GRE

Format of GRE

The computer-based GRE Test is composed of Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. The Analytical Writing section is always first. In addition, one unidentified, unscored section may be included and can appear in any position in the test after the Analytical Writing section. Questions in the unscored section are being tested for possible use in future tests and answers will not count toward your scores. An identified research section that is not scored may also be included, and if so, it is always at the end of the test.

The Verbal and Quantitative sections, including the unidentified unscored section, may appear in any order. Treat each section presented during your test as if it counts.
Total testing time is three hours, not including the research section. The directions at the beginning of each section specify the total number of questions in the section and the time allowed for the section.

Typical Computer-based GRE Test

¹ For the Issue task, two essay topics are presented and you choose one. The Argument task does not present a choice of topics; instead, a single topic is presented.
² An unidentified unscored section may be included and may appear in any order after the Analytical Writing section. It is not counted as part of your score.
³ An identified research section that is not scored may be included, and it is always at the end of the test.

Analytical Writing
The Analytical Writing section of the GRE Test measures your ability to:

1. Articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
2. Examine claims and accompanying evidence.
3. Support an argument with relevant reasons and examples.
4. Sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion.
5. Control the elements of standard written English. (this factor plays a role only to the extent that poor writing skills impede readers' understanding of the argument)

Verbal Reasoning

This section of the GRE Test measures reading comprehension, verbal and analogical reasoning skills in a multiple-choice format.
The Verbal Reasoning section measures your ability to:

1. Analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it.
2. Analyze relationships among component parts of sentences.
3. Recognize relationships between words and concepts.

Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE Test measures your ability to:

1. Understand basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis.
2. Reason quantitatively.
3. Solve problems in a quantitative setting.

GRE Test dates

1. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. One may take the GRE Test (computer-based or paper-based) only once per calendar month, and no more than five times within any 12-month period. This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously.

One can Register For Computer-Based test here

Tips for Cracking GRE test

1. Reserve a convenient date to take the exam. Schedule a date around six months from the start of your GRE prep.
2. The test is not an accurate and precise evaluation of your aptitude. This is because the format of the test has a slight quirk in it, which usually bolsters or hampers a student's score. So be informed and use it to your advantage. a score of 1,400 or above is respectable.
3. Take ample time cracking the first 7-10 questions, even if you miss out on five questions at the end. A stellar performance in the questions you managed to attempt could even get you a score of 800.

GRE prep. material and GRE practice

GRE books

Kaplan and Barron's are the most preferred books for the GRE general test preparation and most candidates use both the books for prep.

1.The advice and strategy offered by Kaplan are very good.
2.Barron's on the other hand has much more challenging practice tests and exercises.
3.Barron's gives a better feeling of what the test is like, has an exhaustive set of problems and induces a problem solving and analytical thinking attitude.

Click here for a list of books offered by Kaplan for the GRE
Click here for a list of books offered by Barron's for the same