Regardless of the discipline that you choose to focus on, almost all graduate school applications consist of the same basic components

  • GRE or other standardized test scores
  • Transcript
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Personal statement and/or admission essays

The GRE or Graduation Record Examination or GRE is one of the most common standardized tests that you would need to take for graduate school.

The GRE General Test measures critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal reasoning as well as quantitative reasoning skills. As far as I am aware, computer based GRE tests are available around the year in Dhaka. The American Center, the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy, Dhaka (formerly USIS) would be the best place for obtaining the most up-to-date information about the testing sites in Dhaka as well as for picking up the latest GRE bulletin if you wish to do so.

The computer based GRE General Test consists of three sections- the analytical section, verbal, and the quantitative section. Apart from these three sections, two other sections may be included. One of which would be an unidentified section which is a pre-test section. Questions in the pre-test section are being tested for possible use in future tests and the answers will not count towards your final score.  An identified research section might also be present and this usually appears at the final section of the test. The answers of the research section will not also count towards your final score.

The analytical section always comes first. It consists of an Issue Task and an Argument Task. For the Issue Task, two topics will be presented and you can choose one. In the Argument Section however you do not have a choice of topics; only one topic is presented which you will have to choose. The verbal and quantitative sections may appear in any order including an unidentified verbal or quantitative section. It is best to treat section in the test as if it counts because you never know which sections might finally count towards your grade!

The total testing time is up to three hours, not including the research section. The directions at the beginning of each section will tell you the number of questions in that section as well as the allotted time for that specific section.

The GRE Subject Test is a paper based test that is offered three times a year in November, December and April. It is offered in the following eight disciplines:

  • Biochemistry, cell and molecular biology
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer science
  • English literature
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology

Not all graduate programs require the subject tests so make sure you find out the requirements of the programs that you are applying for.

Taking the test well in advance of the application deadline will enable you to re-take the test in case of an unsatisfactory score. If the graduate school application deadline is in December, double check to make sure what the last date for taking the GRE is for your application to be considered. Many graduate school websites will note the last date for the GRE tests on their website.

The Education Testing Services (ETS) website at www.ets.org/gre contains the most current information about the GREs including the application process, fees, the latest bulletin Make sure you check out the Test Taker’s Download Library at the website as well. It contains excellent test preparation material including GRE PowerPrep software containing two full GRE General Tests, one paper based General Test, the pool of Issue and Arguments topics, as well as a Math Review. The website also contains Subject Test Practice books with one full length test and test taking strategies.

Another free online prep course is provided by http://www.number2.com/. You can register at this site to gain access to a free, personalized tutorial that teaches you how to approach each question and then practice with the different types of GRE questions.

Just go to the nearest bookstore and take a look at the multitude of GRE guides that are available. Everyone has a different opinion about which GRE book was the best resource for them. Only by spending some time going over the books and the way the material is presented, you will be able to find the books that will help you the most in acing the GRE.