Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
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The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test is an admission test for applicants to graduate schools. The test is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), under the sponsorship of the Graduate Record Examinations Board. The GRE is a computer-adaptive test, and consists of three scored sections:

• One 30-minute, 30-question multiple-choice “Verbal Ability” which includes: Sentence Completions, Analogies, Reading Comprehension, and Antonyms.
• One 45-minute, 28-question multiple-choice “Quantitative Ability” (math) section, which includes: 14 quantitative comparisons and 14 problem solving questions, of which 3 or 4 will be graph questions.
• The Analytical Writing Measure (AWM) comprised of two essays: a 45-minute “Present Your Perspective on and Issue” and a 30-minute “Analyze an Argument”. The first essay requires that the test taker construct his/her own argument by taking a position on an issue (students will be able to choose one of two issues from which to write this essay). The second essay requires the test taker to critique another person’s argument (only one argument prompt will be provided). Each essay in the AWM will be scored from 0-6, though students will only receive a single score for both essay; individual scores will not be reported.

In addition, there may be a marketing survey, or one or two experimental sections, which can be Verbal or Quantitative.

The GRE Subject Tests are intended to measure your knowledge of specific subject matter available in eight disciplines: biochemistry cell and molecular biology, biology, chemistry, computer science, literature in English, mathematics, physics, and psychology. These tests are given three times a year in November, December, and April separately from the GRE General Test.

Each school varies on what they require, some require both the General and Subject Test while others may require just the General Test and others may require just the Subject Test. Check with the graduate schools to which you are applying to determine which test(s) are required. Plan ahead as you have to pre-register at least a month in advance of the test date.

The nearest test center to UCSC is:
Prometric Computer Testing Center
4030 Morepark Road, Suite 280
San Jose, CA 95117

To register call: 1 800 473-2255 or online at www.prometric.com or www.ets.org/gre

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