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. S

    GRE Scores: Q: 700 V: 720 - Will My GPA & Research Help?

    I just took my general GRE today. Q: 700 V: 720 How are these scores for getting into a good graduate school program in physics. I am a little embarrassed about my 700 on the quantitative. I am a slow test taker and ran out of time. I have a high GPA (currently a 4.00) and research...
  2. J

    Retake General GRE? Advice on Improvement in Q Score

    I just took the General GRE and received V: 560 Q: 740. Would it be advisable to take it again, or would the improvement in quantitative not matter that much? Thanks for any advice.
  3. P

    Schools General GRE and graduate school

    So before I begin the main topic I just wanted to say that I'm looking at graduate schools for astronomy and astrophysics. I'll make a full fledged topic about it when the time comes, because the amount of material and questions I have there will dwarf this current one. Plus I want to gather all...
  4. U

    Schools Minimum GRE scores for competitive grad school

    Hey everyone, I have heard over and over again that GRE scores are used by most engineering grad schools as a cut off; everyone above a certain score makes the first cut, and everyone below a certain score doesn't. I want to go to engineering grad school (specialize in biomedical). I took...
  5. K

    Is a 390 on the GRE Verbal Acceptable for Math Grad Programs?

    So, I just took the GRE and I got a 390 on verbal and a 600 on quantitative. I feel that this is a little low, but is this acceptable for a math grad program? Do they really put that much weight on the GRE scores? I mean, I've seen some schools that don't even require them.
  6. S

    Testing Physics GRE without classical mechanics

    Howdy! I am taking Phyiscs GRE next semester and won't have taken classical mechanics by the time I take the test. I am not comfortable with the situation. Can anyone please suggest me a good preparation strategy for me ?
  7. W

    Study Guides for GRE & P-GRE: Electrical Engineer at OU

    So i will tell you were i am coming from. I am a Electrical Engineer at OU and the idea has wondered into my mind about going into physics. The thing is i am week in classical mechanics and have no Quantum mechanics(Though i hope to take it next year). What would be some really good books that i...
  8. B

    Solving the GRE Practice Problem: 4 Conditions Equivalent to Each Other

    Homework Statement This is a GRE practice problem I was reading through that confused me. 36. Let M be a 5x5 real matrix. Exactly four of the following five conditions on M are equivalent to each other. Which of the five conditions is equivalent to NONE of the other four? (A) For any two...
  9. S

    GRE Math Subject testshould I take it?

    Hello, I graduated 10 yrs ago with a BA in Math from a US liberal arts college. I am looking to go back to do my Masters (preferably in Applied Math) in Math. I am undecided as to whether I should take the GRE Math test. There are some universities whose Math programs I like but they require...
  10. hagopbul

    Eligible for GRE Scholarship with 90% Score in Physics

    hello all i have a Q i got a 90% in the GRE physics would i be eligible for a scholarship for master degree PS : i got C in university
  11. malawi_glenn

    Should My Friend Do the GRE Test - 640 Score Explained

    Hi, A friend of mine just did the test exam in physics on GRE homepage today, his ambitions are to receive a PhD-studentship at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, etc in Theoretical Physics. He said that he only got scaled score = 640 {36.5 raw score} and he was wondering if there is any...
  12. U

    Testing GRE Physics Prep for non-physicist

    Hello again, I'm planning on apply to a few medical physics programs in the fall, most of which do not require the physics GRE subject test. However, one does, and I really want to apply there. My thoughts? It wouldn't hurt to learn some more physics. I am a nuclear engineering major, so...
  13. Math Is Hard

    Do you get only one shot at the GRE?

    I haven't taken it, but the little bit I have read about it is intimidating. If you blow it, do you get another chance to take it?
  14. D

    GRE Scoring: Is Your Official Score Report Different?

    My question is about the general GRE test. On the practice tests provided by ETS, you see your score immediately after the test has ended. Is this how it is at the real test? It seems like the computer could grade your test immediately, since it is merely comparing your score to previous test...
  15. X

    GRE Test Question Homework: Is (n^*)^* = n?

    Homework Statement Hi, I was doing some GRE practice tests and came across this question: for all number n, n^*=32-n (apparently where the asterisk is an exponent) They then give me two values, which are (n^*)^* and n, and I am to say whether choice 1 is a greater value than choice 2...
  16. B

    Studying GRE / Chemistry Subject Test Studying

    Hey all, I've recently begun studying for the GRE and plan on taking the test this spring or summer. My intent is to go to graduate school for chemistry in the fall of 2010. I bought the Kaplan test prep for the regular GRE but realized that I will have to take the subject as well. I...
  17. U

    Best GRE Prep Book for Quantitative

    Hey, Can anyone recommend me a GRE prep book that helped them prepare for the quantitative section of the GRE? It probably doesn't come as much of a surprise because of the forum we are on, but I am shooting for an 800 in quant, so I obviously don't need an extremely basic review book. I...
  18. S

    Solve GRE Geometry Problem: X-Y = 30

    I've attached an MS paint version of a GRE geometry problem. It's a quantitative comparison question. It asks you to compare two values and say whether one is greater, they're the same, or they're not enough information to say which is greater. In the picture I drew everything is in...
  19. S

    Can you determine the relationship between 20+/4+ and 5+?

    Homework Statement This problem asks you to compare two values and say whether one is greater, they are the same, or the problem does not give you enough information to answer the question. In this question they give you a symbol, in this case "+" and then define what it does to a number...
  20. S

    Therefore, Bill and Gina would have the same number of coins, 80 each.

    Homework Statement The number of coins in Bill's collection is 80 less than twice the number in Gina's collection. Who has more coins? The answer is "Not enough information to answer the question." The Attempt at a Solution The way you do these problems is figure out the equation...
  21. S

    Schools Schools that care much more for GRE than GPA

    Hello, I'm wondering if you can help me to search about schools that care only for the GRE score, or puts more emphasis on GRE than GPA (or at least considers them almost equally)L I think my google-ing wasn't very effective. I'm not a super fan of the GRE. But I do have a low GPA for...
  22. S

    What Percentage is a 4.5 on the GRE Writing Section?

    Hey guy, I have a slight problem. I lost my gre score sheet. If anyone could tell me what percentage a 4.5 on the writing section is that would be great. I think it is a 48%, but I am not sure. Thank you
  23. T

    Calculus Textbook for Math GRE Prep

    I am taking the Math GRE subject test this Spring and I am quite scared of it. Does anyone know of a calculus textbook with particularly difficult problems that would help me study for it? How should I prepare for it in addition to taking practice tests and studying the Princeton review book? I...
  24. E

    What is the Resultant Polarization Angle for Two Perpendicular Harmonic Waves?

    Homework Statement Two harmonic transverse waves of the same frequency with displacements at right angles to each other can be represented by the equations: y = yo*sin(wt-kx) z = zo*sin(wt-kx + phi) where yo and zo are nonzero constants The equations represent a plane polarized...
  25. K

    Testing Preparing For the GRE: Advice & Courses to Take

    Ok, so next year I should be taking the GRE. I was wondering what advice you guys would have when preparing for it? Like what courses should I definitely make sure I have a good background in?
  26. R

    Is K Open or Closed? A Topology GRE Question

    I'm not very good at topology but am reviewing it for the GRE Subject Test. Here's a question that I think I know, but would like to check with you guys. We define: Ek = B(0, k) - B(0, k-1), where B(0,k) is an open ball around the origin with diameter k. Now suppose that Tk is a subset of Ek...
  27. R

    General GRE Scores: Is a 570 Enough for Math/Stat Grad Programs?

    What do most Math/Stat grad programs consider a "good score" for the general GRE? A friend told me you need an 800 in the quant section, and I've also heard that as long as you're above 700, you should be fine. I took the general GRE today, got a 570 in verbal, 790 quantitative. Don't know...
  28. M

    GRE 9367 Problem #38 (Summations + Limits)

    Homework Statement The limit as n approaches infinity of: The sum from i = 1 to n of: (3/n)^3 * i^2 - (3/n)^2 * i A) -1/6 B) 0 C) 3 D) 9/2 E) 31/6 Answer - D The Attempt at a Solution So, my first idea was to split the sum into two distinct sums and then take out powers...
  29. B

    Took GRE Chances of MS in Engineering

    Hey Guys, A bit a about me BS in physics from a Top 75 small state school GPA: 3.07 GRE: 640 Quant 490 Verbal Research: 1 optical research with a prof at my college Work experience: IT for a pharma company this past summer IT for the school of engineering...
  30. M

    GRE Pratice Test Problems 50, 56, 61 GR:9768

    50. How many continuous real-valued functions f are there with domain [-1,1] such that (f(x))^2 = x^2 for each x in [-1,1] A) One B) Two C) Three D) Four E) Infinite (Correct Answer D) Since f(x)^2 = x^2 we know f(x) = +/-x for every x in [-1,1] My first guess was that there were...
  31. T

    What is the importance of the General GRE for grad school admissions?

    I'll be applying to grad school next year. I'm slightly worried about the General GRE. Although it might sound superficial, my goal is to become a high energy theorist. So I'd like to apply to some top grad school like Princeton and what not. I have quite a solid background, I've done research...
  32. W

    Are these General GRE scores decent?

    Quantitative: 90% 780 Verbal: 85% 600 Analytical Writing: 58% 4.5 :( I haven't taken the physics subject GRE yet. I thought I would do better with the analytical writing, to be honest... but I'm not sure how people grade that. I would think it would be more important than the verbal...
  33. Z

    GRE Math Subject Practice Test #43

    First of all, I hope I'm posting this in the appropriate forum and let me know if I'm not. I did pretty okay on this practice test, but I never took complex analysis, though I've tried to teach myself the rudiments. Maybe that's not even the problem, but this seems kind of basic, something I...
  34. Q

    Advice for Last-Minute GRE Prep | Physics Major

    Hey, So I just took my first timed practice physics GRE (using the '96 exam) and TOTALLY bombed it. I meant to be reviewing physics all summer, but ended up working a lot more hours than planned and never had time, and with the October date approaching I'm beginning to panic a bit. I'm just...
  35. T

    GRE Verbal & Top Math Grad Programs: How Much Does It Matter?

    How much does the GRE verbal matter to a top graduate program in mathematics?
  36. JasonJo

    Some GRE Math subject exam questions

    1) For all positive functions f and g of the real variable x, let ~ be the relation defined by: f ~ g iff (if and only if) lim x --> (infinity) \frac{f(x)}{g(x)} = 1. Which of the following is NOT a consequence of f~g? A. f^2 ~ g^2 B. sqrt(f) ~ sqrt(g) C. e^f ~ e^g (e as in the natural...
  37. M

    Can I Pass the GRE Math Subject Test with a Lightweight Math Education?

    I am a math major at a third rate school who's a year away from graduating. I'm planning on going to grad school for possibly math or biomathematics. I've known for a while now that my math classes are extremely lightweight, and I've been trying to supplement them with my own study. I did...
  38. T

    Hardest part about the general GRE

    Hi guys, I'm going to be a junior next year so I think its a good idea for me to start looking into the GRE. Whats the hardest part of it?( analogies, reading etc..) Since I have a year to prep, I'll want to start on the hardest/(longest time to prep for) so I can get a high score when/if I take...
  39. G01

    Fourier Series from old Physics GRE

    Homework Statement Hi everyone. I have a Fourier series problem from an old Physics GRE that I would like to discuss. Here is a link to the problem and a solution. The answer they get is correct, but their explanation is not: http://grephysics.net/ans/9277/39Homework Equations Fourier...
  40. G01

    General GRE Scores and Their Effect.

    OK. So I recently took the computerized general GRE. In my practice tests, I was scoring between 790 and 800 on the quantitative section. It seems that I was taken by surprise by the computer's adaptive questions, because some were more difficult than I expected. I ended up with a 730...
  41. M

    Physics Program Admissions: Chemistry GRE vs Physics Test

    Hi, does anybody know if Physics programs will accept the Chemistry GRE in lieu of the Physics test? Also, can somebody with a good chemistry and math background, but not a ton of physics (i.e., not as much as a physics major), get into a good physics program? I'm fairly early on as an...
  42. L

    What can I do with these GRE scores?

    I just took the General GRE and got 600V and 770Q. The writing was not graded yet. What kind of programs can I get into with these numbers assuming I have a good GPA? I am a chemistry major with some extra physics and math classes and I want to apply to graduate school in engineering. Not...
  43. E

    Solving Analogy from the GRE: Tips & Tricks

    This is an analogy from the GRE (is this the best forum for this?). I knew what all the words meant but I still couldn't get it. :(
  44. A

    Testing GRE Physics without Quantum Mechanics

    I'm going to be taking the GRE Physics not having taken any formal classes in Quantum Mechanics or Advanced Electromagnetism. Obviously, I have taken the basic Freshman/Sophmore year E&M but I haven't taken the advance level class yet. Also, I have taken an Intro to Modern Physics class which...
  45. D

    GRE (physics) practice problems

    Hey, I think it would be beneficial for many if we started a thread that contained several problems (and hopefully solutions as well) that would be helpful in studying for the GRE. So, everyone, add a problem if you can (with solution!). I'll go first: Problem: A sample of N atoms of helium...
  46. M

    Gre Math Subject Test Advice Please

    Gre Math Subject Test Advice! Please! Hi everyone, I just posted a thread before but I am interested in asking this as well. I'm sure some have taken the GRE MATH subject exam. I want to take it but I believe I am lacking in some classes like, analysis, topology, and complex variables as...
  47. D

    Testing Physics GRE Q: 3D Harmonic Oscillator & Thermal Equilibrium

    I'm studying for the Physics GRE and I came across this question. The correct answer is D, but I'm not sure quite how to do it. Any help would be greatly appreciated! A three-dimensional harmonic oscillator is in thermal equilibrium with a temperature reservoir at temperature T. The average...
  48. G01

    Testing Physics GRE Woes: Battling Practice Problems for Test Prep

    Sorry if I have been kind of quiet lately. These stupid Physics GRE practice problems have been taking up so much of my time outside of the lab, that I haven't had time for much else! Hopefully it pays off when I take the test. I hope to make at least part of tomorrow's chat. Hopefully...
  49. Reshma

    Testing GRE Physics Test Registration: When and How to Sign Up?

    Hello Everyone! I am planning to appear for the GRE-Physics test this year. As most of you all know it is offered 3 times a year viz. October, November & April. However, in India (where I study) the subject test is offered only in the month of November. The 2008-09 test dates are out, but...
  50. R

    Is Taking Both the Math and Physics GRE Worthwhile for a Math Physics Degree?

    Has anyone done this? I'm a physics major and I'd like to pursue a degree in mathematical physics. I guess that physics GRE is expected from me as a physics student, although actually I feel much more comfortable in math. Do you think that it would be hard to make both? Would it make me...
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