GRE® General Test Overview

What Is It?

• The GRE® General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills that are not related to any specific field of study.

Verbal Reasoning — The skills measured include the test taker's ability to

• analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it
• analyze relationships among component parts of sentences
• recognize relationships between words and concepts

Quantitative Reasoning — The skills measured include the test taker's ability to

• understand basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis
• reason quantitatively
• solve problems in a quantitative setting

Analytical Writing — The skills measured include the test taker's ability to

• articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively
• examine claims and accompanying evidence
• support ideas with relevant reasons and examples
• sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion
• control the elements of standard written English

Important Things to Remember When Registering for the GRE General Test

• Register early. Test centers fill up quickly.
• Take the test as soon as possible so your scores will be received by the college or university in time to be considered with your application.

• When registering, be sure that the spelling of your name matches the name printed on the identification document(s) you will present at the test center. If this information does not match, you will not be permitted to test and your test fee will be forfeited.

• Late registration is available if you register online. Late registration closes one week after the regular registration date. The fee is $25.

 Repeating the General Test

• It may be to your advantage to take the GRE® General Test more than once if you think that the scores you obtained do not reflect your true abilities. If your scores seem unusually low in comparison with other indicators of your preparedness for graduate studies, you may want to consider taking the test again. Those considering repeating a test should be aware that large score increases are unusual, and for some test takers scores will go down. Keep in mind that score reports will include test results obtained within the past five-year period.
• You may take the General Test (computer-based and/or paper-based) only once per calendar month and no more than five times within any 12-month period. This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously.

What to Bring to a Computer-Based Test Administration

• Official identification
• Names of schools where you would like to send your scores
• Authorization voucher, if applicable

Identification (ID) Requirements for Computer-Based and Paper-Based Tests

• You must have an acceptable and valid ID with signature and photo to be admitted to a test center. ID requirements are strictly enforced. It is your responsibility to read and understand the instructions and requirements. It is not the responsibility of the test site or registration center to relay all policies to you.
• If you arrive at the test center without the required identification:
•  the test center administrator will not admit you
•   you will not be allowed to take the test
•  you will forfeit your test fee.

Acceptable Primary Identification Documents

• Passport with photo and signature
• Driver's license with photo and signature
• State ID issued by motor vehicle agency with photo and signature
• National ID with photo and signature
• Military ID with photo and signature

Acceptable Supplemental Identification DocumentsIf your primary identification is missing either a photo or a signature, you must present one of the following supplemental IDs in addition to your primary ID. Supplemental IDs that can be used to meet the photo and/or signature requirements are:

• A government-issued identification document that has not expired (including but not limited to passport, driver's license, state ID cards, national identification, or military identification). There are some exceptions: see Unacceptable Identification Documents.
• Student ID
• Confirmation of identity letter from your educational institution

The confirmation of identity letter must contain your date of birth; a recent, recognizable photo; your signature; and the date issued.

The confirmation of identity letter must be typed on the original letterhead of the educational institution you attend(ed), and the signature of the school official and the school seal must overlap your photo. A letter of identity is valid for only one year after the date issued.

Unacceptable Identification Documents

• Any expired ID
• Draft classification card
• Credit card of any kind
• Social Security card
• Learner's permit or any temporary identification document (e.g., driver's license)
• International driver's license
• International student ID
• Notary-prepared letter or document
• Employee ID card
• Photocopy of ID
• Birth certificates 

Springfield Testing Center

Springfield – 3204
Prometric Testing Center
2731 South 6th Street
Springfield, Illinois 62703
(217)546-0381

Take I-72 East to Springfield.  Exit at 97B, 6^th Street North,  which takes you into town.(This is the exit right after the exit for I-55 South)  Follow 6^th street north about 1.7 miles.  The testing center is at 2731 South 6^th Street.