Who Administers GRE? Understanding the GRE Test and Its Management
The Graduate Record Examinations, commonly known as the GRE, is a standardized test that is widely used for admission to graduate programs in various fields across the United States and internationally. Many aspiring graduate students often wonder, "Who administers the GRE?" The answer is straightforward: the GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
What is ETS and Its Role?
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1947. It is a world leader in developing and administering standardized assessments. ETS is responsible for the entire lifecycle of the GRE General Test, from test development and content creation to test administration, scoring, and reporting.
This includes:
- Developing the test content: ETS employs subject matter experts and psychometricians to create questions that accurately assess the skills and knowledge required for graduate-level study.
- Ensuring test security and integrity: ETS implements rigorous procedures to prevent cheating and ensure that the test results are fair and valid.
- Managing test centers: ETS partners with a global network of testing centers where individuals can take the GRE.
- Processing scores: Once a test is completed, ETS is responsible for scoring the exams and sending the official score reports to test-takers and the institutions they designate.
The GRE General Test vs. GRE Subject Tests
It's important to note that ETS administers both the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Tests. The GRE General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills considered essential for success in graduate school. The GRE Subject Tests, on the other hand, assess a student's knowledge in a specific field of undergraduate study, such as Psychology, Physics, or Literature.
Both types of GRE exams are developed and administered by ETS.
How to Register and Prepare
When you decide to take the GRE, you will register directly through the ETS website. The ETS website is your primary resource for:
- Finding test dates and locations.
- Registering for the test.
- Accessing official preparation materials, including practice tests and study guides.
- Understanding the test format and scoring.
- Sending your scores to graduate programs.
ETS also provides information on its website about test-taker rights and responsibilities, as well as policies regarding testing accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
The Importance of ETS's Role
The administration of the GRE by a reputable organization like ETS is crucial for maintaining the credibility and fairness of the graduate admissions process. ETS's extensive experience in educational measurement ensures that the GRE is a reliable indicator of a student's readiness for advanced academic work. Their commitment to standardization means that all test-takers are evaluated under the same conditions, allowing for a more equitable comparison of candidates by graduate programs.
The GRE General Test is designed to help graduate schools assess your readiness for graduate-level work. It measures skills that are important for success in a wide range of disciplines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is the GRE scored?
The GRE General Test is scored on a scale of 130 to 170 for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, in one-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments. ETS uses sophisticated scoring algorithms to ensure accuracy and fairness.
Why are there GRE Subject Tests?
GRE Subject Tests are offered for specific disciplines and are designed to measure a student's knowledge and proficiency in a particular field. Some graduate programs may require or recommend these tests in addition to the General Test to better gauge a candidate's specialized background.
Where can I find official GRE preparation materials?
The most reliable and comprehensive source for official GRE preparation materials is the ETS website. They offer free practice tests, study guides, and other resources developed by the same experts who create the GRE exams.
How often can I take the GRE?
Currently, you can take the GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period. This policy allows ample opportunity for test-takers to improve their scores if they wish.
