The GRE General Test enjoys wide popularity among students and universities alike because of its worldwide acceptance for admissions to Masters and Phd Programs. Before you immerse yourself in GRE preparations, let’s brush up on the exam’s structure.

Educational Testing Service or ETS administers and conducts the GRE General Test. It is a 3-hour and 45-minute long computer-adaptive test and has a total score of 340 marks.

IN THIS BLOG:

1.    Sectional Breakup of GRE Test
2.    Section-level Adaptive GRE test
3.    Study Guide for GRE Test

Sectional Breakup of GRE Test

GRE consists of three sections: Analytical Writing (AW), Verbal Reasoning (VR), and Quantitative Reasoning (QR).

Besides these, two sections: unidentified unscored section and identified section may also form a part of the GRE General Test. The unscored section serves two purposes:

• tests questions for possible use in the future GRE tests
• make scores on future and past editions of the GRE more comparable.

The Analytical Writing section will always come first, and the remaining sections may appear, in any order, after it. The identified research section is included sometimes in place of the unscored section. ETS uses the questions in this section for research purposes only, but it is still essential to approach every section as if it counts towards your final score.

Section-level Adaptive GRE test

Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning further consists of two sections each. The difficulty level in these subsections varies because of GRE’s section-level adaptive nature. For instance, under the Verbal Reasoning section, your performance in the first section determines the difficulty level of your next section.

The first section is of average difficulty for both Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning. If you perform well in the first section, the questions in the second section will be more difficult. It should be noted that while scoring the QR and VR sections, the difficulty level of the GRE General Test and the total number of correctly answered questions are both considered.

Let us look at the individual sections on the GRE General Test.

1. Analytical Writing

This section consists of two essay-writing tasks: Argumentative Writing Task and Issue Writing Task. ETS comprehensively evaluates your essay tasks, so make sure to accommodate both quality and quantity. Additionally, the essays should be well-structured, efficient, and relevant.

The Analytical Writing section tests you on:

• Clear and effective articulation of complex ideas
• Presentation of a well-focused and coherent discussion
• Ideas supported with relevant reasons and instances
• Correct use of standard written English
• Examination of claims and supporting evidence

2. Verbal Reasoning

This section consists of three types of questions: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence. The Reading Comprehension asks analytical questions to test your understanding of the passage. The difficulty level of the passage is high to match the challenging level of material you will be studying as a graduate student.

The remaining two types- Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence, are designed to test your vocab knowledge.

The Verbal Reasoning section tests your ability to:

• Analyze sentences and comprehend passages
• Understand basic vocabulary concepts
• Creatively think around the questions
• Understand sentence structure and formation
• Read through multiple meanings

3. Quantitative Reasoning

This section consists of four types of questions: Quantitative Comparison Questions, Numeric Entry, Multiple Choice (one answer), and Multiple choice (one or more answers). In the quantitative comparison section, you will have to compare the two given quantities. For Numeric Entry questions, you must enter your answer in the given text box. While attempting the Multiple Choice questions, separate the questions with a single answer from those with multiple answers.

The Quantitative Reasoning section design is to test your:

• Understanding, interpretation, and analysis of quantitative data
• Ability to use mathematical models to solve questions
• Application of basic mathematical concepts

Study Guide for GRE Test

While diving into any test prep, it is important to follow a well-defined approach. Here is your official guide to the GRE General Test:

1. Determine Your Target GRE Score

To determine the GRE score you should be targeting, look at the average GRE score of the previous year’s incoming class for the course and universities you have shortlisted. A clear vision of your goal will make reaching it easier.

2. Take a GRE Practice Test

Taking the GRE Practice test will give you an idea of the test structure, the types of questions you’ll get, and where you stand in the various sections. The practice test will familiarize you with the GRE’s format and timing and help you build a sound study plan.

3. Develop your Study Plan

The first step toward developing a sound study plan is to understand how to approach various questions. Students in Jamboree’s classes have effectively developed robust study plans and scored a complete 340 on their GRE General Test.

4. Set your Study Schedule

Whether you are a student or a working professional, setting up an effective study schedule will help you ace the GRE test. We understand the time crunch & miss in regular practice; therefore, at Jamboree, we have the options of online, live, or private classes to choose from. Set your study schedule as per your convenience with Jamboree.

Do not delay your GRE prep any further. Get in touch with our expert counselor at Jamboree to learn more about GRE and its test prep.

Who doesn’t like freebies, right? A constant search for free GRE sample questions or a GRE free mock test is a rite of passage when preparing for GRE. A simple google search can list a lot of them, but in this blog, we want to surprise you with details on the variety of GRE resources that you probably didn’t know could be free. So, let’s dive right in!

In this Blog:

1.    Are free resources really free?
2.    GRE free mock test
3.    Free GRE Vocabulary PDF
4.    Free GRE Demo class
5.    GRE Free Mock Tests/Trial access to GRE online testing portal

Are free resources free?

Let’s get done with this ever-looming question first – are free resources free? Most of the sources you will find for free will require you to sign up first, including the free Powerprep practice test on the ETS’s website. Harmless signup is a small price to pay for a better GRE score.

Free GRE Mock Test

If there were an award for the most in-demand free GRE study material, it would go to free GRE mock tests. Since there is just one free official GRE practice test on the ETS website, finding an adaptive GRE free mock test can be tricky. And when you don’t have enough official GRE practice tests, Jamboree’s GRE-free mock test is the closest you can get to the actual exam. Jamboree’s free GRE mock test has been specially designed to test precisely how GRE-ready you are, with the type of questions that regularly appear in the GRE. Click here to take the test.

Free GRE Vocabulary PDF/ Simplified GRE Vocabulary App

For a lot of students, GRE Vocabulary is quite a challenge. With so many words that might appear on your iteration of the GRE list, it can be hard to imagine learning them all. And the only thing better than a well-researched and free GRE Vocabulary PDF is an app that does the job without making it feel like hard work.

You can try the Simplified GRE Vocabulary app that uses Jamboree’s unique teaching methodology that unbelievably simplifies GRE Vocabulary for you. With the free app, you don’t have to memorize thousands of words and can quickly learn high-frequency GRE words with the help of easy-to-remember groups, fun quizzes, and highly customized features.

Click here to download your Simplified GRE Vocabulary app!

Free GRE Demo Class

Yes, if you wonder what a free demo class is doing on a GRE free mock test list, let us tell you! A demo class is helpful to conclude whether or not you can benefit from classroom training for the GRE. And that insight is valuable because it can significantly impact your GRE test score to eventually help you target better universities.

Click here to take a free GRE demo class.

Take a 35-minute GRE Diagnostic test to find how GRE-ready you are right now!
Take the test!

GRE Free Mock Tests/Trial access to GRE online portal

We saved the best for the last – GRE free mock tests or free access to the GRE online portal of a test prep institution is the ultimate king of freebies.

Let’s now get to the next obvious question, who is even doing that? We hate to bring it up again, but Jamboree is! Yes, you can now fully access Jamboree’s GRE online testing portal for free for the full 7 days.

Click here to get access now.

Have more questions about GRE test prep or admissions? We can help! Counselors for a free 15-minute consultation session and get all your doubts resolved!

Debunking the myths about the GRE and acknowledging the facts will give GRE aspirants clarity and help in better test preparation.

So, let’s get rolling and bust some myths about GRE.

Myth 1. Retaking the GRE could affect your chances of getting accepted

Retaking the GRE won’t hamper your chances. ETS’s ‘Score select’ option allows you to select your best score for the university of your choice; it doesn’t matter if it’s your first attempt or re-attempt score. The only constraint imposed is you can only take the GRE once every 21 days up to 5 Test attempts in a continuous rolling period of 12 months or 365 days. Retaking the GRE to apply with a better score will not affect your admission chances.

Myth 2. GRE gives a composite score, and students could choose between sectional scores to send

Every section on the test must be taken carefully – as they all hold equal importance. The score sent to the university has to be your best test score of any attempt. No mix and match of quant, verbal, and analytical writing scores from separate testing sessions are allowed. The GRE Quant section is scored on a scale of 130 to 170 points with a 1-point increment, and the same goes for the GRE Verbal Section. The GRE Analytical Writing section is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6, with an increment of 0.5. So, each Test section needs proper focus.

Myth 3. Everyone gets the same unscored section

4 scored math and verbal sections (2 each) in the GRE. A fifth section, the unscored section, is also included in most tests. The unscored or experimental Test section ensures that every test question is valid before impacting a test taker’s score. Every scored question you get was once part of someone else’s experimental section.

Unscored sections are not included in most mock tests, so they can be exhausting when you get them on exam day. At Jamboree, we offer full-length mock tests, including unscored sections, to give you a GRE-like experience.

Myth 4. Great vocabulary implies a good verbal GRE score

An adequate vocabulary is good for the GRE verbal section, but it does not indicate a great GRE score. It goes without saying that preparation and practice to enhance GRE-specific vocabulary are crucial.

Note: The GRE is a reasoning exam that tests students’ analytical thinking abilities. It is not a verbal or vocabulary ability test.

Myth 5. Only good writers can ace the GRE AWA section

The Analytical writing assessment section has two tasks: analyzing an issue and analyzing an argument. AWA section measures analytical skills and critical thinking, including articulating and supporting complex ideas, sustaining a focused and coherent discussion, and constructing and evaluating statements.

Note: AWA section is the only section in the GRE where universities often impose a cut-off of 3.5/4.

Myth 6. GRE preparation demands umpteen time

The resources you follow and regular practice matter greatly in GRE test prep. However, a dedicated and well-planned preparation of about 3 months is good enough to get a good score if planned well.

At Jamboree, we offer GRE prep via classroom training, live classes, online coaching, and private tutoring. We encourage our students to take up the program that suits their requirements, profile, and targeted universities.

Myth 7. More practice tests imply better score

The key motive of the practice tests is to enhance your knowledge and achieve gradual progress. Students need to adapt to concepts and get better with each practice set.

DO NOT FORGET

When some of the most common GRE myths are busted, we must stay true to the facts and not forget some essential facts about GRE.

1. The GRE Quantitative and the Verbal section are section-wise adaptive instead of question-wise.
2. In the GRE general test, the first section will always be the Analytical Writing section. You will also get an unidentified research section that does not add to your score. This section is included for ETS research purposes.

GRE is an essential part of the graduate admission process. Being aware of GRE scores and the other admission application requirements is vital. Jamboree is here to guide you through each step towards securing excellent scores and getting accepted into the university of your choice.

Before making plans to study abroad, you need to seek answers to some challenging questions. The first step is the most difficult one, as most aspirants wonder – what is the right time to take the GRE and, more importantly – How much time does it take to prepare for the GRE? The answers to these questions can be complicated as the needs of every student are different, depending on the student’s profile and the university intake deadline. An experienced admission consultant like Jamboree could help the aspirant by perspicuously guiding students on how much time is required to prepare for GRE.

For example, suppose the GRE aspirant targets to meet the Fall intake deadline of the university of his choice. In that case, you must schedule the Test between March to October of the previous year. It will give you sufficient time to prepare for university applications based on the GRE score obtained. As the GRE score is valid for five years, taking the GRE test 3-4 months before the university intake deadline would give you adequate time.

In this Blog:

1.    When to take the GRE
2.    Things to consider before scheduling GRE
3.    Importance of GRE
4.    How to take the GRE?
5.    Don’t rush your application- Take time

When to take the GRE?

So, when is the right time to take the GRE? The answer depends on the time you have for the targeted deadline and the type of applicant you are.

Here are some scenarios based on the kind of GRE applicant you are

1. Undergrad Students – Students planning to study abroad after finishing their Bachelor’s degree should take the GRE, preferably in the second last year of college. Ensure there is no gap in the study, and you get ample time to prepare along with your undergrad coursework. All you need to do is find a balance between GRE preparation and Undergraduate studies.
2. Working Professionals – The preparation for the GRE is a challenge for working professionals as dedicating a lot of time might not be possible. The Online prep could be beneficial with a flexible online study schedule based on your requirements. Still, the aspirant should be mindful of the university deadline and work experience requirements.

As the GRE takes place throughout the year – anytime is a good time for taking GRE. But remember, well-planned preparation reaps the high benefits – good results and sufficient time for preparing Letters of recommendation and writing university essays.

Things to consider before scheduling the GRE

The GRE aspirants should consider critical factors like university intake deadline & requirements and their target GRE Score before scheduling the test.

1. University intake deadline & requirements

The goals should be clear when you decide to study abroad and gear up for scheduling the GRE tests. The GRE score requirements may vary based on your target university and program. In universities abroad, there are various intake dates.

The most common intakes are – Fall and Spring intake. The fall starts around September and ends in December, whereas the Spring intake starts in January and ends in May. The exact dates may vary based on the institution. There are also options for ‘Early applicant’ and minor intake ‘Rolling deadlines’ provided by some universities.

The fall intake is the most preferred as it works well for those who have completed their school and are doing their undergrad in India. Indian students looking for a Master’s or PhD in research-based domains also prefer fall intake, as it’s a more feasible time for acquiring an internship or assistantship. For fall intake – There are a more significant number of courses offered, more chances of acceptance, and more job opportunities.

2. Set Your Target Score

Setting a clear target GRE score would help plan your preparation and decide when to take the GRE. Give yourself enough time to retake the test if you did not meet your target score on the first attempt.

The other factor that needs to be considered before scheduling the test is the time required for preparing university admission applications and related documents. Based on a profile assessment and your target study abroad destinations. Jamboree can assist you in planning your prep and guide you to pick the right time to take the GRE.

Importance of GRE

The most important part of the admission application process is your GRE score and academic profile. A high GRE score supported by strong academics could boost your chances of acceptance. Universities abroad generally ask for a GRE score as mandatory criteria for admission into the MS, PhD and even some Business Management programs.

The GRE score provides a standardized objective measure to compare applicants from different backgrounds and supports the institution’s efforts to find academically prepared applicants for graduate study.

How to take the GRE?

Educational Testing Service (ETS) conducts and administers the GRE under the guidance of the Graduate Record Examination Board. GRE

You can register for the GRE on ets.org. So, visit the ETS Website

1. Create your account
2. Fill up your information
3. Set username and password
4. Register for your appointment – Choose the Test centre or register for GRE Test at home
5. Select your GRE date and time
6. Verify the entered details
7. Pay the GRE registration fees

Click here to know more about the GRE Exam pattern and GRE Test preparation,

Before you register, it is always a good idea to take GRE diagnostic assessments and GRE mock tests. The GRE Diagnostic test will give you an exact idea of how prepared you are for the GRE Test and the areas you need to work on.

Based on your assessment, plan your test prep and schedule your test. Prepare a plan based on your strengths & weaknesses and the time you want to dedicate for the test prep 0-3 months, 3-6 months, or more than 6 months.

Don’t rush your application- Take time

The university application process takes time, and rushing your application could hamper your acceptance chances. So, take time before you apply. Here are some tips that can help you.

1. Make sure you have time to retake the GRE – If you didn’t get the desired score and feel you could do better if you retake the test. Please go for it. Retaking the test doesn’t affect your chances. Make sure you have enough time to study and retake the test to meet the deadline.
2. Consider the time frame and deadline for sending the scores –  It takes two weeks to generate a GRE score. You are given your GRE Verbal and Quantitative section score on the exam day on the spot, but the AWA score takes time. Official Test Scores are submitted via ETS, which takes around five days to 3 weeks. Universities take roughly a week to reflect upon their scores and application. So it would be best if you were ready with your application and scores well before university deadlines.
3. Need time to prepare for and appear in the TOEFL or IELTS. Report generation and submission take at least two weeks for a language proficiency score.
4. Book your test date and centre well in advance – Close to the intake dates, there is a massive rush to book preferred dates. So, book the slot to streamline your preparation schedule, giving yourself sufficient time to prepare.

The right time to schedule the GRE Test varies for every individual. All you need to consider is to give yourself sufficient time to prepare and get a score with a complete profile, admission application, and required IELTS/TOFEL score. Jamboree guides GRE aspirants to schedule a Test prep plan and build speed, accuracy, and stamina for the test. Jamboree′s Online Test Prep packages like GRE live for Online classroom like prep, GRE online, which provides prep flexibility, and GRE Test series with dedicated Vocab Tool: Optimized for the GRE.