One of the first things you should do after you decide to apply for graduate school in the US is prepare for and take the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations). The GRE is a standardized metric used by graduate schools to measure and compare candidates from a wide range of backgrounds on skills that are considered crucial for success in graduate school.

Depending on the program and university you are applying to, you may have to take one or more of the following types of GRE tests: GRE General Test, GRE Written Test or a GRE Subject Test. Most colleges require a GRE General Test and may or may not ask for a Written or Subject score. In common usage, the single word “GRE” is used to refer to the GRE General Test, which is what we will focus on here.

What is the GRE?
The GRE General Test is an aptitude test, designed to measure skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and writing. It consists of multiple-choice and essay questions, and can be taken year-round at several computer-based or paper-based testing centers (http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/GRE/pdf/gre_0809_tclist.pdf) across the world. It costs US$140 to take the test in the US, and US$170 in international locations.

Why?
Because if you are applying to graduate school, you are probably required to do so! A GRE score is mandatory to apply to most graduate programs in the US, and an important criterion for admissions officers in considering your application. If you are a candidate whose undergraduate performance was not strong, the GRE score can be especially important to increase your chances for admission.

What is the format of the test?
The format of the paper-based test and computer-based tests are slightly different, but both have three types of sections:
- Verbal: Consists of multiple-choice questions on analogies, antonyms, sentence competitions and reading comprehension, and is used to measure your aptitude in reasoning and understanding written literature. Scores are assigned in the range of 200 to 800.
- Quantitative: Also consists multiple-choice questions and aims to test your knowledge in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis and quantitative comparison, and your ability to use mathematical skills to solve problems. Scores are assigned in the range of 200 to 800.
- Analytical Writing: Tests your critical thinking skills and your ability to communicate effectively in written form, specifically while articulating complex ideas and arguments. There are two prompts: a “Present Your Perspective on an Issue” task, and an “Analyze an Argument” task. The writing score ranges from 0-6.

The Computer-based GRE consists of two Analytical Writing sections (45 mins & 30 mins each), one Verbal section(30 mins) and one Quantitative section (45 mins), along with up to two possible unscored sections for research purposes (time varies). The Paper-based GRE consists of two Analytical Writing sections (45 mins & 30 mins each), two Verbal sections (30 mins each) and two Quantitative sections (30 mins each), along with one possible unscored section for research purposes (30 mins).

How can you prepare?
Here are some of the ways you can prepare prior to the test to achieve an optimal score:
- Visit the official GRE portal at http://www.ets.org/gre to learn more about the test and/or register
- Buy a GRE prep book or download online preparation materials, including practice tests
- Take practice tests early in your preparation stage, preferably under the same conditions as the GRE test you have registered to take. Taking practice tests before you start studying is a great way to diagnose which sections you need to work on most.
- Review your basic math skills and college vocabulary, and get acquainted to reading and analyzing short articles.
- Take plenty of additional practice tests to get comfortable with the test.
- Although it’s not a requirement to do well on the test, you can take a GRE course if you have the time and resources to do so. Financial aid might be available to you if you look around.

Some additional tips:
- Make sure you register for your test before the deadlines
- On the day of the test, arrive early to complete paperwork
- Don’t forget a valid form of identification or you will not be allowed to submit the test
- Proper sleep and carb intake have proven to increase cognitive performance, so make sure you get plenty of rest and eat well for at least two days prior to the big day!