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. D

    Studying Top GRE Physics Books for Optics: Expert Recommendations

    Hi guys, What are the best books you did use to prepare for the "GRE Physics test"? More precisely, I am seeking your advice for an easy book explains the light and its applications (optics). Thanks a lot for your kindness and help
  2. G

    Testing Where Can I Find Physics GRE Study Threads and Study Buddies?

    I really need to start studying for the physics GRE. Are there any threads here devoted primarily to the physics GRE? Anyone looking for an online study buddy?
  3. B

    Need a GRE Study Buddy? Join My Virtual Desk

    I posted this over the Academic/Advise forum. Reposting it here to cast a wider net. Hope the admins don't mind... Please be my GRE study buddy. I'm Chan from the Boston area. This is basically all you'll ever need to know about me because I'm trying a new approach -- you'll be my study...
  4. B

    Be My GRE Study Buddy - Chan from Boston

    Please be my GRE study buddy. I'm Chan from the Boston area. This is basically all you'll ever need to know about me because I'm trying a new approach -- you'll be my study buddy over the net. You'll need a Yahoo account and a Windows or maybe Mac OS. We'll voice/text/maybe video over Y...
  5. M

    Preparing for GRE MATH Subject test

    I will be taking the GRE Math subject test this next Fall and I need to start preparing for it this summer... I have been looking around on the internet and it seems like there's very few practice tests available. Has anyone else prepared for this test and can give me some advice on how to...
  6. E

    Preparing for the GRE: Modern Physics Course

    Hello, I am taking the GRE next fall and I have taken all of the core courses except a Modern Physics class. I am kind of confused as to what "Modern Physics" is but apparently it is tested on the GRE. Can someone recommend a book that will prepare me for the GRE? I like very much the...
  7. P

    Testing Is Using HW Help as Physics GRE Practice Effective?

    I'm just wondering if anyone's tried this before, and how well it worked. I am thinking about spending roughly an hour a day to answer questions in the HW Help section as practice for the GRE-Ph. I figure it'll give me a good variety of problems and I'll get to help some people along the way...
  8. J

    Testing Physics GRE in the stead of coursework

    My friend – a former TA in astronomy, who's completing her PhD in Astrophysics – suggested to me that graduate programs may be fine with acing the Physics GRE subject test in the stead of posted grades in coursework. I know I'll have to ask the specific graduate programs, but since some of you...
  9. A

    Who took the GRE Subject Math Test ?

    Who took the GRE Subject Math Test ?? I am going to take the GRE Math next Saturday, I would like to ask you .. Did the practice test posted in the ETS site resemble well the real test you have took ? Is it more difficult or less .. ? Did the Princeton review ( Cracking the GRE Math)...
  10. P

    Math GRE Practice Exam: Analyzing Problems and Finding Solutions

    First off, I'm not sure whether this should be in the homework section since it's not homework, but this seems the best place to get help with it. If it should be moved, please feel free to do so. These are a few problems I had with one of the GRE practice exams (from one of the Practicing to...
  11. P

    Have RARE GRE Math SUBJECT Practice Tests?

    Have RARE GRE Math SUBJECT Practice Tests? Does anyone have any of the rare practice tests for the GRE math SUBJECT exam? NOT the ones that are currently being sold in bookstores (the Princeton Review and REA ones). I learned online that there are several practice tests that are no longer in...
  12. V

    Testing Efficient Study Topics for Physics GRE: From EE to Core Physics Areas

    Hi all, I'm from EE background, currently working as TCAD enggr in a semiconductor fab outside US and I'm considering research in physics in the US. (relevant key words that I've identified, till date- computational nanoelectronics, molecular electronics, ballistic nanotransistors...
  13. M

    Schools When should I take the GRE for graduate school?

    First Question, About how far in advance of applying to graduate school should one take the GRE test(s) [General + Subject]? I am currently planning on graduating in a year (Spring 2009), which would probably mean applying to grad school this fall. Therefore, I am thinking that I am closing...
  14. A

    What´s your GRE subject score?

    Ok, I´ll start this thread since it seems nobody has done it before for this season. Subject-score-percentile-date Math-900-99-Oct 07.
  15. A

    High GRE Math Subject Scores but more it's needed.

    Hello all. I'm an international student, and I need some advice or ideas, something. I received my GRE math subject scores for October, got 99% (900 raw, out of 990 I suppose). Is that high enough for being competitive at top institutions (Princeton, MIT, Berkeley, ...)? What else do you...
  16. E

    GRE subject math scores and places to apply

    I am an Italian graduate in Mathematical Engineering (with a converted 3.97 GPA, 4.00 GPA in Math courses), and I am willing to pursue a PhD degree in pure mathematics. Since I had very good GRE and toefl scores (720 V - 800 Q - 4.5 A for the GRE, 115/120 Toefl), I have good recommenders, and...
  17. A

    Testing Officel Physics GRE Test Prep Book

    Has anybody seen a copy of ETS's Practicing to Take the GRE Physics Test for sale anywhere? Is it too rare or is there some hope of picking one up somewhere? The REA book is, uh, less than useful. Thanks.
  18. Q

    Schools University application and GRE Subject test

    I am preparing to apply to a graduate school of physics. I have taken the GRE general test and TOEFL. But I have not taken the GRE Subject test. I find nearly all the universities in US require the GRE Subject test. Is there any university that do not require the GRE Subject test? Or I will have...
  19. L

    Testing GRE Physics - These materials enough?

    GRE Physics -- These materials enough? Hi friends, I need your input regarding what else needs to score good in GRE Physics. Documents and Ebooks I have for GRE Physics Preparation : --------------------------------------------------------------- Synopsis on Electricity and Electronics...
  20. B

    Testing When is a good time to take GRE exams?

    I've only taken my introductory physics courses so far. I haven't even begun thermal physics, junior level mechanics, senior level quantum mechanics or my senior thesis project yet. Which material do you think is generally covered on the physics exam the most.
  21. N

    GRE Math subject exam Prep- Pre-calc

    GRE Math subject exam Prep-- Pre-calc For those of you who are preping, or have taken it already, what did you use to prep for the pre-calc section of the GRE subject exam in math?
  22. E

    My GRE Math Subject Score: 590 (42%)

    GRE math subject score: 590 (42%) I guess I don't have what it takes to be a mathematician.
  23. A

    Testing What Are the Best Review Books for the Physics and General GRE?

    Hi (sorry if this has been brought up recently, but I don't see it and the search tool seems to dislike me at the moment). I'm a physics major in my 5th semester, and the time has come to start seriously reviewing for the physics GRE. Which review book would you most recommend? Do you...
  24. H

    Preparing for Physics GRE: Classes Before Taking?

    It seems like most schools that I've looked at don't offer a class in full on QM until senior (according to the course sequences they universities have laid out -- these are probably maleable to a certain degree). I am mostly looking at state school as my GPA isn't good enough to get into any...
  25. JasonJo

    Testing My GRE Math Score: Impact on Admission Chances & Selecting a Safety School

    I just took the GRE math subject exam and it is safe to say I bombed it. I especially bombed it because a great score would've solidified by GPA along with my 3 letters from 3 professors I have done research under. A lot of people have been telling me it's not terribly important, but I have...
  26. 6

    Preparing for the GRE: Is it Necessary for Engineers?

    Hi all, Was wondering how much anyone really "preps" for the GRE. Senior year in Mech/Aero eng doesn't leave a whole lotta time to study vocab words. I hear a lot of people doing ok (aka, getting into grad school) with some pretty abismal verbal scores. And from what I can tell the math...
  27. B

    GRE Physics Exam: Calculator Rules & RPN Advice

    Has anyone reading this post taken the GRE subject exam in physics? If so, do you know what calculators they allow? I have a HP48GX (or something like that). If they won't allow that, can you recommend a good calculator that does RPN?
  28. P

    GRE Math SUBJECT test for Oct. 6, 07 (or other months)

    hi everyone. i wanted to know what people scored for this month's test (or any other month if you feel like) and how they got the score (approximately how many questions answered correctly, incorrectly, skipped) so i have an idea of how well i need to do to do in the future in order to meet my...
  29. B

    What is the ground state electron configuration for phosphorus?

    Homework Statement The ground state electron configuration for phosphorus, which has 15 electrons, is 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^1 3p^4 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^3 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3d^3 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^1 3d^4 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3p^2 3d^3 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution...
  30. S

    Should I Take GRE and TOEFL for Doctoral Program in Canada?

    I have a Bachelor degree in Physics and will finish my Master studies in approximately 3 semesters time (quantum field theory). Here at the university in Switzerland, nobody cares about tests like GRE and TOEFL. But since I'm planning to apply to a doctoral program in Canada (maybe Toronto or...
  31. H

    What Is the Ratio of Nuclear to Atomic Radius for Mid-Periodic Table Elements?

    Homework Statement The Ratio of the nuclear radius to the atomic radius of an element near the middle of the periodic table is most nearly a) 10^-2 b) 10^-5 c) 10^-8 d) 10^-11 e) 10^-14 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I am completely lost. Can someone tell me...
  32. H

    GRE Question (QM, Perturbation theory?)

    Homework Statement Initially, you have a one dimensional square well potential with infinitely high potential fixed at x = 0 and x = a. In the lowest energy state, the wave function is proportional to sin (kx). If the potential is altered slightly by introducing a small bulge(symmetric about...
  33. L

    Testing Did anyone here take the physics GRE today?

    Did anyone here take the physics GRE today?? If so, how do you think you did? I attempted ~60 problems and I might have gotten like 10-20 of them wrong. So, I didn't do all that great, really. I pulled maybe 50-60th percentile. However, I realized that I am not applying to any programs that...
  34. H

    Solve GRE Problem: LC Circuit Maximum Power Output

    Homework Statement An AC source is connected to an LRC circuit (Inductor is connected to Capacitor in series, and then it is connected to register in series). Energy is stored in the capacitor and inductor and is dissipated in the resistor. At what time is the energy dissipated at the maximum...
  35. C

    Special Relativity GRE Question

    Hi Guys, I'm looking through one of the practice GRE tests, and I think that they have answered their own question incorrectly. I thought I'd get another opinion. Here it is: 36. A lump of clay whose rest mass is 4 kilograms is traveling at three-fifths the speed of light when it collides...
  36. H

    GRE Quetion (QM, Electric Transition)

    Homework Statement X and Y are two stationary states of a particle in a spherically symmetric potential. In which of the following situations will the wave functions of the two states be orthogonal? I X and Y correspond to different energies. II X and Y correspond to different total orbital...
  37. A

    GRE General Test : Quantative Section

    Are we allowed to bring a calculator in the test? If yes, which kind of calculators do they allow/prohibit?
  38. T

    GRE Subject Questions: Learn How to Solve Them with Expert Tips

    My background is not strong enough to solve it on my own. Sometimes I'm clueless which area I could find related stuff that I could solve it on my own, so I come here, and if you could tell me hich area it falls on, it'd be great then I could find it out and go through it myself. I'd be...
  39. B

    Low(ish) GRE Verbal score - end of the world?

    I'm applying to grad school in the fall (a mix of materials science and applied physics programs), and I took the general GRE a month or so ago. I got an 800 for the quantitative but a 550 on the verbal (and a 5.5 on the writing, for what that's worth). I'm otherwise well-qualified (3.8-ish...
  40. D

    Understanding the Chain Rule for Partial Derivatives: An Example

    I am reading "Cracking the GRE Math Subject Test - Princeton Review, 3rd Ed." and and confused by the section on the chain rule for partial derivatives. The method in the book is as follows: 1) Draw a diagram to show how the variables depend on each other, with an arrow meaning "depends on"...
  41. T

    GRE math subject test prep

    #34 on the much-discussed http://ftp.ets.org/pub/gre/Math.pdf" : Suppose f is a differentiable function with \lim\limits_{x \to \infty }f(x)=K and \lim\limits_{x \to \infty }f'(x)=L for some K,L finite. Which must be true? L=0 \lim\limits_{x \to \infty }f''(x)=0 K=L f is constant. f' is...
  42. F

    Is Memorizing Equations the Best Way to Succeed in Physics?

    Fellows i don't have a good GPA . Can i have a chance for a PhD in a "good" American University with a good GRE physics grade ?
  43. maverick280857

    Testing Preparing for the Physics GRE: Majors vs. Non-Majors

    Hi Just curious...how (tough/different) is the Physics GRE for people who don't have physics majors, but are introduced to most of the stuff at a basic level? Would like to hear from both physics majors and non-physics majors who have taken Physics GRE (subject test). Cheers
  44. B

    Testing Anyone else take the physics gre today?

    i thought it was a bit easier than the four exams floatin' around the 'tubes. time got called when i still had five problems left, but i still answered 81 questions! :eek: can't wait until i see my score. it'll be a long six weeks. :biggrin:
  45. J

    Finding Greatest Integer Divisor for Primes on GRE Math Practice Test

    Not so good with the number theory and don't understand #59 and #61 on the practice GRE. Not even really sure where to start with these problems. http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/GRE/pdf/Math.pdf 59. A cyclic group of order 15 has an element x such that the set {x^3, x^5, x^9} has exactly...
  46. H

    Admissions Questions regarding GRE and Graduate Admission

    Here's what my situation is, I hope this will help to better answer below questions. Citizen(Non-International) Major:Physics and Applied Mathematics Junior College - GPA 3.5 Large Public University- GPA 3.8 Research Experience - two summer REU and Honors Thesis Research I just got my GRE...
  47. A

    Schools What's more important for graduate school? GRE VS. GPA

    I understand that both of them are a huge factor of deciding admission to a graduate school, but which one is generally more critical?
  48. V

    Studying Preparing for the GRE: Tips from Experienced Test Takers

    Hey everyone, first time poster here. Just curious how some people here went about studying for the general GRE? Some people have told me to just take it and others say study for months. What did you folks out there have taken the test do? What type of study material did you use and how long...
  49. mattmns

    Prepare for GRE Math Subject Exam: Tips & Advice

    I am most likely going to take the GRE Math Subject exam in April '07, and so I am wondering about how I should prepare for the exam. For those that have taken the exam, how would you prepare if you were to take the exam again? Do you think tutoring math (mostly calculus) would be a great way...
  50. S

    My topic full of GRE practice questions, whoo

    First up, thin noncunducting ring with uniformly distributed charge Q on it, what's the potential a distance x from it, it's located on the axis of symmetry(ie on the axis passing through the center of the ring) I really really really thought you could treat that ring as a point charge but...
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