What Is The GRE Exam Full Form? Registration, Cost, And Requirements

Did you know that over half a million people across 160 countries take the GRE exam each year, hoping to gain entry into top graduate and business schools? Many face difficulties balancing preparation, from scheduling test dates to mastering verbal and quantitative reasoning. It’s not just another standardized test; it’s a crucial step towards graduate school, MBA programs, and more.

The reality is that taking the GRE can be stressful. With rising GRE costs, confusion between the General and Subject Tests, and the pressure to sharpen critical thinking skills in analytical writing, many students feel lost. But here’s the good news: by staying organized, planning smartly, and understanding what ETS requires, you can conquer this admission test and move closer to your goals, whether it’s graduate school or advancing in business.

What Is The GRE Full Form?

The full form of GRE is Graduate Record Examinations. The GRE is a standardized test widely accepted by many graduate and business schools in the U.S. and other countries. Its primary purpose is to assess a test taker’s readiness for graduate-level academic work. It evaluates skills such as verbal and quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking. The GRE General Test is used for a variety of graduate programs, including MBA programs, while the GRE Subject Test focuses on specific fields of study.

Category	GRE General Test	GRE Subject Test
Purpose	Assesses overall graduate-level skills like verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.	Focuses on specific subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Literature in English, and more.
Sections	Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing.	Subject-specific content (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics).
Test Format	Available in both computer-based and paper-based formats.	Only available as a paper-based exam.
Duration	Around 3 hours and 45 minutes.	Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes.
Scoring	Scored on a scale of 130-170 for verbal and quantitative sections; Analytical Writing scored on a scale of 0-6.	Scored on a scale of 200-990, depending on the subject.
Test Availability	Available throughout the year in test centers around the world.	Offered three times a year (April, September, and October).
Cost of the GRE	Varies by location; typically around $205 for the General Test.	Varies by location; typically around $150.
Who Takes It?	Test takers pursuing a variety of graduate and business programs, including MBA programs.	Test takers focusing on specific graduate programs.
GRE Preparation	Requires comprehensive prep in verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections.	Requires subject-specific preparation.
Acceptance	Widely accepted by many graduate and business schools worldwide, including MBA programs.	Accepted for graduate programs requiring specific subject knowledge.
Official GRE Results	Available 10-15 days after taking the exam.	Available approximately five weeks after the test.

What Is The GRE Exam Structure?

The GRE, or Graduate Record Examinations, is a standardized test used by many graduate and business schools to assess the readiness of applicants for graduate-level academic work. Here is a detailed breakdown:

1. Analytical Writing Section
   • Purpose: This section measures the test taker’s ability to articulate complex ideas, evaluate arguments, and sustain a focused and coherent discussion.
   • Format: It includes two writing tasks: one “Analyze an Issue” task and one “Analyze an Argument” task.
   • Time: 30 minutes per task, for a total of 60 minutes.
   • Scoring: Scored on a scale of 0-6.
2. Verbal Reasoning Section
   • Purpose: Assesses the ability to understand and analyze written material, evaluate arguments, and draw conclusions.
   • Format: This section includes reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence questions.
   • Time: 30 minutes per section, with two sections totaling 60 minutes.
   • Scoring: Scored on a scale of 130-170.
3. Quantitative Reasoning Section
   • Purpose: Tests the ability to solve problems using mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
   • Format: Includes quantitative comparison, problem-solving, and numeric entry questions.
   • Time: 35 minutes per section, with two sections totaling 70 minutes.
   • Scoring: Scored on a scale of 130-170.
4. Unscored/Research Section
   • This section may appear randomly during the test but does not count towards the final score. It is used by ETS for research purposes.

Should You Take The GRE Exam?

Whether you should take the GRE exam depends on your academic and professional goals. The GRE is widely accepted by many graduate and business schools, making it a versatile choice for those pursuing a variety of graduate programs or even MBA programs in some of the top US universities. If you’re applying to schools that require or colleges that accept the GRE, it’s certainly a solid option to demonstrate your readiness for graduate-level work, especially in fields that emphasize verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and GRE analytical writing.

However, if your focus is strictly on business school, you might also consider the GMAT, which is specifically designed for graduate management programs. Some MBA programs accept both the GRE and GMAT, so it can be worth exploring which test better aligns with your strengths and the specific requirements of the programs you’re targeting.

What Is The Eligibility Criteria For The GRE Test?

There are no strict eligibility criteria for the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations). Anyone, regardless of educational background or nationality, can take the GRE General Test or GRE Subject Test. However, the GRE is typically taken by individuals planning to pursue a graduate degree or enter an MBA program at graduate and business schools.

While there is no official age or academic prerequisite, most test takers are college graduates or final-year students aiming for admission into graduate programs. The test fee and format (whether computer-based or paper-based) depend on your location

How Much Does The GRE Cost?

The GRE General Test typically costs around $205, while the GRE Subject Test is priced at about $150. However, the exact test fee can vary depending on your location. The GRE exam Fee in India costs around 14,500 to 22,550.

How To Register For Graduate Record Examination?

Available throughout the year, you have the option to choose between computer-based or paper-based exams depending on your location and preference. Here’s how you can get registered and set yourself on the path to success.

Sign Up on the ETS Website

Head over to the official ETS website, where you’ll begin by creating your account. This account will serve as your primary hub for managing your GRE registration, test results, and any changes to your exam date or location.

Pick the Right Test

Depending on your goals, choose between the GRE General Test or the GRE Subject Test. Make sure you understand the specific GRE requirements of your target programs, as some schools prefer one over the other.

Find a Testing Location and Schedule

Browse through available test centers and find one that’s both convenient and offers the two GRE format (computer-based or paper-based) you prefer. Scheduling early ensures you secure a date that works with your GRE action plan timeline.

Handle the Payment

Pay the test fee, which typically ranges around $205 for the GRE General Test and $150 for the GRE Subject Test, depending on your location. This fee can be paid online via your ETS account.

Receive Confirmation

Once you’ve completed registration, ETS will send you a confirmation email detailing your test center location, testing time, and important instructions for exam day. Keep this information handy as you finalize your preparation.

Conclusion

The GRE can feel like a big deal, but honestly, it’s just one step toward where you’re headed—whether that’s grad school, an MBA, or something else. It takes some prep, sure, but once you get into the flow, it’s all about staying on top of things and knowing what’s expected. And with the option to choose between the General Test and Subject Test, you’ve got some flexibility to focus on what matters most for your path.

In the grand scheme of things, the GRE is just one piece of the puzzle. It doesn’t define who you are or what you’re capable of. If you stay focused, prep with intention, and take it one step at a time, you’ll get through it with results that help move you closer to your goals.

Conquer the GRE with Ambitio’s customized preparation program. Our approach is tailored to your unique learning style and preparation needs, offering a suite of resources that includes in-depth lessons, practice questions, and personalized feedback to help you achieve exceptional results.

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