Q. What is the computer-based General Test?

A. The computer-based General Test is an adaptive test that covers the same content and uses the same types of questions as the paper-based General Test.

Q. How does the computer-adaptive General Test work?

A. The computer-adaptive test is tailored to your performance level and provides precise information about your abilities using fewer test questions than traditional paper-based tests.

At the start of the test, you are presented with test questions of average difficulty. As you answer each question, the computer scores that question and uses that information, as well as your responses to previous questions and information about the test design, to determine which question is presented next. As long as you respond correctly, questions of gradually increasing difficulty are presented. If incorrect responses are entered, the computer presents questions of lesser difficulty. Your next question will be the one that which reflects both your previous performance and the test design. This means that different test takers will be given different questions.

Q. In what other ways is the computer-adaptive General Test different from the paper-based test?

A. Since the computer scores each question before selecting the next one, you must answer each question when it is presented. For this reason, once you answer a question and move on to another, you cannot go back and change your answer. The computer has already incorporated both your answer and the requirements of the test design into its selection of the next question for you. In addition, your score will be based on one section each of verbal, quantitative, and analytical, not two as in the paper-based version of the test.

Q. How is the computer-based test scored?

A. Your score on each section will depend on the number of questions you answer in the time allotted as well as your performance on the questions given. Questions are weighted, in part, according to their difficulty level. You will receive a test score on every section except unidentified pretest sections and/or research sections. However, a No Score (NS) will be reported if no questions in a section are answered.

Q. How can test takers be compared if the test is tailored to the individual?

A. Each computer-based test meets pre-established specifications including the types of questions asked and the subject matter presented. The statistical characteristics of the questions answered correctly and incorrectly, including the difficulty levels, are taken into account in the calculation of the score. Therefore, it is appropriate to compare scores of different test takers even though they received different questions.

Q. Do I need to be computer literate?

A. No. You can take the test even if you have little or no previous computer experience. The test requires only the most basic computer skills, and these are covered in the hands-on tutorial you must complete before beginning the official timed test.

Q. Will there be time to practice techniques for taking the computerized test?

A. Absolutely. We encourage you to spend as much time as you need to become comfortable with all sections of the tutorial before starting the actual timed test. In addition, we ask you to respond to background questions before starting the test. This will allow you to practice using a mouse and scrolling.

Q. What do I need to bring to the test center?

A. Bring your admission ticket, your valid photo ID, 3 or 4 sharpened soft-lead (No. 2 or HB) pencils, and a good eraser. Bring your Authorization Voucher, if applicable. See ID Requirements.

Q. How long will I be at the testing center?

A. Your appointment can extend up to 4 1/2 hours. Two hours and 15 minutes are alloted for answering questions that count toward your score. The remaining time is spent on tutorials, background information questions, unidentified pretest and/or identified research sections, selecting score recipients, and a survey.

Q. How often can I take the computer-based General Test?

A. You may take the CBT once per calendar month. This is true even if you canceled your scores on a previous CBT taken within the same month.

Q. When will the Subject Tests be offered?

A. The Subject Tests will be offered in November, December and April. See Test Dates and the Test Center List.

Q. How do I Balance Final Year Studies or Work with GRE Preparation?

A. Tricky issue isn't it? Obviously your final year exams are important with a capital I. Your degree, your campus placements and any other post graduate work that you may be interested in will involve an assessment of your final year grades. Many final year students are also required to handle a project as part of their curriculum and this makes GRE preparatory time even more scarce.

Q. What are the Scholarships and Grants I can get if I clear the GRE?

A. Scholarships and grants are funds you do not have to repay. Competitive scholarships, some state grants and scholarships, some fellowships, and some tuition waivers and reductions are not based on financial need at all. An important source of scholarships for graduate business students is the school itself. Another source of scholarship funds are independent foundations. The Internet is a powerful resource to get pertinent information regarding the details.

Q. What is the tentative cost of a program after clearing the GRE?

A. An undergraduate education in the United States can cost about $30,000 a year or more. The majority of international students pay using family funds, as colleges generally do not offer financial aid to international students. Personal finances can be supplemented by scholarships or by aid programs from your home country. Once you’re attending the college, there is a small possibility of aid if you encounter an emergency situation that creates sudden financial need.

Q. How will I find a school after I clear GRE ?

A. How much time will I realistically be able to give to my business school studies? Will I be able to keep up? What kind of teaching environment allows me to thrive? Will I respond best to the more structured environment of traditional lectures, or does the more free-wheeling case study method sound appealing? Do I enjoy participating in group discussion or working on my own? Do I want to attend a school with strengths in a particular area? Does the school's curriculum match my interests? Which schools offer the specific program that I'm interested in? Once you are clear on what you are looking for, get the rating of various schools and decide. Also collect as much information about all the schools as possible.

Q. Is the registration deadline a postmark date or a receipt date at ETS?

A. All deadlines are receipt dates at ETS.

Q. How do I correct errors on my ticket or change my score recipients?

A. Fill out the correction stub attached to your ticket, and mail it to ETS-GRE. It must be received no later than the Friday before the test date for which you are registered.

Q. What do I need to bring to the test?

A. Bring your admission ticket, your valid photo ID, 3 or 4 sharpened soft-lead (No. 2 or HB) pencils, and a good eraser.

Q. How much time should I allow for the GRE tests?

A. Report to the test center no later than 8:30 a.m. If you arrive late, you may not be admitted, and your test fee will be forfeited. Plan to be at the test center up to 3 1/2 hours.

Q Do I have a choice of topics?

A. For the Issue task, you will be able to choose one out of two essay topics randomly selected by computer from a pool of topics. The Argument task does not offer a choice of topics. The computer will present you with a single topic, which has been randomly selected from the pool. More than 100 topics have been developed for each writing task. View the published pool of Writing Assessment Issue and Argument topics.