How Does the GRE Measure the Ability?
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What is the GRE?
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The GRE, short for graduate record examination, is a computer-based standardized test which is required to gain admission to various master's and doctorate programs. The GRE general test focuses on analytical writing, verbal reasoning and mathematical reasoning. While specialty programs like law, medicine and business, which each have their own standardized exams, the GRE is used as an overall skills test for many different types of graduate programs. In addition to the general test, subject-specific GRE exams are also administered for programs which require specialized knowledge such as for math or the sciences.
Test Sections
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The GRE tests intellectual ability and knowledge through two essays, two verbal reasoning sections and two mathematical reasoning sections. The verbal and math sections are multiple choice and, as the test goes on, the computer adjusts the difficulty of the questions based on how well the test taker has performed on previous questions. This system is meant to hone in on a test taker's actual ability in a given area quickly without forcing him to answer many questions that might be far above his ability level. The verbal and math sections are each scored on a scale of 200 to 800, with 800 being a perfect score. One need not necessarily get all the answers correct to get an 800.
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Other Considerations
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The GRE can be an important factor in determining acceptance to graduate programs, though its importance is highly dependent upon what type of program is being applied for. For example, a student applying for math-heavy graduate programs such as statistics, engineering or physics must usually score in the high 700s, or even 800 on their mathematical reasoning sections to even be considered by certain graduate institutions. On the other hand, a student going to grad school in philosophy might be expected to have a high verbal score along with good essays. Some programs, such as those in music, might not use the GRE at all, opting for practical displays of skill through auditions or interviews.
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