The GRE ( which stands for Graduate Record Examination according to abbreviationfinder) is a general knowledge exam required to enter most graduate programs in the U.S. It must be taken by Americans and international students in different disciplines, however, it is important to check with the programs of their interest because in certain disciplines (for example, law, plastic arts, music) it is not always required. It has a high level of demand and is a very important component in the admission process to graduate programs, so it is necessary to prepare well and well in advance.
This exam can be a decisive factor in the admission process to graduate programs in the USA, as it allows universities to compare applicants from different countries and university systems. It is also used to decide who to award scholarships to and to offer financial aid.
For the 2014 Fulbright call, the GRE was a requirement to apply for the J. William Fulbright scholarship, with a minimum result of 300 (sum of quantitative and qualitative sections), except in the case of candidates who are applying for law programs. Although for 2014 the GRE exam was not a requirement to apply to the other postgraduate scholarships or to the research and teaching scholarships, keep in mind that once selected, all nominees (with the exception of those who will take law programs) will have to take the GRE exam during the following months. Therefore, it is necessary to start preparing from now on.
The GRE exam is a requirement to apply only to the Fulbright PhD Scholarships (no minimum score required) and the J. William Fulbright Masters Scholarship (minimum score of 300). Candidates for LL.M. (Master of Laws) must not take the GRE exam.
Remember that for certain areas of study (such as engineering and applied science) the quantitative part may be more important, while in others (such as humanities and social sciences) the decision will focus more on the verbal and writing part of the exam.
There are two types of GRE:
- GRE Revised General Test: It is the most common and measures general knowledge.
- GRE Subject Test: Measures knowledge in specific areas and is only required in certain specific contexts. For example, to be admitted to a graduate program in Biochemical Engineering, the university may ask for this exam in Chemistry or Biology.
The GRE Revised General Test has the following sections:
| For GRE General Test exams taken before August 1, 2011 | For GRE Revised General Test exams taken on or after August 1, 2011 | |
| Verbal reasoning | 200-800 | 130-170 |
| Quantitative reasoning | 200-800 | 130-170 |
| Analytical Writing | 0-6 | 0-6 |
How to prepare?
This is a complex exam that requires a high level of English as it uses academic language. For this reason, it is essential to prepare on time. In the following link you will find drills and sample questions: http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about.
We also recommend checking the official GRE page on Facebook.
At the Fulbright Educational Counseling Center we offer the ETS book The Official Guide to the GRE Revised General Test , which you can purchase for a value of COP 115,000. For more information on how to purchase the book click here .
Where and when is the exam performed in Colombia?
- The GRE (Computer-Based) is offered in Bogotá and Cali, and the GRE (Paper-Based) is offered in Barranquilla, Medellín, Bucaramanga and Bogotá. The two versions of the exam are GRE Revised General Test and valid for applying to universities.
- Note that the GRE Paper-Based is only offered two or three times a year, while the GRE Computer-Based usually has many more dates available. It is in any case necessary to register in advance to ensure your space.
How to register?
- Goto ets.org/gre and create a free account. Then, you will be able to check the dates and places available and proceed to the registration.
- The registration payment is made by credit card.
- The exam costs USD 195.