GRE FAQs

Testmasters' GRE preparation course comes with a 200 point GRE score increase guarantee.

  1. What is the GRE?
  2. How does the CAT (Computer Adaptive Test) work?
  3. How is the GRE Scored?
  4. What is the format of the GRE?
  5. When should I take the GRE?
  6. How do I register for the GRE?
  7. How much does it cost to take the GRE?
  8. What if I take the GRE and mess up?
  9. How many times can I take the GRE?
  10. What is a good score on the GRE?
  11. Where can I find more information on the GRE?
  12. How important is the GRE for admissions?
  13. What factors are most important in choosing a graduate program?
  14. Why is Test Masters the best GRE preparation course?
  15. Part-time vs. full-time

  1. What is the GRE?

    The GRE is a 4-hour computerized exam required for admission to graduate school. The maximum score on the GRE, which is a combination of the Quantitative and Verbal sections, is 1600.

  2. How does the CAT (Computer Adaptive Test) work?

    The computer-adaptive format presents questions according to each individual's ability level. These questions are chosen from a pool of test questions categorized by content and difficulty. The first question is of medium difficulty. Every subsequent question is then determined by your responses to all previous questions. You are not allowed to change answers to previous questions as you proceed through the test, and you are not allowed to skip questions. A key part in preparing for the GRE is to understand the CAT format and how your score is determined.

  3. How is the GRE Scored?

    The GRE has three sections - a Verbal Section, a Quantitative Section and an Analytical Writing Sections. The Quantitative and Verbal Sections are each out of 800 points making the highest possible score on the GRE a 1600. The Analytical Writing Section is scored on an independent scale where a student gets a score from 0 to 6 (with a "6" being the highest. The Analytical Writing Score does not affect the overall score out of 1600 points.

  4. What is the format of the GRE?

    There are three sections to the GRE: the Analytical Writing, the Quantitative Section, and the Verbal Section. The Analytical Writing consists of two writing tasks: Argument Task (30 minutes allotted), and Issue Task (45 minutes allotted). The Quantitative Section contains 28 questions (45 minutes allotted). The Verbal section contains 30 questions on (30 minutes allotted). An unidentified Verbal or Quantitative pretest section may be included and may appear in any order after the Analytical Writing Section. It is not counted as part of your score. An identified research section that is not scored may be included and it will always be at the end of the test.

  5. When should I take the GRE?

    The GRE is given year-round in testing centers all across the country. The only restriction on taking the test is that you may not take the GRE more than one time in any calendar month, even if you have taken the test and canceled your scores. When you should take the GRE depends on the application deadline of the school to which you are applying to and if you think you may need to take it more than once. Consult the admissions office(s) of your prospective school(s) about their schedule.

  6. How do I register for the GRE?

    To register online, visit www.ets.org

    To register by phone, call (800)-GRE-CALL (473-2255).

    To register by mail obtain the GRE Authorization Voucher Form available at the following link: http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/GRE/pdf/0708_gre_cbt_test_authorization_voucher_request_form.pdf (you can use this method only if you are paying with fee waiver or options other than a credit card. You can then send your form to:

    ETS-CBT
    P.O. Box 371859
    Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7859
    USA

  7. How much does it cost to take the GRE?

    The General Test will cost US $140 for individuals testing in the United States, U.S. Territories, and Puerto Rico, and US $170 for individuals testing in all other locations. A limited number of GRE fee waivers are available for college seniors and un-enrolled college graduates who meet the eligibility requirements. Waivers may be used for one General Test and/or one Subject test and/or one Writing Assessment. Contact your financial aid office to see if you qualify.

  8. What if I take the GRE and mess up?

    The only chance you have to cancel your score is immediately after you finish the exam but before you see your scores. After they have been reported to you, they cannot be canceled. If you cancel your scores, they cannot be reinstated; you will not be eligible for a refund.

  9. How many times can I take the GRE?

    You may take the GRE no more than once in any calendar month. If you take the GRE multiple times, some graduate schools may average your scores. You should call the schools to which you are applying to find out their policy and then plan your strategy accordingly. If you repeat the test, your scores from the latest test date and the two most recent test administrations in the last five years will be reported to the institutions you designate as recipients.

  10. What is a good score on the GRE?

    A good score on the GRE is a score that will get you into your first choice for graduate school. This varies with the schools you are applying to, your work experience, and undergraduate GPA.

  11. Where can I find more information on the GRE?

    For more information on the GRE, visit www.ets.org.

  12. How important is the GRE for admissions?

    In addition to the GRE, admission officers generally look at your transcript, prior work experience, recommendations, and your essays in your application packet. While the GRE is not the only criterion used for admissions, it can have a big impact on whether or not you are accepted to the graduate school of your choice. While admission requirements vary widely among schools and among programs within a school, most graduate programs require scores for the GRE General Test or a GRE Subject Test or both.

  13. What factors are most important in choosing a graduate program?

    The choice of school depends on financial factors, overall academic rank, specialty degree areas, as well as locality. Generally speaking, it is best to get into the highest ranked school for your targeted specialty area that you can; otherwise, pick your nearest best option that leverages your personal situation.

  14. Why is Test Masters the best GRE preparation course?

    • Test Masters GRE Courses offer an intensive program with 12 classes of 3 to 4 hours each. Test Masters Courses offer unique and highly effective strategies not taught anywhere else, by highly experienced, dynamic instructors.
    • Highest Score Increase Guarantee - if you do not improve by at least 200 points, then you can take the next available GRE course for free.
    • All exams administered in class are real GRE exams. Test Masters provides computerized grading for every GRE exam, giving you information about the various areas you need to focus on to improve your score.
    • Course materials include our Test Masters GRE Manual with tricks and tips to do well on the GRE, a copy of the Practicing to Take the General Test book and a complete solution set to the exams in the Practicing to Take the General Test book.

  15. Part-time vs. full-time

    • Costs - Part-time programs generally allow you to work more during the school year, whereas, full-time students are not given the same opportunities because their schedule does not allow them to work more then 20 hours a week. To off-set this, institutions reserve a larger percent of their grant and scholarship funds for full-time students.
    • Academic Experience - Part-time students may have a difficult time juggling school, work and a personal life. Many times academic performance of students tends to suffer, if they are unable to juggle different aspects of their lives. Academic performance opens many doors to opportunities, so part-time students may miss out on these opportunities, which can aid in building your resume. Also, part-time students may have limited selection for evening courses, which would make it much more difficult to take required courses, thereby, postponing the completion of the program.
    • Opportunities After Graduation - Part-time students typically have a full-time job, which means that they cannot take part in other programs such as internships in a business related field. These opportunities are a great way of finding a company that you may want to potentially work for after the completion of your program. Although, the part-time students may not get these opportunities, they do have opportunities to apply the knowledge they learn in the classroom to their work. The full-time students have to wait until they get back in to the workplace before getting the chances to apply the knowledge first-hand.

    Before deciding on a part-time or full-time program, check with each individual school in which you are interested in to find out the advantages and disadvantages to their programs.