The abbreviation GRE stands for The Graduate Record Examination. GRE is conducted usually as a computer-based exam but the countries where computer technology is not frequently available; the test is also held in traditional paper-pencil format. GRE is administrated generally for the students as an admission test to enter into schools and colleges particularly in English speaking countries. Specifically the test is necessary as an admission requirement for master degree programmes in various disciplines. It is managed and conducted by the prestigious US testing authority - the Educational Testing Service abbreviated as ETS. The score of GRE depends upon your choice of institution. Different educational institutions require varied scores in GRE. But there are also some institutions which regard GRE merely a formality for admission.


The main concentration of the exam is to evaluate the candidates’ thinking, writing and mathematical skills. There are also questions based on vocabulary of English words. The candidates for GRE must remember that there are no prescribed areas of study to be examined in GRE. Rather the test focuses fundamental understanding of the candidates in almost eight subjects of diversified nature. The level of the questions set in the exam is of undergraduate level. As far as the pattern of the exam is concerned, the three-hour test of GRE comprises three main sections. They are verbal, quantitative, and experimental sections. GRE is held round the year at various places across the United States of America. The test is also held outside America according to varied schedules and dates. You may appear in GRE as many times as you like. But you cannot repeat GRE within a month. It is advisable for the students to plan for the test according to admission dates of the institutions where they plan to take admissions.


Success in GRE requires serious efforts on the part of the candidates. Your score does matter in guaranteeing your admission to your preferred institutions. There are a number of resources which can be useful for you to do a comprehensive preparation for the exam. First of all, you get study material from ETS. After having registered for the exam, you receive helping material from ETS in the form of software called PowerPrep. This study material contains sample tests and useful study tips. The software also contains past questions of GRE, which can never be found in any other helping material. ETS does not allow any other organization to publish GRE past papers. The software is regarded most authentic and reliable source of guidance for GRE as it has been prepared by the Educational Testing Service - the testing authority for GRE.


There are a number of other organizations selling helping material for the preparation of GRE exam. The preparatory material includes sample tests, coaching on individual sections of GRE and preparation guidance. Some of the organizations provide online guidance as well as online classes for GRE. There are some philanthropic organizations which offer free coaching also on GRE. The authenticity of these free courses is still in question. Yet for an initial guidance, the students may go through these websites also.