Cathrael Kazin, Exec Director, ETS answers queries on GRE on MBAUniverse.com Live Chat - By: MBA

Indian students are always keen to study abroad. An MBA degree from an international B-School is always valued. Hence the Indian MBA aspirants are always keen to know more about the processes which will take them to the doorstep of their coveted foreign B-School. Taking the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is one of the most popular approaches.
The GRE test provides the only common measure for comparing the qualifications of MBA aspirants. Graduate and business schools have used GRE scores to evaluate students’ readiness for graduate-level work. The GRE test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills that are not limited to any specific field of study. The sections which are tested in the exam are Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning.
Excerpts from the Live Expert Chat:
To make you more familiar with the process of GRE, MBAUniverse.com hosted a Live Expert Chat with Cathrael Kazin, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives, Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization which conducts GRE.
Q: Gyan Srivastav: Which colleges in the USA accept GRE scores for pursuing a master's degree?
A: The GRE General Test scores are sent to more than 3,200 institutions and used by all types of graduate programs around the world – including more than 450 MBA programs. 17 graduate and B-School programs in India currently accept GRE scores for admission into their programs. In addition, the GRE General Test is the only test that gives students the option of graduate or business school, ideal for students who have not yet made a decision.
Q: Sujata: I need urgent information regarding GRE admission deadlines. If I take up GRE test in October 2010, can I apply for the session in January 2011? And what about TOEFL?
A: It's important to check first with the schools you are applying to. Each graduate program sets its own deadlines for applications. This applies to both GRE test and TOEFL test scores.
Q: Gajendran: Will self preparation work for GRE? What are the opportunities in UK, USA universities for my future prospects?
A: Yes. The GRE program offers free downloadable test prep materials through our website http://www.ets.org. There students will find test preparation materials such as sample questions for all Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing sections of the test.
Q: Manu: Is Passport required while applying for GRE?
A: Yes. For testing in India you must present a valid passport with your name, photograph and signature as your primary ID document. There are no exceptions to this policy.
Q: Rohit: Is there any scholarship available for the students of foreign origin?
A: ETS does not currently have a GRE Scholarship Program. However we are always looking at new ways to support students around the world looking to achieve their education goals. ETS does have a TOEFL Scholarship Program for students in India.
Q: Vinod Kumar: Which GRE pattern should I appear? For new pattern or the existing one? If so what are the pros and cons?
A: Depending on when you need your scores reported, if possible I would recommend taking the GRE revised General Test. It is important to note that students who take the GRE revised General Test during our special offer period of August and September will save 50 per cent, and their scores will be sent by mid-November. If the graduate or business school to which a student is applying requires scores before November 2011, then the student must take the current GRE General Test before August 2011 to make sure they have their scores on time.
ETS has revised the GRE General Test to better reflect the kind of thinking students will do in graduate or business school and improve the test-taking experience. New types of questions now more closely align with the skills needed to succeed in today's demanding graduate and business school programs. The GRE revised General Test, which will be introduced in August 2011, will deliver many new test-taker friendly features.
Q: Kumar Sampat: Does the previous exam percentage matter for GRE application?
A: To clarify, are you asking if your previous GRE test scores will be reported on future score reports? If so, yes. All scores from GRE tests taken in the previous 5 years are included on the GRE score report.
Q: Rohan: I am B. Tech IT graduate. What type of courses should I select for MBA? Is it compulsory to choose colleges while applying for GRE, or that can be done later?
A: Because each MBA program has different requirements, it is important to check with the school. Students always have the opportunity to designate institutions to receive scores. This can be done as long as the score is valid (up to 5 years).
Q: Mohini: Hi Cathrael! Can you please tell me more about PPI?
A: Along with test scores, undergraduate grades and letters of recommendation, ETS PPI shows a more complete picture of an applicant's potential for success in graduate and professional school. The ETS Personal Potential Index (ETS PPI) is an innovative, web-based tool that allows evaluators to provide reliable applicant-specific information about six key attributes that graduate deans and faculty have identified as essential for graduate study: knowledge and creativity, resilience, communication skills, planning and organization, teamwork, and ethics and integrity. The GRE General Test fee entitles students to send PPI Evaluation Reports to four institutions for free.
Q: Anoop: Which is the best time to study in USA? Is it fall or winter season?
A: There is no bad time to study in the USA! I would recommend checking with the school you are interested in. In some cases it is only possible to enter a graduate program in the fall; other schools may offer admissions year round.
Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more Live Expert Chats on other global level entrance exams!

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