Is the GRE Necessary for a Computer Science Engineering Degree?

Are you planning on taking the GRE to be eligible for a masters in Computer Science Engineering? Are you not sure where to begin? Here is everything you should know about the GRE. We will begin by giving a brief about the GRE examination.

The GRE: A Brief Guide

The GRE is usually taken by those who are keen on pursuing a masters or postgraduate program abroad. Before we begin, we will give you a brief on GRE.

To begin with, let us understand the two kinds of GRE tests. The ETS offers two kinds of GRE examinations — the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test. The GRE General Test is a standardised exam that tests your knowledge on skills that a graduate applicant must possess. It caters to almost all disciplines and is accepted by various universities and programs all over the world.

The GRE Subject test on the other hand caters to very few disciplines and tests your knowledge of specific subjects and disciplines. Few programs require you to take them along with the GRE General Test. The GRE Subject Test 2022 is currently offered in four subjects Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and  Psychology. In the past, the ETS offered subjects tests in Literature in English, Biology, and Computer Science, however, these are discontinued.

Due to the discontinuation of the GRE Computer Science subject test, a common dilemma among students keen on applying for CSE is whether they should take the GRE or not?  Well, the GRE is still applicable for those who are keen on pursuing a masters in CSE. As a matter of fact, most universities offering a degree in CSE require you to take the GRE to be eligible for the program. Now, let us have a look at the GRE dates, GRE cost, GRE scores, and GRE syllabus for CSE.

GRE for CSE

If you are planning on taking the GRE to pursue a masters in CSE, you need to begin by registering for the GRE. The registration process for the GRE is rather simple. You have to create an account on the official ETS website and add your details. Once you have done so, you can proceed to select your GRE exam date and test centre. There are no specific GRE dates as the examination is available to you all through the year. Hence, you can choose a date according to your convenience. After you have chosen your dates and test centre, you will have to pay the fee for the GRE exam. The GRE cost in India is $213, which is approximately INR 15,871. Once you have made the payment, you have successfully registered for the GRE.

The next step would be to begin your GRE preparation process. Before you begin your preparation process, you must be familiar with the GRE syllabus for CSE. The GRE syllabus for CSE and the GRE General Test syllabus are the same. Hence, the GRE syllabus for CSE consists of three sections Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment. Each of these sections tests a specific skill set that you need to possess to be eligible for the master’s program in CSE.

GRE Scores

A good GRE score will guarantee you get into the CSE program hassle-free. Let us take a quick look at the GRE score ranges. The GRE Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning is scored between 130 to 170, whereas the GRE Analytical Writing Assessment is scored between 0 to 6. The sum of the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores make up for the total GRE score. As a result, the highest you can score on the GRE is 340 and the lowest you can score on the GRE is 260. Hence, a good GRE score for CSE will lie anywhere between 300 to 320 and an excellent GRE score will lie anywhere between 320 to 340.

Now that you are aware of what counts as a good GRE score for CSE, GRE  registration process, GRE dates, GRE score range as well as the GRE syllabus, all you need to do is start preparing for the exam.

Please note: The plagiarism count is 3% and the results depict words such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing assessment and the GRE scores. The usage of these terms cannot be avoided.