(4/3/18)
What is the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) and why do you need to take it?
Graduate schools use the GRE General Test when choosing applicants. GRE scores supplement your undergraduate records, recommendation letters and other qualifications for graduate-level study.
Just like the SAT or ACT is needed to get into undergraduate school, the GRE is needed to get into most good graduate schools.
The GRE Website: https://www.ets.org/gre
Advanced degrees are usually worth the time and effort to get all the “smarts” you can get from these advanced degrees. Both the material learned and the diploma (pomp and circumstance) are beneficial.
Be careful if a university does not require the GRE; there are few good universities that don’t require it, not many. One faculty Mertens knows at one of these schools that does not require the GRE said students who are applying often submit their GRE scores even though they’re not required because they do not know what else to submit to show they are ready for grad school.
Most graduate schools in all academic areas require the GRE. Most colleges do not require what is called a “specific area test”; this is true in psychology and many other fields. Most likely, the graduate schools will teach you the knowledge of the discipline they want you to have. The graduate programs want you to show them you have the skills for learning in the 3 areas of the GRE: math, verbal, and writing skills.
Some wonder why programs like art and certain areas of psychology require math/quantitative skills, etc. A common answer is it’s because graduate degrees are research degrees.
The GRE has been a career stumbling block for many students Mertens has known over 50+ years here at St. Cloud State. Do what you have to do so it won’t be a problem for you.
Never Say Never (as far as taking the GRE)
- Jerry Mertens’ wife got her bachelor’s degree as a registered nurse (RN), and she didn’t plan to go to grad school or take the GRE. Many nursing jobs, including his wife’s job (teaching nursing), only require a bachelor’s degree. However, she and her nursing teaching colleagues later discovered that getting a master’s degree would lead to retiring at a higher retirement pay, so they took the GRE and got a Master’s as they neared retirement. If they had accomplished this sooner, they could have had higher salaries throughout their careers.
- The importance of money can be a motivator for pursuing higher education (i.e. the GRE) in most career fields.
- Another reason is becoming a “late bloomer.” One day you may decide to go to grad school (and therefore take the GRE) just to learn more about some field of study.
- A job-related requirement or condition: “In 5 years, you’ll need a Master’s degree to keep your job.”
What kinds of questions are on the GRE? (3 areas tested on the GRE)
Verbal Reasoning – Measures ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences and recognize relationships among words and concepts.
Quantitative Reasoning – Measures problem-solving ability using basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis.
Analytical Writing – Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, specifically your ability to articulate and support complex ideas clearly and effectively.
What is the structure of the GRE?
GRE Taken on Computer:
3 hours and 45 minutes Total
6 sections with a 10-minute break after third section
Analytical Writing has two parts, 1) an “Analyze an Issue” task and 2) an “Analyze an Argument” task, with 30 minutes per task.
Verbal Reasoning has two sections, 20 questions per section, with 30 minutes per section.
Quantitative Reasoning has two sections, 20 questions per section, with 35 minutes per section.
GRE on Paper:
3 hours and 30 minutes
6 sections with a 10-minute break after second section
Analytical Writing has two parts, 1) an “Analyze an Issue” task and 2) an “Analyze an Argument” task, with 30 minutes per task.
Verbal Reasoning has two sections, 25 questions per section, with 35 minutes per section.
Quantitative Reasoning has two sections, 25 questions per section, with 40 minutes per section.
How do you register for the GRE?
You must register on the GRE website.
https://www.ets.org/gre –> Register for the Test
How much does the GRE cost?
Standard Test Administration (GRE) – $205
Special Handling Request –
Late registration fee (paper test, online registration only) – $25
Standby testing (paper test only) – $50
Rescheduling fee – $50
Changing test center – $50
Where do you take the GRE?
Available at 1,000 test centers in more than 160 countries.
The Atwood Test Center offers it at Saint Cloud State University.
What are some of the GRE prep materials available?
ETS/GRE Website
The Official Guide to the GRE General Test, Third Edition and ScoreItNow! Online Writing Practice.
Magoosh.com
Online Prep: 200 lessons, 1000 questions, full-length tests, 7-day money-back guarantee