The news about a change in the exam pattern of the GRE test has thrown students into a tizzy. As always, any change in the exam pattern is a cause for (usually unnecessary) concern among students.

In this post, we, at First Academy, are going to try and address most concerns about the new GRE test and answer the questions the change raises.

What are the changes?

The GRE test is about to undergo major changes. Practically all aspects of the tests are undergoing a change.

Here is a pattern of the examination in short:

(click on the image to Enlarge)

Changes in the Question types

All in all, the changes are all positive. The best part is the elimination of the Analogies and the Antonyms section. This means that the dependence on words is reduced. Gone are the times when most marks were scored by people who by-hearted words.

The Emphasis is on understanding and application of the words. The bottom line is this: If you can understand the context, you will be able to get close to the answer.

More information about the change in the question types in the GRE general test can be found at this link.

Changes in the Scoring Pattern

In the current pattern of GRE, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections have a score scale of 200 – 800, reported in 10-point increments. The new pattern will have a score range of 130 – 170 in 1 point increments.

Is this an advantage? Yes.

Why? Earlier, if two candidates performed equally well, they would have had a score difference of 1o points. Say 590 and 600. Now, if two candidates perform equally well, the will only have a score difference of one or two points, which will not seem too large. Say 165 and 167 .

Should I take the new test or the old test?

No reason to panic. ETS will start administering the new GRE general test from August 2011 (not 2010). In ETS’ own words, if you want your results by November 2011 (yes, 2011, not 2010) you are advised to take the GRE test in the CURRENT pattern.

What that means is, you will ideally be taking the NEW GRE test if you are looking at admissions for Fall 2012 (Please not the year here. It is not 2011, it is 2012).

Once again: The New GRE General Test is primarily for people who wish to seek admissions for Fall 2012.

What else do I need to know?

That is more of less all the information you need. If you want to know more about GRE Coaching, IELTS Coaching or TOEFL coaching at First Academy, please feel free to drop us a line here.

All the best!