How to Destroy the GRE

Reading this article will help you prepare for the GRE.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. First, know which GRE to take. The most common test is the general GRE. The 8 different GRE Subject Tests include Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology; Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. The cost of the GRE is $150. Other options include phoned-in scoring ($12), late registration ($25), standby testing(paper based only $50), rescheduling fee ($50), and changing the test center ($50). For the list price, scores are sent to four schools, with any additional schools costing ($13) each. More information about fees can be found here: http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menuitem.1488512ecfd5b8849a77b13bc3921509/?vgnextoid=e3f42d3631df4010VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD&vgnextchannel=f46480dd72cbe110VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD.

2. Make sure to buy a book. Here are links to Amazon and half.com with "GRE" as the keyword search: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=gre&x=0&y=0 ; http://search.half.ebay.com/gre_W0QQmZbooks.

3. Consider tutoring. No one is too smart for tutoring. The smartest people in the world use tutoring services.

4. Know and study the categories. For the general GRE, one can take a computer- based test or a paper-based test. The computer- based is broken down into Analytical Writing, Verbal, Quantitative, Un-scored, and Research. Under analytical writing, there is an issue task essay and an argument task essay. Two essay topics are presented for the issue task and you choose one (45 minutes); however, only one topic is presented for the argument task essay (30 minutes). The verbal section is 30 questions (30 minutes), the quantitative section is 28 questions (45 minutes). The verbal section contains 6 Sentence Completions, 7 Analogies, 8 Reading Comprehension, and 9 Antonyms. The math section contains 14 Quantitative Comparisons, 9 Multiple Choice, and 5 Graphs. The un-scored section appears at any time after the analytical writing and obviously does not count towards your score (number of questions and time varies). The research section is not scored and is always at the end of the test (number of questions and time varies). A sample format could be: Analytical Writing, Verbal Section, Quantitative Section, Un-scored Section, and Research Section. The GRE CAT is adaptive with the verbal and quantitative sections, meaning the computer selects questions based on the test taker's performance. After a correct answer, the next question will be more difficult. After a missed question, the next question will be easier. The GRE CAT is offered year round. The GRE CAT is about 3- 3 1/2 hours long. Registration should be completed 6-8 weeks in advance.

5. For the paper-based test, the analytical writing and un-scored sections work the same. Therefore, two essay topics are presented for the issue task and you choose one (45 minutes); however, only one topic is presented for the argument task essay (30 minutes). The un-scored section appears at any time after the analytical writing and obviously does not count towards your score. The verbal has two sections with 38 questions each (30 minutes per section), and the quantitative has two sections with 30 questions each (30 minutes per section). The verbal sections contain 7 Sentence Completions, 9 Analogies, 11 Antonyms, 11 Reading Comprehension (Grouped in two sets). The quantitative sections contain 15 Problem Solving and 15 Quantitative Comparisons. Scratch paper is not permitted for the paper-based test. A sample format could be: Analytical Writing, Quantitative Section, Quantitative Section, 10 minute break, Verbal Section, Verbal Section, and Un-scored Section. The paper-based GRE is non-adaptive, meaning the verbal and quantitative sections start with easy questions and progressively get more difficult. The paper- based GRE is about 3 1/4- 3 3/4 hours long. The paper-based test is offered at least 3 times a year (November, December, and April) in places around the world; a list of dates and locations can be downloaded from the ETS website. Registration should be completed 6-8 weeks in advance.

6. GRE CAT (Computer Adaptive Test) vs. GRE paper- based test. Advantages of the CAT include the flexibility of when you take the test and being able to take the test in a small room of students. The major disadvantage is that you cannot return to previously answered questions on the CAT. Other disadvantages include misreading a computer screen is more common than misreading paper. Looking back and forth from your computer screen to your scratch paper can be annoying as well. The main disadvantages of the paper-based test are taking the exam in a large volume classroom and the dates for signing up may be limited in comparison to the CAT.

7. Scoring. Verbal Reasoning score reported on a 200-800 score scale, in 10-point increments; Quantitative Reasoning score reported on a 200-800 score scale, in 10-point increments; Analytical Writing score reported on a 0 to 6 score scale in half-point increments.

8. I have found the most helpful websites for GRE information to be: http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menuitem.fab2360b1645a1de9b3a0779f1751509/?vgnextoid=b195e3b5f64f4010VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD; and http://www.collegedegreeguide.com/articles-fr/gre.htm; and http://www.princetonreview.com/grad/gre-sections.aspx.

9. Consider studying material for other standardized tests. Examples: PSAT, SAT, GMAT, and ACT.

10. Improve your vocabulary. Many options are available such as reading, games, etc. My favorite choice is logging on to http://www.freerice.com/ to test my word knowledge.

11. Join or start a study group. Studying in groups allows people to help each other figure out and understand problems together.

12. Focus on your weaknesses.

13. Take a study course online or in-class. The Princeton Review is a good option. PR offers private tutoring, small group tutoring, classroom courses, SAT essentials, online courses, and books. Other noteworthy companies include Kaplan Test Prep, Collegeboard, and Slyvan Learning Center.

14. Write, write, write. Writing articles for E how can help or try spending more time on your English class papers and writing assignments.

15. Remember the Math. Practicing will help your speed and accuracy.

16. Practice staying within time restraints. Although going slower at times to fully understand questions is good, practicing exact testing procedures some of the time will help your preparation.

17. Set a time frame. For example, I will study everyday for 1 hour from 4 PM- 5 PM for six months.

18. Go to bed early and get a good night's rest the night before.

19. Eat a great breakfast.

20. Be confident!

[southernemma]

on 11/18/2009 Nice article! I opted to take the MAT for grad school, but probably need to take the GRE for a backup, too. Thanks for the info! 5*

[msopinion]

on 11/3/2009 Great article!