GRE scores are valid for
five years. It’s best if you take the exam as close to your undergraduate
years as possible so it will be easier to retain information. However, if you
don’t think you’ll be returning to grad school within five years,
you might as well wait until you’re within that time frame.
Scoring is a little bit
different for both forms of the GRE general test and the GRE subject tests.
Both versions of the quantitative and verbal sections are scored on a scale
from 200 to 800, while the analytical writing section is scored on a six point
scale.
The paper-based test GRE
scores are determined by the sum of correct answers, and there is no penalty
for incorrect or blank answers. Candidates are free to skip questions and return
to them later. Because of this testing freedom, experts suggest answering all
questions and not leaving any unanswered. However, don’t waste your time
on a difficult question just to answer it. Answer the easiest questions first,
then return to the more difficult ones later.
Computer-adaptive test scores
are determined by the number of questions answered, the number of correct and
incorrect questions answered and the level of difficulty in questions. You may
not go back and change an answer once you’ve submitted it because the
computer scores the question immediately. Random guessing can also lower your
GRE scores considerably because of the question pattern. Since questions must
be answered to proceed with the exam, you should eliminate as many answer choices
as possible to make an educated guess if the answer is not obvious. It is highly
recommended to spend more time on the early questions to make sure you get as
many of them correct as possible. If sections aren’t finished on the exam,
your GRE score depends on the number of questions answered.
The GRE subject test also
has its own scoring system. The number of correct answers minus one-fourth the
number of incorrect answers determines the final score. Like the computer-adaptive
GRE general test, it’s not very likely that random guessing will significantly
increase your score. As a matter of fact, it could very well hurt your GRE subject
test score. If you can attempt to make an educated guess, go for it. Otherwise,
answer all the easiest questions first and return to the others later.
You and your designated
recipients will be sent official GRE scores 10 to 15 days after the computer-based
test, four to six weeks after the GRE subject tests and six weeks after the
paper-based exam. You are able to see unofficial GRE scores immediately following
the computer-based test at the test center, but the score will not yet include
your writing section because of the delayed scoring process for that section.
Schools for Success
- Getting to the corner office has more to do with leadership talent and a drive for success than it does with having an undergraduate degree from a prestigious university.
Most college graduates in debt
- Nearly two of every three undergraduate students are going into debt to go to college, owing an average of more than $19,000, most often to the government.
Senator subpoenas SAT executives over errors
- A New York state senator has subpoenaed executives of the College Board over their refusal to release a report on scoring errors in the SAT college entrance exam.
Test names and other
trademarks are the property of the respective trademark
holders.
None of the trademark
holders are affiliated with Silent Technology LLC or this web site, and
none endorse any of the products or services described on this Web site.
Web site managed in
partnership with Silent Technology LLC and PROACE.