE physics subject test probably around Fall this year. This is going to be my first experience taking GRE. I have some questions regarding this. If the application deadline in my desired university is somewhere in December, when should I take the GRE subject...
  42. T

    Question about recommendation letters and GRE scores

    Hi everyone! My goal is to study for my masters at UCLA. UCLA requires 3 recommendation letters and very high (80th percentile) GRE scores. I've tried contacting a few of my favorite professors from the school where I got my B.S.M.E. regarding recommendation letters, but I haven't had a single...
  43. P

    Testing What book to buy for GRE physics exam

    So I could need any advice concerning the GRE subject exam in Physics. What book to buy is exactl what is going on now in mind. I know there are several publishers with different authors but I can't decide what to buy knowing that time is not on my side. I not GRE books then I might need...
  44. C

    Graduate Programs Not Requiring the GRE Good or bad?

    As I'm researching graduate programs, I've noticed a few well-known universities and programs do not require the GRE for admission. Is this a bad sign? Or just the preference of the admission committees? I don't want to turn this into a whether or not the GRE is a good indicator discussion...
  45. T

    Testing Do I have a chance with low physics gre ?

    hi, i have been applying to ms in physics at umass dartmouth for fall-15, I have 85% cgpa in undergrad and I have my paper and thesis, but my first physics gre is out today and I got only 580(25%)! I can't believe I scored this bad. my toefl and genera gre are to be held soon. I hope optimum...
  46. S

    How are integration skills tested on GRE Mathematics Subject Test?

    Although it gets better with experience, integrating an expression by hand is a really a trial and error procedure. A wrong substitution will get you nowhere in the available time. So I am wondering as to how they test your integration skills on GRE Mathematics Subject Test. Any help would be...
  47. K

    How many houses are currently under construction in Daisy Hill Subdivision?

    Homework Statement Title of pie chart: New Construction in Daisy Hill Subdivision Given a pie chart with sections: Currently Completed: 26% Currently Under Construction: 42% Approved, but Not Yet Started: 32% Question: When construction is completed in Daisy Hill Subdivision there'll...
  48. S

    Preparing for GRE and TOEFL Exams: Registration, Test Format, and Resources

    Greetings, I am going to receive my bachelor's degree in science the next year and I have registered for the two GRE exams. Regarding the admission procedure and the exams, I have a few inquiries: 1) While registering for the GRE subject test I was asked to select which institutions to...
  49. M

    Additional GRE Physics Prep Material: PhysicsGrad.org

    Is there any additional material, besides the 4 practice tests (86,92,96,01) and the solutions on grephysics.net? There was a site up a few months ago physicsgrad.org or something but seems to be down now.. and it was an awesome site.
  50. A

    GRE Math Sub for Physics PhD program

    I am a rising junior in a US college and I plan to apply to a top physics PhD program. I am both a physics and a math major, and I am more interested in theoretic physics rather than experimental. So should I also take the GRE Math Subject Test?
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