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GRE or Graduate Record Examination tests the verbal and mathematical reasoning, analytical writing and critical reasoning skills. Over 2,300 universities (for fields other than business) in U.S.A require GRE scores as an eligibility criterion for admission into Graduate programs.

Subject-specific theoretical study is not required in General GRE test. It is required for GRE Subject test that evaluates candidate's undergraduate achievements in 8 specific study fields.

The GRE is administered and conducted by US based Educational Testing Service. In India, the GRE is held at 9 cities- Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Hyderabad and Trivandrum.

A high GRE score does not guarantee admission into a good graduate school, but it is definitely a consideration. The GRE test is computer-based and the score is reported on a scale of 200-800 (in 10-point increments) in verbal reasoning and quantitative sections. The analytical writing section is marked separately on a scale of 0-6.

The analytical writing section tests a candidate's critical thinking capabilities. The two distinct tasks here are to a) present one's perspective (45 mins) and b) to analyze an argument (30 mins). The analytical writing section is always the first one in the exam. The verbal section (30 minutes) consists of 30 questions on analogies, reading comprehension, antonyms and sentence completion. The quantitative section (45 minutes) has 28 questions and tests mathematical skills/ concepts of high-school level. A verbal or quantitative experimental section may be included in the test. These sections may appear in random order.

Do keep in mind that for both essays in "analytical writing" section, the emphasis should be on analysis and not writing. It means that language may be simple, but, you must be clear and concise about your arguments and perspectives. Essays on high writing skills will not fetch better marks if your reasoning is not crisp.

The quantitative section topics include Algebra (including Quadratic Equations), Percentages, Fractions and Decimals, Ratio and Proportions, Area and Volume (2 and 3 dimensional figures included), Probability, Geometry (include Coordinate Geometry), Number Systems and the like.

The GRE tests are held throughout the year. You can opt for your own date. September to December is the peak season for GRE. If you intend to give the exam during this time, register at least 90 days in advance.

You may make GRE registrations online, over the phone/fax and through a mail or courier. In case you are registering by mail, then send completed forms and draft (to appropriate regional registration center) at least three weeks in advance of your first choice date. Confirmation number and details would be either faxed or mailed to you. If you do not receive the details, intimate the regional registration center at least 3 business days before your scheduled test.

The fees for GRE is $170 (excluding taxes) to be paid at the time of registration. Other fees such as rescheduling ($50) or late registration ($25) etc. are separate. You may pay through a globally accepted credit card (Visa, Master, Amex. Discover or JCB) or money order/voucher/certified checks. Checks etc. must be in the name of ETS-GRE. It must have a preprinted check number, payee's name and address and must not be over 90 days old.

ETS reports your scores to four universities of your choice (cost included in the fees) and any additional university costs $15 each(maximum 8). You must name these universities before leaving the test center (after the exam). You can view the unofficial quantitative and verbal reasoning scores after the examination and decide accordingly. The official scores, including Analytical Writing scores will be mailed after 10-14 days of taking the GRE exam. You may receive the scores by phone ($12).

Any person is eligible to take the GRE exam and the scores are valid for 5 years. GRE test can be taken only once a month and a maximum of 5 times in a year. This rule applies even if you get the GRE scores canceled. Unless you have scored very low marks (due to illness or other reasons) or considerably less than your usual practice tests scores, it is advisable not to take GRE tests again.

GRE Subject test is generally required by universities for Doctoral study, supplement undergraduate records and even for Masters level programs. It tests a candidate's qualification for a specif field of specialization. The test may be taken for 8 different subjects- Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry/Cell and Molecular Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Computer Science and English Literature.

Unlike the GRE General test, the GRE Subject is a written exam and held thrice a year in October, November and April.

About the Author: This article is written as a part of the online initiative of ICICI Lombard GIC, India, to create awareness and provide information to all Indian students going abroad for higher studies. Also visit Indian Student Online blog - http://indianstudentonline.wordpress.com for more articles and tips.

For information on Student Medical Insurance visit http://www.icicilombard.com/app/ilom-en/PersonalProducts/Travel/Student.aspx

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