The Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is a widely-used standardized test used to assess the skills of applicants to graduate and business school programs. It was developed in 1949 by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and has been in use ever since. In this blog post, we will discuss the history behind the development of the GRE, why it is still used today, and some tips on how to prepare for it.
The Development of the GRE
The GRE was first published in 1949 as an assessment tool for graduate students entering into academic studies. The original version of the exam consisted of two parts—a general aptitude test and an advanced test—which were designed to measure critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Over time, additional versions of the exam were added, including one for business school applicants. By 1983, ETS had released a computerized version of the exam that allowed test-takers to receive their scores more quickly than with paper-and-pencil tests.
Why is it Used?
Today’s GRE is used by thousands of institutions around the world to evaluate potential students’ abilities in critical reasoning and analytical writing skills. Additionally, many schools require applicants to submit their GRE scores as part of their application package. This allows admissions officers to gain insight into a student’s abilities before granting them admission into a given program. For example, if someone wants to pursue a career in finance or economics, they may be required to take certain sections of the GRE that pertain directly to these fields before being accepted into an MBA program or other finance-related degree program.
Preparing for the Exam
One key element in preparing for any standardized test is practice testing. Taking practice tests can help familiarize yourself with what kinds of questions you may face on your actual exam day. Additionally, there are numerous online resources available that provide sample questions from past exams along with helpful hints on how best to approach them. Finally, hiring a tutor who specializes in standardized testing can also be beneficial; tutors can help you identify areas where you need improvement and develop strategies for tackling difficult questions on your actual exam day. Achievable offers comprehensive GRE test prep to prepare you for the GRE. Achievable offers an online textbook, practice questions, and full-length practice tests to help you pass the GRE with ease.
The GRE has been around since 1949 and continues to be one of the most widely-used assessments for college admissions today due its ability to gauge critical thinking skills among applicants across various disciplines. While taking such an important exam can be daunting at first, proper preparation with practice testing materials found online and/or tutoring services can give prospective students an edge when sitting down for their exams. With these tips in mind, you should feel more confident about taking your own upcoming GRE! Good luck!
