Cracking the GRE: A Guide to the General Test and How Beacon Excellence Academy Can Help

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test is a crucial step for anyone looking to pursue graduate studies. It assesses the skills needed for success in graduate programs, including verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking. Understanding the GRE test structure is the first step towards achieving a great score.

Understanding the GRE Test Structure

The GRE General Test is computer-delivered, allowing test-takers to skip questions, change answers, and choose the order in which they answer questions within a section.The test is designed to reflect the kind of thinking you’ll be doing in demanding graduate school programs7.

Test Format :

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes
• Sections: Five
  • Analytical Writing: One section with one “Analyze an Issue” task (30 minutes)
  • Verbal Reasoning: Two sections (Section 1: 12 questions, 18 minutes; Section 2: 15 questions, 23 minutes)
  • Quantitative Reasoning: Two sections (Section 1: 12 questions, 21 minutes; Section 2: 15 questions, 26 minutes)
  • Test Format (Before September 22, 2023):

• Total Time: Approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, plus a 10-minute break after the third section
• Sections: Six
  • Analytical Writing: One section with two tasks: “Analyze an Issue” and “Analyze an Argument” (30 minutes per task)
  • Verbal Reasoning: Two sections (20 questions per section, 30 minutes per section)
  • Quantitative Reasoning: Two sections (20 questions per section, 35 minutes per section)
  • Unscored Section: Varies in questions and time
  • Research Section: Varies in questions and time

The Analytical Writing section always comes first. The order of the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections can varyNote that before September 22, 2023, an unscored or research section might also be included.

Diving Deeper into GRE Sections

• Verbal Reasoning: This section tests your ability to analyze and draw conclusions from text, understand different levels of meaning, identify key points, and understand relationships between words and concepts.
• Quantitative Reasoning: This section measures your ability to interpret and analyze quantitative data and solve problems using mathematical models, applying concepts from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
• Analytical Writing: This section assesses your critical thinking and ability to articulate complex ideas, support them with relevant reasons, and sustain a coherent discussion in standard written English.

Adaptive Testing

The GRE employs section-level adaptation. This means that the difficulty of the second Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections depends on your performance in the first section of each. If you perform well on the first section, the second will be more challenging. The scoring considers both the number of correct answers and the difficulty level of the sections.

Test-Taking Strategies

The GRE’s design includes features to help you manage your time and effort effectively:

• Preview and Review: Move freely within a section
• Mark and Review: Tag questions to return to later
• Answer Changes: Edit your answers within a section
• On-screen Calculator: Available for the Quantitative Reasoning section.

Maximize Your Potential with Beacon Excellence Academy

Preparing for the GRE can feel daunting, but Beacon Excellence Academy provides structured training to help you succeed. Here’s how:

• Expert Instruction: Benefit from experienced instructors who understand the nuances of the GRE.
• Personalized Study Plans: Tailored strategies to address your strengths and weaknesses.
• Comprehensive Content Review: Master the concepts and skills tested on the GRE.
• Practice Tests and Analysis: Familiarize yourself with the test format and identify areas for improvement.
• Proven Strategies: Learn effective techniques for tackling each section of the GRE.

By understanding the GRE test structure and partnering with Beacon Excellence Academy, you can confidently prepare for the exam and achieve your desired score.