What is
the GRE?
The Graduate Record Examinations
(GRE) revised General Test is a standardized test that is used by many graduate
schools to help determine an applicant’s eligibility. The GRE assesses your
verbal skills, analytical writing skills, critical reasoning abilities and
finally your quantitative reasoning skills. Both a computerized and paper based test are
available.
When
should you take the GRE?
You should begin taking the GRE at least
one year before the graduate school’s application deadline. This will allow you time to retake the test, if necessary. I would advise checking with your school and
finding out when you should have all required forms completed. Also, when planning to take the GRE allow
time for your scores to be reported to the school or sent to you.
According to ETS, the GRE may be
attempted 5 times within a 12 month period and only once every 21 days. The paper based test can be taken as often as
it is offered.
How should I prepare for the
GRE?
There are many free preparation
tools. However, the official GRE site, www.ets.org/gre provides free test
preparation materials, as well as, items that are available for purchase. This site allows you to create an account and
register for the test. This is a great
site. It provides sample questions and
explains the test scores and the manner in which they are tallied. It may also be helpful to find a study group
at your local campus.
I personally decided to purchase
the ETS Official Guide to the GRE revised
General Test through www.amazon.com. There are other sites and bookstores where
you can purchase similar tools. This
particular book provides a breakdown of each test section, 4 real practice
tests and a cd that provides a timed computer-based test experience.
2. Plan
Now that you have created an account on www.ets.org/gre and registered for the
GRE, it is time to create a study plan.
Practice makes perfect. It is
important to familiarize yourself with the various types of questions that are
found on the exam. Prepare a study
schedule. Allow a month or two of study
time.
3. Assess
Utilize your practice tests when assessing
your weaknesses and strengths. Organize
your study sessions accordingly. Be sure
to assess your time management skills.
Finally, a tip from me to you-
Relax and get plenty of sleep the night before.
Your brain will reward you for it.
Sites of
interest:
No comments:
Post a Comment