It's one way of comparing prospective students from a wide range of colleges and universities with varying standards. The GRE offers a general test and exams in specific subjects listed at right.
Quantitative sections cover arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis.
The analytical portion evaluates reasoning skills. Each area is scored on a scale of 200-800. The paper-based GRE is offered for the last time on April 10, 1999. Subject tests are currently only available on paper. The test will be completely computerized by fall of 1999.