The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). If you are considering earning your online Doctorate of English degree, your program will require you to take this test prior to applying. In addition, some schools may require you to also complete a General Record Examination Subject test that will cover the full gamut of all things relating to or about English and literature. With either test, please check with your individual school’s requirements.
The results of your test are in effect for five years. If after five years you have not applied to a doctorate program and you decide it is time, you will need to re-take the GRE test before applying. And, don’t forget that tests should be scheduled in advance and may only be available certain times of the year. In addition, test results can take up to six weeks to receive your scores. It is best to think ahead when hoping to enter a doctorate program soon.
Your test will consist of three main sections to measure your skillset. The analytical writing section is first in which you will be asked to write two essays, most likely, about general interest topics. Your knowledge of the subject is not being scored, just your critical thinking and writing skills. Typically, you will get a half hour to complete each essay.
In the quantitative section, you will have thirty-five minutes to show your proficiency in problem solving, as well as, your capability to understand and analyze quantitative information. You should be prepared to use your basic math knowledge including geometry, algebra and data analysis.
The verbal reasoning section of your test lasts for a half hour in which you are requested to read text and answer the multiple-choice questions to determine your ability to read and analyze information.
Your test may also include an experimental section that is designed to help ETS develop new questions for future tests, however, this will not factor in with your final grade.
If you are considering earning your online Doctorate of English degree, there are several things to remember. Generally, the cost of your GRE test will be about $200, however, costs vary according to the test center you are using. Overall, the test can take approximately three to four hours to complete, including breaks. Doctorate degree programs generally will set their own standards when determining a passing score. Your results will also depend on your area of interest, as a higher score in the verbal section will be required for an English program than would an impressive score in the quantitative section, which would be required in a science program. In addition, if you are not happy with your test scores, you may re-take the test and submit only the scores that you feel are sufficient for application.
So, if you are interested in obtaining your online Doctorate of English degree, prepare ahead for the GRE test. Take advantage of any sample testing that you can obtain. The scores are important factors in getting you into the doctorate degree program you deserve. If you are interested in this field, please see our choices for the Top Online Doctorate of English degree programs. Good luck!