How GRE will help you to get a scholarship

GRE is an acronym for Graduate Record Examination. GRE is very important for those interested in pursuing higher education at the postgraduate or Ph.D. level at various universities in the United States. Jihad Azad, a graduate student researcher at UC Santa Barbara University in the United States, answered 10 questions about the test. This graduate of the Bangladesh University of Engineering got 336 out of 340 in the GRE examination.

1. Why give the GRE test? Who is this test for?

GRE scores are given special importance in the admission process of various universities in the United States. Considering this score, many universities offer various scholarships or research opportunities. Students who have passed any of the honors class equivalent examinations including various universities of Bangladesh, affiliated colleges of national universities, and medical colleges can participate in the GRE examination. Students from science, engineering, humanities to social sciences, and business faculties can also take part in the GRE exam. The GRE score is valid for five years. The Education Testing Service (ETS) of the United States acts as the supervisor of the GRE examination.

2. How much is the fee for the GRE test?

The fee for the GRE test is 205 US dollars, which is about 16 thousand rupees. You can register for the GRE exam by paying the exam fee through the ETS website.

3. Which country's universities have GRE scores?

All US universities generally accept GRE scores for admission. GRE scores are important in various universities and research institutes, starting from Harvard University, Yale University, and Columbia University, which are discussed as Ivy League. If you get a score of 320 or more on the GRE exam, you can stay ahead in terms of admission in these universities. Different quality scores are accepted in different universities. This website will tell you which universities or fellowship authorities in some countries consider GRE scores.

4. How many parts of the GRE test? How is the GRE score calculated?

GRE test time is about 3 hours 45 minutes. This test has 3 main parts — Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. There are two paragraphs to be written in the Analytical Writing section. You have to write the argument task within 30 minutes and the issue task within 30 minutes. In the case of an issue task, an issue is given, for which you have to write an essay for or against the position. And in the case of the argument task, a statement is given. Based on that statement, you have to write with logic, what are the logical errors in the statement. Then verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning have to be solved separately. One step is to solve the problem as an 'experimental' section. Each section has 40 questions. GRE test scores range from 260 to 340. Separately, tests were conducted between 130-170 in Quantitative Reasoning and 130-170 in Verbal Reasoning. The score in Analytical Writing is 0-6.

5. How long does it take to prepare?

In the case of Bangladesh, preparation can be done in two ways. If you are a student, that faculty are studying that subject; Engineering, social sciences, medical or business education — you need to focus on the subject first. Preparation should start from the third or fourth year. It is important to pay attention to reading in English. You have to practice reading and writing-related journals outside the textbooks. We will continue to try to improve our skills, especially in mathematics. It is never possible to achieve the desired score in the GRE exam without strategic preparation and regular study. If you want to take the exam, you have to register through the exam through the ETS website. If you register, you can take part in the free practice test on the ETS website. This test can be taken through computers in certain centers of Bangladesh.

6. What are the questions in the GRE exam?

You need to be proficient in English for the verbal reasoning part. Enriching English vocabulary is very important in this case. Quantitative Reasoning has questions on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Numbers, fractions, decimals, ratios, percentages, various algebraic equations, functions, graphs, triangles, rectangles, circles, and probabilities are important. Various questions and basic concepts of GRE related to mathematics can be found in this book.

Critical thinking is very important for analytical writing. This can be practiced through various thematic writings given on the ETS website. You can learn more about writing at this address.

Details of the questions that come up in the GRE exam can be found at this address.

7. How do I start preparing?

GRE is very different from IELTS or TOEFL. Language-based proficiency is tested in IELTS or TOEFL. The GRE test tests a student's mathematical and analytical skills. In the beginning, you need to know the rules and techniques of the test well. You need to develop regular reading habits. Practice reading English daily articles and editorials. In the beginning, try to read two or three articles every day. You can read magazines like New York Times, New Yorker, Reader's Digest, The Economist, and Foreign Policy. By reading these, as you learn new words, you will also get an idea about the use of words.

8. Is the GRE test too difficult?

English is not our mother tongue, so naturally, some fear works. First, you have to overcome the fear of English. If you are ahead strategically, it will not seem too difficult. Regular exercise helps to overcome fear.

9. If you are weak in mathematics, you will not get good marks on GRE? What can I do to overcome the weakness?

The GRE exam consists of various subjects of general mathematics in schools and colleges. You can start by solving these problems. Those who are studying various subjects outside of science or engineering often do not get the opportunity to practice mathematics in the university. In that case, you can try to solve the questions that come up in the practice test of the regular GRE exam.

For the verbal part, one usually needs to know the meaning and application of several new English words. Watch English movies, watch the news. Read English books. You can read articles on climate change, international relations, globalization, social issues, economics, politics, science, and philosophy, and watch documentaries on YouTube. The ETS website and the preparation website Magosh (magoosh.com) offer ideas on a variety of questions and solutions. If you want to enrich your vocabulary, you can try Magus's GRE Vocabulary Flashcard mobile app.

10. How do I know the details about the GRE exam application?

You have to register online for the GRE exam and take the exam at the designated center on the scheduled day. Details can be found at this address.