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Textbooks to study for the GRE

What is the GRE?

Most institutions have some sort of entry exam requirement. Medical school has the MCATs, the military has the ASVAB, and most graduate schools require students to take the GRE, or Graduate Record Examinations. Composed of three sections, the test aims to provide an accurate depiction of a given student’s ability in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Graduate admissions officers evaluate these scores as one of the factors determining acceptance into their program.

The exam takes roughly four hours to complete. Because of its difficulty level and high level of importance, many opt for study materials, which are available in a variety of forms. The computer exam is still the most widely used, being administered throughout the year based on the schedule of the testing center. There is a paper-based test, however it’s only only offered three times a year, once each February, October, and November. Verbal and quantitative scores are scored on a scale of 130 to 170 in one-point increments, whereas the analytical section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments.

Last Updated: October 19, 2015

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