The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a test used to gain entrance into many graduate programs, including those in communications. Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), like SAT and ACT tests, GRE exams are not pass/fail tests; they are graded in three sections on a scaled score. Although not all schools require the test, the number is growing each year. You will want to check with the graduate program that you are interested in to see if you need to take a GRE—and which portion of the test is required. Under the umbrella of the GRE, there are subject tests, but they are in major study areas unrelated to communications. For most communications majors, the General Test will suffice.

The GRE General Test is undergoing a major revision that will be used beginning 2011. Although the format of questions will remain about the same as in the past, the scoring will change dramatically. Currently, the GRE Verbal and Quantitative sections are scored much like an SAT, with scores ranging from 200-800 in 10-point increments. Those numbers on the revised test will be reported on a 130–170 score scale, in 1-point increments. The Analytical Writing score will continue to be reported on a 0–6 score level, in .5-point increments.

The GRE General Test measures verbal and quantitative reasoning, as well as critical thinking and analytical writing skills acquired over time. These skills aren’t related to a specific field of study, but essential to all of them. So, happily, you’re already prepared for the GRE just by being in school.

The three test sections in the General Test are:

• Verbal Reasoning: In this section, you will analyze and evaluate written material and recognize relationships between words and concepts.
• Quantitative Reasoning: In this section, you will show your skill in basic arithmetic (algebra and geometry) and perform data analysis to solve problems.
• Analytical Writing: In this section, you will need to be able to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively with reasons and examples, examine claims and accompanying evidence, and present a well-focused, coherent discussion in written English.

Currently, a great score on the General Test is 500 on both the Verbal and Quantitative sections and a 4.5 on the Analytical Writing section.

For most graduate students in communications, the GRE is taken on a computer over the Internet. There are some exceptions to this, depending on where you live. You’ll want to talk to ETS if you have any questions on which test you should take. You can register for the test in one of three ways—over the Internet, by phone or by mail. More information on the GRE, including study tips, test-taking strategies and sample questions, can be found on www.greprepinfo.com.