2.0 Standardized tests

2.1 How do I start?

The first step is to take up the GRE (Graduate Record Exam)/GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) which are conducted by ETS (Education Testing Services) based at Princeton, New Jersey. To get details of these standardized tests get a copy of the appropriate bulletins. The bulletins are available free of cost can be obtained in the following ways

1. Download from www.gre.org / www.gmat.org / www.toefl.org or from www.ets.org

2. Request them to mail you a copy from the site www.ipem.org [Delivery time 8-10 weeks]

3. You could also send an A4 size self addressed envelope with stamps worth Rs.24 (for GRE & TOEFL) and Rs.16 (for GMAT) to the below address along with a request letter to

United States Education Foundation In India (USEFI),
American Consulate building,
Mount Road,
Chennai - 600 006. [Delivery time 5-6 days]

2.2 FAQ's on CAT

Educational Testing Services (ETS) administers GRE, GMAT and TOEFL as a Computer Adaptive Test or CAT

2.2.1 what is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT)?

In a CAT, the computer screen displays one question at a time, which is chosen from a very large pool of questions categorized by content and difficulty. The first question is always of medium difficulty. The selection of each question there after is determined by your responses to all previous questions. In other words, the CAT adjusts to your ability level - you'll get fewer questions that are either too easy to you or too difficult to you.

The CAT requires you to enter an answer for each question, and you may not return to or change your responses to any previously answered question. If you guess a correct answer or answer a question incorrectly by mistake, your answers to subsequent questions will lead you back to questions that are at the appropriate level of difficulty for you.

2.2.2 How is CAT advantageous?

• It's easy to time yourself. There is a little timer at the top of the computer screen to help you pace yourself.
• It's easy to register. You can register easily and just a few days before you take it.
• You can take computer adaptive test in the afternoon - not an option with the paper-based test.
• Immediate scoring. The CAT gives your scores immediately and will send them to schools in just 10-15 days.
• You are given more time per question and fewer questions to answer.

2.2.3 What are the conditions like at the test center?

The CAT is administered in an individual environment in the quite and privacy of separated testing stations. You will have optional break(s) mid way through the test. You will be constantly monitored using a hidden camera.

2.3 GRE at a glance

1. Almost all universities in the US require you to take GRE general test. The other types of GRE tests are the writing assignment and the subject test. From here on GRE refers to the GRE general test.

2. The GRE tests your quantitative (Q), verbal (V), analytical and logical reasoning (A) abilities.

3. The test structure:

4. The test is offered round the year from Mondays through Friday every week and can be taken up any number of times, but only once a calendar month.

5. The cost is $125 and rescheduling is $40

6. The universities require an official score sent directly to the department by the ETS. Student copy of the report is not counted as official. At the end of GRE-CAT you can request the ETS to send scores to four institutions for free and every additional score at a cost of $13 each at a latter date.

7.Softwares available for preparation are Power prep Ver 2.0 (includes Power prep Math), Kaplan - High Score, Princeton Review, Petersons Prep, REA prep and Arco prep.

8.In the event of taking the test more than once, the ETS shall report all the previous scores and selection of a particular score to be reported is not possible.

9.Before you schedule for the test make sure to peruse the bulletin completely.

Note : The Best preparation software available for math is "Power prep Math". Make sure to review all sections of this software before the test. For the other two sections it is advised to follow Barron's GRE and at the later stage take as many CAT tests as possible.

2.4 TOEFL at a glance

1. TOEFL is administered as a computer adoptive test from Oct. 2000 and offered round the year by Sylvan Testing.

2.The max. Score is 300 and the test contains three sections - Listening, Structure & Writing and Reading. It is mandatory to take up all the section to obtain a score.

3. The cost $110, cost for rescheduling $40.

4. The universities require an official score sent directly to the department by the ETS. Student copy of the report is not counted as official. At the end of TOEFL-CAT you can request the ETS to send scores to three institution for free of cost and every additional score at a cost of $12 each at a latter date can be requested.

5. Before you schedule for the test make sure to peruse the bulletin completely.

2.5 GMAT at a glance

1.Sylvan Testing administers GMAT as a computer adoptive test offered round the year.

2. The current fee for GMAT is $ 213 & cost for additional score report $25.

3. The GMAT structure

4. Before you schedule to take the test make sure to peruse the bulletin completely.

2.6 Other Optional tests

Other optional tests that could be taken are Test of Spoken English (TSE) and the GRE (subject test). It is advisable to take these tests only if it is necessary. TSE is usually required by the department to grant Teaching assistantship (TA), but this test could be taken even after you reach the US and most universities offer an alternative form on campus called the speak test

2.7 How do I register for the above tests?

Registration for GRE/TOEFL/GMAT should be done through the Regional Registration Center (RRC). For India, this RRC-14 is New Delhi. Registration can be done in two ways - through phone and by mail.

2.7.1 Registration by phone/Fax:

1. A valid international credit card (VISA/Master Card/American express are only accepted) is required and the fee amount should be payable in dollars.

2. It is advisable to check up with the bankers (Card division) before hand, if telephonic transaction is acceptable.

3. Call up the RRC-14 New Delhi at any of the following numbers on Monday through Friday

4. They would ask for the following details if scheduling is done through phone: Name as it appears on the identification document (passport), Date of Birth, Mailing address, Telephone number, Choice of center, date, session (FN/AN), The Credit Card number, card holders name and card expiry date. After this an 8 digit confirmation number will be given which would typically appear as "889-57432". Once this confirmation number is given, only paying the appropriate fee can do a rescheduling.

5. For fax option, fill out the appropriate form the bulletin and fax it to 011-6529741 at least 7 days before the first choice test date. You will receive a confirmation letter. If you do not receive any confirmation letter call up the RRC at least three business days prior to the test date.

6. For further queries call any of Sylvan testing Centers in India.

7. In case of rescheduling or cancellation call before 12 noon at least 7 business days to the test

2.7.2 Registration by mail

1. Fill out the appropriate form and make D.D in dollars only. Check the bulletin/web site to ensure there is no price revision and to whose favor to make the DD.

2. Send the DD and the form to the address below at least 3 weeks in advance to the first choice of test date

3. You will receive a confirmation letter. If you do not receive any confirmation letter call up the RRC at least three business days prior to the test date

2.8 Identification Requirement and Materials Required on the test day

You are required to carry your valid passport on the day of your exam. This is mandatory. Secondary Signature bearing identification, i.e. Driving license, Notarized identification etc. and confirmation letter or number

2.10 Contact the test authorities at