The GRE

What is it?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is the standardized test most commonly required by graduate school admissions committees. The general test is still available in paper form, but now it is also widely offered on computer. Additionally, you may choose to take a subject test (evaluating more specific knowledge within your particular subject area).  Your research and inquiries about graduate programs will tell you which schools require you to take one or both of these tests.

When should you take it?

You may take the general test once per calendar month up to five times in a 12- month period.  It is best to first take the test just before beginning your junior year.  This allows you plenty of time to evaluate your scores, work on problem areas, and retake the test.  The subject test should be taken later, preferably early in the senior year.  Performance on the subject test will be much higher, the more ‘foundation’ courses you have completed.  All scheduled test dates are on Saturdays.  It is also possible to schedule computer-based testing on a first come, first serve basis at University of Memphis. The schedule for paper testing for 2007-2008 is as follows:
 
General Test dates:              

Subject Test dates:

The general test takes approximately 4 hours to complete and consists of three sections: verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing.  The analytical writing section is a relatively new addition and is made up of two questions: a 45 minute “Present Your Perspective” question and a 30 minute “Analyze an Argument” question.  Test-takers receive a 10 minute break after completing the analytical writing section.

The subject test in psychology takes approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete and consists of 200+ questions from three major areas of psychology: experimental/natural science, social science, and history.

Getting information about test dates and costs

Request a copy of the current GRE Registration & Information Bulletin from Career Services. It is recommended you do this at least a year before your anticipated admissions date. 

• The current GRE Registration & Information Bulletin contains all the necessary information about test dates, registration deadlines, fees, score reporting, etc. It also contains sample test questions and an order form for practice tests in print form or computer form.
• Some general cost considerations:
  General tests: $140; rescheduling: $50; stand-by registration: $50
  Subject tests: $130; rescheduling: $50; stand-by registration: $50
  Test prep books and computer software are widely available at varying prices
• See Career Services for guidelines and the Financial Aid Office to see if you qualify for the fee waiver programs (need-based)

Test-taking strategies

General Test: Score based on number of correct responses; therefore guessing can improve your score if you guess correctly but will not hurt your score if you guess incorrectly.  Also, early questions lay the groundwork for the value of later questions, so pay particular attention to the start of the test!

Subject Test: Score based on 1 point for correct responses and 1/4-point penalty for incorrect responses; therefore guessing on this test may not be to your advantage.

GRE Scores

• General test scoring:
  Verbal: 200-800 point scale with 10 point increments
  Quantitative: 200-800 point scale with 10 point increments
  Analytical Writing: 0-6 point scale with ½ point increments
• Test results for the paper-based tests are usually reported within 6 weeks after the date of the test.
• Test results for the verbal and quantitative sections of the computer-based general test are available at the test center, but there is up to a 2 week delay on scores for the analytical writing section.
• At time of test registration, you may list four institutions to which scores should be forwarded at no additional cost to you. 
• There is a $15 fee for any requests in excess of four and any requests not listed on the original registration form.

At the testing center

Bring with you:

• several #2 pencils and a good eraser
• a valid photo ID
• your admission ticket or confirmation number

Do NOT bring:

• mechanical pencils or pens
• pagers or cell phones
• calculators
• alarms of any kind (including watch alarms)
• food/drink/tobacco

See Career Services or GRE Website for more information.

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