The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test usually useful for a Master’s program in the universities in the U.S. Of all the rush about GRE and its benefits, you might be wondering GRE is for which course. Well, here is your solution.
Each year, universities abroad admit applicants from around the world. The selection process being difficult, applicants are admitted and even provided grants based on GRE scores and GRE scholarships.
Although some universities ask for a GRE general Test Score, some others might require subject-specific tests. We will discover along the article GRE is for which course and how applicable it is for universities you apply for.
How do you find out GRE is for which Course?
The GRE General Test measures applicants on 3 parameters, which is most commonly used for Business Master’s degrees including PhD. The parameters on the basis of which you get assessed are:
- Verbal Reasoning: Verbal Reasoning focuses on the ability to read and comprehend information. This is assessed through understanding words and sentences and paragraph formation. You are supposed to join the dots of the passage given and form a meaningful story. These questions focus on the meaning from the author’s perspective.
The topics covered in GRE Verbal Reasoning are:
| Modifiers and Parallelism | Idioms and Idiomatic expressions |
| Verb tense | Pronoun Agreement |
| Subject-Verb Agreement | Nouns, Adjectives, Pronouns |
- Quantitative reasoning: Quantitative Reasoning Section of the GRE General Test measures the ability to understand mathematical concepts and complete mathematical problems in four general areas, arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis. The syllabus for GRE Quants is given below:
| Arithmetic | Geometry | Data Analysis | Algebra |
| Property and types of integer | Lines and angles | Descriptive statistics such as Median, Mean, Range, Mode, Percentiles, etc. | Exponents |
| Power and roots | Circles | Interpretation of data based on graphs, circle graphs, scatter plots, etc | Algebraic Expressions – Factoring and Simplifying |
| Statistics | Triangle | Probability | Equations and inequalities |
| Estimation | Quadrilaterals | Permutation and Combination | Linear and Quadratic inequalities |
| Number properties | Polygon | Venn Diagrams | Linear Equations |
| Percentage | Three-dimensional figures | Sets Theory | Quadratic equations |
| Exponents and Roots | Area, Perimeter, Volume | Word Problems | |
| Ratio and proportions | Angle Measurements | Speed, distance, and Time | |
| Simple and Compound Interest | Profit and Loss | ||
| Arithmetic Operations | Coordinate geometry |
- Critical thinking and analytical skills: The critical thinking and analytical writing section of the test assesses the ability to understand and explain complex information. Assessment is made based on the capacity for analysing and critiquing an argument.
Analyse and Argument: This requires evaluation of a given argument according to specific instructions.
Analyse and Issue: This requires presenting an option on the issue of general interest along with your opinion with specific instructions on how to respond to that issue.
The tasks in the GRE General Test Analytical Writing section is related to a broad range of topics such as fine arts, physical science, humanities, and more. No background knowledge is required for this section. The tasks are generally structured in a way that it does not demand specificity but a general understanding of the idea.
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GRE is for which course: Subjects Available
The GRE Subject Test is conducted for 6 different subjects.
- Biology: This test measures knowledge and skill in cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology and ecology and evolution.
| Cellular and Molecular Biology (33-34%) | Organismal Biology (33-34%) | Ecology and evolution (33-34%) |
- Chemistry: This assesses skills in analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry.
| Analytical chemistry (15%) | Inorganic chemistry (25%) |
| Organic chemistry (30%) | Physical Chemistry (30%) |
- Literature: This requires a grip over Continental, Classical and Comparative Literature, British Literature and American Literature through 1925.
| Literary analysis (40-55%) | Identification(15-20%) |
| Cultural and historical context (20-25%) | History and theory of literary criticism (10-15%) |
- Mathematics: This test requires you to prepare for calculus, algebra and additional topics, such as discrete mathematics, geometry and statistics.
| Calculus (50%) | Algebra (25%) | Additional Topics (25%) |
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- Physics: This test requires your basics of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and atomic physics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, optics and wave phenomena, special relativity, laboratory methods and specialised topics like nuclear and particle physics.
| Classical mechanics (20%) | Electromagnetism (18%) | Optics and wave phenomena (9%) |
| Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics (10%) | Quantum mechanics (12%) | Atomic Physics (10%) |
| Special Relativity (6%) | Laboratory methods (6%) | Specialized topics (9%) |
- Psychology: This test expects a preparation of the following content areas: biological, cognitive, social, developmental and clinical psychology, as well as measurement and methodology.
| Biological (17-21%) | Cognitive (17-24%) | Social (12-14%) |
| Developmental (12-14%) | Clinical (15-19% | Measurement/methodology/other (15-19%) |
For better preparation for the GRE and to boost your confidence check out the series of the top GRE Courses online on Udemy.
Do you need a GRE Prep Course?
If you are a first-timer and you don’t have the means, source and time to repeat the test, and you are not sure GRE is for which course, a prep course might work in your favour. The rigorous practice throughout the course and customized assessment in the GRE Prep courses might ensure a little higher score than you would have done otherwise.
The prep course customizes study plans based on your needs and strong and weak areas to make a comprehensive plan of study. With quality instructions you get simulates tests designed by experts.
However, a prep course might not be feasible for most applicants due to the expensive subscription plans which may rise over $1,000 and also the time-consuming affair. The alternative to a prep course is a self-study plan which is available on many platforms for free. GMAT Club Test is one such example.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can you take the GRE test?
The GRE test can be applied from anywhere in the country. The test is accessible from any part of the world.
How much would a GRE test cost?
The GRE General Test would cost you around $205 and the GRE Subject Test might cost you around $150 per test.
GRE is for which course?
GRE is useful for admission to business schools. However, some universities ask for GRE in subject-specific fields. Some GRE Subject Tests are Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Literature, Physics and Psychology.
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