Prospective graduate applicants take the General Test. GRE test scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement undergraduate records and other qualifications for graduate study. The scores provide common measures for comparing the qualifications of applicants and aid in evaluating grades and recommendations.
US universities require GRE and TOEFL scores when you are applying for admission. Depending on the course of study you are applying for, minimum credentials require may very. Any foreign / international student will need:
16 years of Education
Valid passport
Depending on course of study, your score for
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
Most graduate programs require GRE for admission; however, law, medical, and business schools usually require different exams (LSAT, MCAT, and GMAT respectively).
And TOEFL score.
(For complete details on admission process and minimum qualification requirements in US universities check 'Study in USA' section)
What is GRE?
GRE at a glance
Details:
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study. It is designed to test applicants skills such as:
Ability to focus and Endurance
Vocabulary and knowledge of word usage,
Mathematics, inductive and deductive reasoning capabilities
Other skills like: ability to guess, work at an appropriate pace, and decisions making and problem-solving abilities
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) General Exam is a required test for most American graduate schools (Note that business schools require the GMAT, and law schools require the LSAT not GRE scores). The GRE consists of three multiple-choice sections, Quantitative, Analytical and Verbal, and a new essay section called the Writing Assessment, which is taken separately.
Verbal Reasoning: The skills measured include the test taker's ability to
Analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it
Analyze relationships among component parts of sentences
Recognize relationships between words and concepts.
Verbal Section has 30 questions (Sentence Completion, Antonym, Reading Comprehension) and the time alloted is 30 minutes.
Quantitative Reasoning: The skills measured include the test taker's ability to
Understand basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis
Reason quantitatively
Solve problems in a quantitative setting.
Quantitative Section (Math Questions) consists of 28 questions and time alloted is 45 minutes.
Analytical Writing: The skills measured include the test taker's ability to
Articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively
Examine claims and accompanying evidence
Support ideas with relevant reasons and examples
Sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion
Control the elements of standard written English.
Time alloted is 45 minutes.
Suggested materials to prepare for GRE:
Barrons Guide(latest edition),
GRE Kaplan, Cambridge CDs,
Power prep CDs
More about 'General test content and structure - computer based'
More about 'General test content and structure - Paper based'
Learn how to prepare for GRE and what are the important points when preparing for GRE. These articles are written by students:
Practical tips from other students on preparing for GRE