How To Prepare For The Revised GRE

Most graduate schools require GRE scores to be sent in as part of the admissions process. But some institutions, like the one I attend, may offer conditional admission to students before they take the exam. In fact, some of the programs at my university allow students to complete up to half of the program before taking the GRE.
But Andrews University, like many other graduate institutions, takes test scores into consideration for financial aid, scholarships and fellowships. I sent in my scores along with my application and I wish I had waited.
I wrote the test back in Canada, where GRE preparation courses are not as prevalent as they are in the U.S. I borrowed a review book from a friend and worked through it in conjunction with the free downloadable testing software available from ETS. Each helped to simulate the types of questions I would be asked in each section.
I was able to complete at least four sample tests before the real day came, but I didn't feel the sample questions adequately prepared me to deal with the content of the actual test questions. Joining a review class would have better prepared me for the math concepts and the causal relationships between words for the quantitative and verbal sections – as well as given me greater exposure to different questions.
My score was high enough for acceptance and for a scholarship, but I hope to strive for the best during my long educational journey.

Many U.S. universities have some option for GRE preparation, varying from private tutoring to an enrolled course. As an international student considering your academic future, it is crucial to find the best possible tools to succeed.
Holding a bachelor's degree does not necessarily prepare you for the excruciating gauntlet that is the GRE. I graduated with honors and a dual major in English and education, and there were words on the vocabulary list that I had never heard.
Following through with the preparation tools listed on the ETS website is key, as the sample questions are useful to practice with. There are many excellent guidebooks available now, and I would almost certainly pick up the same one again – but I'd also grab a supplementary text to review math equations and processes.
Depending on your financial situation, I'd recommend students consider retaking the test for a better score after the first grueling attempt.
To successfully attempt the GRE, proficiency in English is the bare minimum. Preparation for this exam while fully immersed in the U.S. through international education is the smartest option for a good score.
The GRE is the official stamp on your educational passport. Completing the preparation while in the U.S. can give international graduate hopefuls a head start.

How To Do Better In Revised GRE - My GRE Prepration

Earning a graduate degree can hone your skills and net you a promotion. It can boost your salary, too. The proof is in the paycheck: Four-year college graduates earn about $51,000 a year, but those with advanced degrees earn double that amount.

Before you cash in, though, you'll need to understand how to study for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Many graduate degree programs require that all applicants take the GRE, a nearly four-hour test that assesses verbal, quantitative and analytical writing skills. Graduate programs use the exam as a window into an applicant's overall skill sets and consider GRE scores along with transcripts, resumes, letters of recommendation and other qualifications.

Doing well on the GRE can require a good deal of preparation. Although the exam's designers say the it's intended to measure only general ability -- meaning you shouldn't have to study for it -- that doesn't mean it's a good idea to simply walk in on exam day and hope for the best. This is especially true if you've been out of school for several years or if you're applying to a competitive graduate program that accepts a limited number of applicants. You may be unfamiliar with some of the vocabulary and math skills on the exam, but will still need to earn the highest possible score. You'll also need to formulate an essay. Our 10 tips to help you prepare begin on the next page.

EXPERIMENTAL QUESTIONS

When you take the GRE, you'll complete one section of experimental questions that are either verbal or quantitative. This section is used to test questions for future exams and does not count toward your score. Unfortunately, you won't know which section it is while you're taking the exam.

The first step in preparing yourself is to learn what to expect from the exam's format and structure. The GRE has three types of sections, and each has a time limit in which it must be completed:

Verbal: Two 30-minute sections testing vocabulary, grammar and reading comprehension skills. Question types include text completion, sentence equivalence and reading comprehension.

Quantitative: Two 35-minute sections testing arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis skills. Question types including comparing values, solving word problems and analyzing data. As of Aug. 1, 2011, a calculator is permitted.

Analytical Writing: One section with two separately timed 30-minute essays testing your ability to write clearly and effectively. The first asks you to state and support your opinion on an issue, and the second asks you to evaluate an argument.

In most testing places, all sections of the GRE are taken on a computer and the verbal and quantitative sections use computer-adaptive testing. This means that if you answer questions correctly, the computer will give you harder questions that are worth more points. Answer them incorrectly, and you'll get easier questions -- but getting them right won't boost your score as much.

It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with how the computer interface works to ensure that you're used to the format. You can learn more about the system, in addition to how to schedule your exam, at the GRE Web site.