The change in GRE format has left everybody wondering as to which components of GRE have changed, and how.

Very simply put, what's new in the new GRE?

TCY trainers Atul Prashar and Aman Bansal had this to say, "A new linear GRE replaces old adaptive GRE. From vocabulary-savvy to reasoning-savvy Quant. Focus on real life problems, data interpretation and quantitative reasoning. AWA has been changed into CTAW. The test is lengthier now. New question types have been introduced."

In a chat with Get Ahead readers on March 20, they answered queries about the new GRE.

• New GRE format: Time to stop 'mugging'

For those of you who missed the chat, here's the transcript.

Atul Prashar says, Hi friends. This is Atul and I am ready to take your questions on 'Revised GRE & Study Abroad'.

Aman Bansal says, 'Hi This is Aman and I am ready to take your questions related to 'Education Abroad'.

vipsha asked, what are the basic chngs made in GRE ?

Atul Prashar answers,  The focus has shifted from vocab to reasoning.

ashrafi asked, hi atul, Can i make it to fall 2008 if write new GRE format.

Atul Prashar answers, Yes you can. But try taking it in September or in early October.

Prads asked, is thr gonna be advanced maths like Integration n differntiation in quants?

Aman Bansal answers, No, Quant will be more oriented towards data interpretation and word problems.

guru asked, when is the new formate coming to effect?

Aman Bansal answers, From September 2007.

manish asked, hi what is new in gre this time?

Atul Prashar answers, A New-Linear GRE replaces Old-Adaptive GRE. Old GRE score DOES NOT lose its validity. From vocabulary-savvy to reasoning-savvy Quant. Focus on real life problems, data interpretation and quantitative reasoning. AWA has been changed into CTAW. The test is lengthier now. New question types introduced.

palod asked, is this GRE pattern is changin specifically for India?

Aman Bansal answers, No, it's a worldwide change.

Dhiraj asked, Hi. I am currently doing my 3rd year mechanical engineering. I have enrolled in a cat coaching institute(TIME). will my cat preparation be enough to tackle GRE? Should i take this GRE for september 2008 intake? Any suggestion of a book to prepare better????

Atul Prashar answers, For September intake, the best time is September '07 or October '07. No book available for preparation at the moment -- will be out April end.

palod asked, hey Aman s it gonna get difficult?

Aman Bansal answers, The quant portion will be bit difficult and verbal will be simpler.

somnath asked, hello..wht is the duration of the new GRE exam?

Aman Bansal answers, Over four hours.

guru asked, is there a change is the maximum marks that can be scored?

Atul Prashar answers, Yes. It will be in three digits -- either 340 or 680.

Keats asked, i'm planning to apply for fall 2008. Is it possible for me to make up

Aman Bansal answers, Hi Keats. Yes it is possible if you take GRE in September.

sashrafi asked, Hi atul, How universities are going to decide the cutoff scores for their universities.

Atul Prashar answers, Universities will get the new score scales in November '07. A table to convert your previous score into the new one will be available in November on www.ets.org/gre

Shyam asked, how can i make GRE simpler?

Atul Prashar answers, It is simpler already -- though a bit lengthier.

somnath asked, wht is the appropaite rank for cracking top 10 colleges wht must be the rank for MIT ?

Aman Bansal answers, Somnath, it is very subjective to say, but 1450+ should be a good score. For rankings, you must consult your department rankings.

Nalin asked, Good afternoon sir..I have already given the gre and scored 1330..But i now i am planning to go work for one year and then go for higer studies..Will it be a good idea if i take the GRE again??..What will be the equivalent score on the new scale..?

Atul Prashar answers, No need to take it again. You can use the score for the next five years. The new conversion table will be available in November.

gdeepak asked, Is the score from the new GRE format also valid for 5 years?

Aman Bansal answers, Yes, it is valid for five years.

chirag asked, can I give gre abroad eg. in US where dates for the old pattern is still available?

Atul Prashar answers, Better take it in Nepal. You do not require a visa to go there. If you are in US, then you may.

somnath asked, is baron sufficient for GRE?... or there r other books to be followed?

Atul Prashar answers, Every book is good. But wait for the new versions.

pinkydanani asked, can you tell me.....most institutes in u.s for mba accept gre scores ?

Aman Bansal answers, No, they accept GMAT score for MBA.

abc asked, what is CTAW n how it is different from AWA?

Atul Prashar answers, Not very different. You will analyse the issue as well this time, and that too in 30 minutes instead of 45 minutes. Also, CTAW tasks now will be accessible to the universities on request.

sandhya asked, Hi atul ! Can I apply to universities after writing the GRE without the toefl score for top 50 universities in US?

Aman Bansal answers, Sandhya, you will need to take your TOEFL also.

akshay asked,  hi...I am a Dental Graduate and planning 2 gv GRE and apply for MPH abroad..Am a little on d poorer side wen it cums 2 elementary mathematics...Will the new GRE pattern be easy?? Hw many months of preperation is needed for it???

Aman Bansal answers, GRE quant will be more reasoning based so you need to prepare enough for quant.

somnath asked, please tell me the basic how should i start gre pre parations?

Atul Prashar answers, Quant -- work on real life like problems, reasoning is expected in DI so do mental ability games. Verbal -- read more and that too variety of topics. AW -- write more.

rw asked, where can we have access to sample tests to new pattern??????

Aman Bansal answers, You should visit www.tcyonline.com or www.ets.org

abc asked, I have done comp sc (h) of 3yrs frm DU SO can I give GRE to persue MS(comp sc) in US? or I need some extra qualification in order to reach their eligibility of $yrs of graduation?

Aman Bansal answers, Most institutes will require four year undergraduation.

er asked, Is US better than UK or Australia

Atul Prashar answers, Depends on what your target is. US is considered the most preferred engineering and management destination.

Vipin asked, Given the reasoning oriented pattern of the new GRE ,is it possible that universities will give more value to a good score in the new GRE than the older one ,especially in engineering streams ,inspite of the conversion scheme.

Aman Bansal answers, No, the conversion tables will take care of this problem

Part II: Is the new GRE easier?