In an online chat with readers, Jason Baran, spokesperson for the GRE programme at Educational Testing Service (ETS) addressed queries related to the entrance exam and offered crucial advice.
If you want to pursue a masters or doctoral programme in the US, your performance in the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is crucial for admission.
The examination tests aspirants for verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills.
What is the best time to take the test?
How does one prepare for the test?
What are the resources available?
To help readers get answers to all the above, Rediff.com had organised a webchat with Jason Baran, spokesperson for the GRE programme at Educational Testing Service (ETS) on Friday, November 25, 2014 between 4 pm and 5 pm IST.
For those who missed the chat, here's the transcript:
kaushal: What is the maximum number of attempts that are allowed in a year?
Jason Baran: Hi Kaushal. You can take the GRE revised General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous 12-month period.
Melisa: Hi Jason, Should I appear for both GRE or TOEFL?What difference does it make?
Jason Baran: Hello Melisa. Admissions requirements vary by institution, so the best thing to do is to check directly with the programmes you are interested in to determine whether they require both GRE and TOEFL scores. The two tests are different.
The GRE test was designed as a graduate-level admissions test and measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
The TOEFL test measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. And it evaluates how well you combine your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks.
alex: Which countries do not accept GRE scores?
Jason Baran: Hi Alex. I do not have a list available at this time of which countries do not accept GRE scores, however, the list of more than 160 countries with institutions that do accept GRE scores can be found here
mustafa: Between the GRE and GMAT, which is better and why?
Jason Baran: Hi Mustafa. The GRE revised General Test provides many advantages, such as it is the only admissions test that is accepted by graduate and business school programmes worldwide including nearly 1,200 business schools that now accept GRE scores for admission into their MBA programmes.
In addition, it has a test-taker friendly design, and it offers a ScoreSelect option so test takers can send their best scores. Students can see for themselves by trying the free GRE POWERPREP II software.
Paul W: Glad to join us today, can you please elaborate on how one can get access to the best study material available to prepare for the GRE test?
Jason Baran: Hi Paul. Test takers can prepare for the GRE revised General Test using the variety of free tools and resources available on the GRE website.
ETS offers a multitude of free preparation tools and resources available on the GRE website.
Preparation tools include POWERPREP II software, the only practice experience that is as close to the actual test as you can get.
In addition, we have a variety of formats, including videos, print, and digital to help students succeed. All of this is made available by ETS to help test takers familiarise themselves with the test and prepare to do their best on test day. Check out http://rediff.ly/3u0o7
Pravin Patel: What is total expense for Master in in computer science in US Is their any scholarship ?
Jason Baran: Hi Pravin. The cost for a MS in computer science will vary by institution so it's best to check with each school that you're interested in attending.
rajalakshmi raman: Hi Sir, I completed computer science engineering at 2008 and completed MBA through correspondence at 2010,then worked in a bank till 2012.
Since all professor have changed it is quite not possible to get the letters of recommendation.Is letter of recommendation mandatory for all universities?
Jason Baran: Hello Rajalakshmi. Admission requirements, including letters of recommendation, may vary by school so it's best to check with the individual institutions.
Jeswal: How do you guys analyse the scores of analytical writing section?
Jason Baran: Hi Jeswal. Each essay receives a score from two trained readers, using a six-point holistic scale.
In holistic scoring, readers are trained to assign scores on the basis of the overall quality of an essay in response to the assigned task.
If the two assigned scores differ by more than one point on the scale, the discrepancy is adjudicated by a third GRE reader.
The pairs of scores assigned to each of the two essays are used to develop the final Analytical Writing score.
Scores on the Analytical Writing measure of the revised General Test have been scaled to the Analytical Writing measure of the prior General Test to maintain comparability between the two scales.
The scale scores are then rounded to the nearest half-point interval on the 0–6 score scale.
A single score is reported for the Analytical Writing section.
The primary emphasis in scoring the Analytical Writing section is on critical thinking and analytical writing skills rather than on grammar and mechanics.
vama oswal: Quite some universities in UK do not require the students to submit the GRE scores in courses like Masters in Psych- Any specific reason?
Jason Baran: There are many universities in the UK that accept GRE scores, but the decision to do so is made by the individual institutions.
For a complete list of schools that accept GRE scores visit http://rediff.ly/3u0k2
dananjaypuri: When will I receive my official GRE scores?
Jason Baran: Hi. About 10 to 15 days after your test date (if you took the computer-delivered test) and approximately six weeks after your test date (if you took the paper-delivered test), your official scores can be viewed online in your My GRE Account.
At about the same time, official score reports are sent to the schools you designated to receive your scores on (or before) test day.
Delivery times to institutions will vary depending on location and are in addition to processing time.
To learn more about sending your scores, visit http://rediff.ly/3u0k3
Mayank Mehta: Hi can I choose subjects in GRE?
Jason Baran: Hi Mayank. The GRE Subject Tests are offered in seven subjects and they measure achievement in specific areas that are intended for students with extensive background in specific disciplines.
The Subject Tests can help you stand out from other applicants by emphasising your knowledge and skill level in a specific area.
For more information and to register, visit http://rediff.ly/3u0lk
Chinmay Thakur: Besides GRE, do I also have to appear for TOEFL?
Jason Baran: Hi Chinmay. Great question! Admissions requirements vary by institution, so the best thing to do is to check directly with the programmes you are interested in to get all the details.
If you are specifically looking for more information about English Language tests, we suggest reaching out to our friends at TOEFL to learn more at http://rediff.ly/3u0lc Hope this helps!
Seema Dutt: Do I get a discount if I apply for both GRE and TOEFL?
Jason Baran: Hello Seema. At this time there is no discount offered for registering for both tests.
Imran Farooqui: What is the process to reschedule my test? Do I have to pay a fine for that?
Jason Baran: Hi Imran. You can cancel, reschedule or change the location of your test up until four days prior to test day or your test fee will be forfeited.
For more details and to find out how to change or cancel your registration, visit http://rediff.ly/3u0ku Hope this information is helpful!
Ganesh Walke: Sir I'm not able to get through the toll free number. The network is mostly busy. What is the best way I can get guidance?
Jason Baran: Hi Ganesh. The best resource in India is our GRE Customer Support Center in India at 000-800-100-4072. Another option is e-mailing at GRESupport4India@ets.org. They are open Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM IST.
Sukhvinder Agah: What is the minimum marks I should score to be able to apply to a good ranking school in the US?
Jason Baran: Hi Sukhvinder. As every graduate and business school sets its own admissions requirements, it is best to contact the schools you are interested in directly to get all the details.
If you have not decided on a school yet, a good way to let schools find you is to sign up for the free GRE Search Service, which helps participating school recruiters find students like you.
Just add your profile to the database for free and if you match a school's recruitment profile, you could receive information about their programmes.
Murali Bansi: How many countries accept GRE scores?
Jason Baran: Hello Murali. GRE scores are accepted in more than 160 countries.
Farhan Aziz: If my GRE scores are not good, can I reappear? How soon can I do that? Pls advice
Jason Baran: Hi Farhan. You can take the GRE revised General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous 12-month period.
This applies even if you cancelled your scores on a test taken previously.
If you take only the paper-delivered GRE revised General Test, you can take it as often as it is offered.
The global registration fee of US$195 is due each time you register. Hope this helps!
Saroj Khan: What is the maximum number of universities I can send my scores to?
Jason Baran: Hi Saroj. When taking the computer-delivered test, you will be able to designate up to four free score recipients at the test centre on test day and the institution codes will be available for you to reference.
If you take the paper-delivered test, you can designate institutions during the registration process.
You can also designate score recipients on your admission ticket correction stub.
Raju Vohra: I intend to pursue my masters from the US next year. What is the best time to take the GRE? How soon should I apply?
Jason Baran: Hi Raju. Great to hear that you are interested in taking the test!
To view test date availability for the GRE revised General Test, click here and then select the location where you would like to test.
You will then see dates, test centers and seat availability and you can register for the test through your My GRE Account or by signing up for a new account.
We recommend that you register as soon as possible so that you are most likely to get the date, time and location that you prefer. Hope this helps!
I believe our time is at an end. Thank you for joining me for this live chat. I enjoyed it and hope that I was able to adequately answer your questions. Have a nice evening.
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