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Welcome
Dear Student, This Playbook is a compilation of some of the best BenchPrep material and blog posts on the GRE. Combined with useful information about the content of the GRE, weve provided advice about how it might be smart to tackle your GRE study program and grad school application process. Were pleased to offer it to you for free online and also as a downloadable PDF le. The Playbook includes: Basic information, statistics, and advice about the Revised General GRE and Grad School Admissions. Information about the Sections of the GRE: explanations of the Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical Writing sections, and of each question type on each section. Test Prep Tips and Strategies Reviews of Test Prep Material and Online Courses. Feel free to print this Playbook out, give it to friends and teachers, and use it in any way thats helpful for your study plan. As with any Playbook, its up to you to call the shots, but were here to try to coach you as best we can. We hope you like it! As always, if you have questions, comments, or suggestions about this Playbook, feel free to reach out 24/7 at 855-BENCHPREP (855-236-2477) or email us at support@benchprep.com. Happy Studying! The Team at BenchPrep
Table of Contents
4 14
Ch. 1: Introduction
Introduction to BenchPreps GRE Test Prep Program BenchPrep Games, Flashcards, Adaptive Nature and Other Features How BenchPrep Can Improve Your Score
66 79 88 96 101
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Chapter 1
Introduction
Introduction to BenchPreps GRE Test Prep Program Games, Flashcards, BenchPreps Adaptive Nature, and Other Features How BenchPrep Can Improve Your Score
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 1 Introduction
Select a date, and BenchPrep will gure out what you need to do.
After you select a date, BenchPreps algorithm will calculate what the important concepts you need to learn before your test date. Whether you have one month or one year to prepare for the GRE, BenchPrep can adapt to suit your needs.
Chapter 1 Introduction
The BenchPrep GRE Course Gives You Unrivalled Data about Your Progress
When you work your way through the GRE Course, BenchPrep will automatically compile information about your performance. For example, after taking of the GRE Practice Tests, you can see data about: how you performed on each question, how you performed each question type, the time spent on each question,
Chapter 1 Introduction
the time spent on each question type, your estimated percentile rankings, your progress across tests, and solutions and detailed explanations for every question.
You can use this data to nd areas where its most smart to focus your effort in order to boost your score with minimal effort. We make sure your hard work doesnt go unrewarded. Weve added leaderboards to show you how your scores compare against your peers, and achievements to acknowledge your skill and progress as you work through your test.
At BenchPrep, we think test prep should move off the page and into the 21st Century!
Chapter 1 Introduction
Instantly jump to related lessons while reviewing solutions to practice questions so that you can understand the concept better.
Ask-an-expert
Start a conversation with thousands of other students studying for the same test and are ready to help.
Condence Levels
Ask any question to our army of experts and expect a detailed answer within 24 hours. Rest assured that help is always just a click away.
Personalize the course by marking lessons and questions with condence levels so that you can focus on parts that require most attention.
Create bookmarks and write custom notes to remind yourself of tips, questions, or concepts that you want to revisit later.
Chapter 1 Introduction
Last year, we introduced a subscription model. With this new model, a student can access all courses related to a test in our library and pay a monthly or yearly fee, rather than having to purchase them one at a time. We wanted students to explore more courses and do more without worrying about paying every time they wanted to try a course. We have found that with this new model, students enroll in more courses and scores improve by over 20%. We measured score improvement by comparing performance on test of students who nished more than 60% of a course vs students who nished less that 20%. With more engagement and enrollment in courses, BenchPrep subscription users have the highest score improvement at 20.5%. This is by far the most exciting nding for us of offering the new subscription model. So sign up now!
Chapter 2
GRE 101
Overview of the GRE Why You Should Take the GRE What the GRE Measures What Programs Accept the GRE Infographics Comparing GMAT, MAT, and GRE How the GRE is Scored What the Adaptive GRE Means What is a Good GRE Score?
Format
The GRE General Test is a computer-based (or, in some locations, paper-based) test that includes ve scored sections: one Analytical Writing section (with two scored writing tasks), two Quantitative sections, and two Verbal sections. Your test will also include an experimental section, called the pretest section, which is mixed in with the other sections of the test and appears as either a Verbal or a Quantitative section. There might also be a research section, which will always be the nal section presented if you have one included in your test. The answers on the pretest and research sections will not count toward your GRE score. The questions are meant to help the test writers at Educational Testing Service (ETS) rene their methods and try out new material that may be included in future GRE tests. The pretest is not identied and will seem like just another test section as you work through it. The research section, if you have one on your test, will be identied as such. The GRE always begins with the two Analytical Writing tasks: the Issue Task and the Argument Task. For both tasks, if you are taking the computer-based GRE, you will
write your response using the word processor that is built into the GRE software. The Verbal and Quantitative Sections may appear in any order on your test. When working on these sections, you may skip around, rst answering questions that you nd less challenging, then coming back to the more difficult questions. Once you have completed a section, you may not go back to it. You are allowed a total of 3 hours and 45 minutes for the computer-based GRE, including the unscored section, and a total of 4 hours and 5 minutes for the paper-based GRE, including the unscored section.
Youve got this bold vision of yourself heading back to Grad School to study X, Y, or Z. Great! Its a smart move: on average, advanced degree-holders earn higher salaries. Masters degree-holders make 22% more than workers with only a Bachelor degree. And workers with Doctorate degrees make a whopping 52% more than Bachelor degree holders. If youre trying to go to Grad School programs that arent medical school or law school, then its likely that youll have to take the GRE for admission. So, if youre planning on the Grad School route, then the GRE should be on your to-do list.
Reason #2: You might want to pursue a Graduate Degree in the future, so its a smart move to get it out of the way.
Unlike other standardized tests where you need to know specialized content which you might only learn in the later years of college, you already learned most of the content on the GRE in high school (hopefully!). So, if youre in college now, theres no real advantage to waiting to take the GRE later. If you think Grad School might be in your medium-term future, it might be a smart move to go ahead and take the GRE, because the scores are valid for 5 years after you take the test. In fact, studies have even shown that performance on the GRE decreases as you get older. Taking the GRE when youre already in in academic-mode, when high-school math and ACT and SAT preparation is still fresh, might be a smart strategy to get your best score and to hedge your bets about your future. This is especially true because in 2012 the GRE introduced the ScoreSelect option, which means that even if you dont do as well as you hoped the rst time around, you have the option to take the GRE again, and only report only your best test results. With this new option, theres no real risk in taking the GRE early. Either way, the decision you make about going to Graduate School is a tough one and ultimately a personal choice. While there are plenty of unknowns, taking the GRE early can only help your odds of succeeding in your personal and professional goals.
The three sections of the the GREVerbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writingtry to measure just this. In the list below, Ill look some of the main things that ETS claims the GRE measures, along with a much simpler translation of what you need to know for the test.
#1 The ability to analyze and draw conclusions from discourse Translation = can you read and understand arguments in text?
In the Verbal Section, the GRE features a number of multiple-choice questions following a short passage that makes some sort of argument. The questions ask you to identify the overall logical ow of the passage.
#2 The ability to understand the meanings of words, sentences and entire texts Translation = how good is your vocabulary?
The GRE has variety of ll-in-the-blank questions (sometimes called Text Completion questions) asking you to identify the correct words to use in a given sentence or short passage. Sentence Equivalence questions are similar: they basically ask you to identify synonyms.
#3 The ability to interpret and analyze quantitative information Translation = can you understand charts and graphs?
In the Quantitative Section, youll be presented with various forms of quantitative information, including graphs, charts, shapes, and tables. You will need to know how to analyze this information quickly and effectively to get to the right answer.
#4 The ability to solve problems using mathematical models Translation = can you apply formulas correctly?
Distance = rate * time. Remember?! Many questions in the Quantitative Section will ask you to apply a mathematical formula to get a correct answer.
#5 The ability to apply basic mathematical skills and elementary mathematical concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data interpretation Translation = can you do high school math?
Throughout the Quantitative Section, youll face questions where a basic understanding of high school math properties will apply. Oh yes, dear reader, PEMDAS is back.
#6 The ability to support ideas with relevant reasons and examples Translation = can you write and analyze a logical argument?
The nal part of the GRE is the Analytical Writing Section. The Writing section will ask you to write two essays, one on an Issue and one on an Argument. While these tasks are slightly different, both will ask you to present an orderly response to an essay prompt.
#7 The ability to control the elements of standard written English
Translation= can you write well? Where well is pretty broad: how well-chosen are your words? Do you vary your sentence structure? Do you use transitions to usher the reader along your argument? All of this matters to score well in the Analytical Writing Section. The GRE is a general test: it tries to get a lot of information about your intellectual horsepower in a mere three hours. And so, it covers a lot of ground. Or course, the GRE has its aws, but by understanding what the GRE tries to measure, you can better prepare yourself to get the score you want.
Name a Master or Arts Program, and its likely that the GRE is the required standardized test. Master of Arts in History? GRE. Master of Arts in International Development? GRE. For MA programs, its likely that the admission ofcers reviewing your application will look at your performance on the Verbal and Analytical Writing requirements with more scrutiny than your score on the Quantitative section.
#2 Master of Science Programs (MS)
Most Master of Science Programs also require the GRE. Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)? GRE. Master of Science in Information Technology? GRE. Its more likely that a Master of Science program will weigh more heavily the Quantitative Section of the test, though its always wise to check with the program youll be applying to.
#3 Master of Business Administration Programs (MBA)
Most MBA Programs will accept both the GRE and the GMAT for admissions, though some MBA programs prefer that you take the GMAT. For more information on the distinction between the GMAT and the GRE, check out our handy GMAT-GRE infographic in this chapter.
#4 Other Masters Programs and Joint Masters Programs
Yep, you guessed it. Even Masters Programs which arent strictly an MA or MS program accept the GRE. For example, the MPA or MPP (Master of Public Affairs or Public Policy) both accept the GRE. So does a Masters in Architecture. Joint masters programs, like an MPA/MBA, also accept the GRE.
#5 Doctorate Programs (PhD)
If getting that Dr. in front of your name is in the works, then the GRE will likely be too. Most PhD Programs require the GRE.
#6 Graduate Certicates and other Grad School Programs
There really are just a multitude of Graduate Programs offered nowadays, including distance-learning courses, Graduate Certicates, and other online options. Some Certicate programs will require that you have taken the GRE, as do Grad School Programs that we havent even heard of yet!
BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 20
#7 Job Opportunities!
Even if you dont end up going to Grad School, many employers, like consulting rms and investment banks, will ask for your standardized test scores. Having a knock-out score can only help you land that big-time job. As you can see, if you take the GRE, it opens the door to a huge number of opportunities. By understanding your options and how the GRE can help you reach those goals, the next step is to start improving your chances at acing that GRE test!
GMAT
All MBA Programs Economics Programs
vs
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Grad School Programs Over +1000 MBA Programs
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Analytical + 1 essay Integrated Reasoning Quantitative Verbal
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30 min. 2 30 min. 2 35 min. 2 30 min.
Section
Analytical Writing Verbal Quantitative Experimental (math or verbal)
3 HRS. 30 MIN.
3 HRS. 45 MIN.
$250
Scores are both valid for
www.800score.com/gmat-and-gre.html www.princetonreview.com/gmatvsgre.aspx www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/mba/programs/
$185
GMAT GRE
yrs
http://benchprep.com
GRE
Grad School Programs Over +1000 MBA Programs
vs
MAT
Grad School Programs
If your program accepts it and if you are weaker in math and strong in reading comprehension
score valid
score valid
yrs
1
Can be taken anywhere and anytime of year
yr
or
Time
Section
Analytical Writing Verbal Quantitative Experimental (math or verbal)
120 questions
100 will count towards your score 20 experimental items You won't know which are experimental.
3 HRS. 45 MIN.
1 hr
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8 5 2
9 6 3 .
+ =
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MAT ONLY has one question type ! analogies. The test has a broad range.
Verbal
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avg 400
130
170
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http://psychcorp.pearsonassessments.com/haiweb/Cultures/en-US/site/Community/PostSecondary/Products/MAT http://www.ets.org/gre
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the two grades, then a second human reader will be brought in, and the nal score will be an average of the two human readers. Then, the scores on the two essays are averaged, and a single score is reported.
The pre-2011 GRE had only one Verbal section and one Quantitative section. This old GRE changed its questions within these sections based on how well you did on previous questions. So, if you got previous questions incorrect, then the test would adapt to present you relatively easier questions. If you got previous questions correct, then the test would adapt to present you relatively more difficult questions.
#2 The new GRE is section adaptive.
Since there are now two sections on the Verbal section and two sections on the Quantitative section, the Revised GRE no longer adjusts its questions based on your performance within a section. Rather, the GRE only adjusts difficult between sections. So, your second graded Quantitative or Verbal section (Remember: there will be one experimental section, and you wont know which section that is.) could be more or less difficult than your rst section, depending on how well you do.
#3 Within sections, questions are of random difficulty.
Its important to note that within each section, the questions are of random difficulty, regardless of the overall level of difficulty of the section. So on both the rst and second sections of the test, the rst question is no more likely to be easy or difficult than the last question. This is important to consider when thinking about test-taking strategies.
The reason ETS, the organization which designs and administers the GRE, uses adaptive testing is because it better allows the test-makers pinpoint how well you do on the GRE, by getting to questions which suit your aptitude quicker. So, if you do well on the Quantitative sections, for example, the adaptive GRE can get to more difficult questions which can better determine how well you do compared with other test-takers of similar aptitude.
#5 What this means for the test-taker.
What does this mean for you in practice? Not too much. One things to consider is that because the content of the second section depends on how well you do on the rst section, then you may want to be careful to do well on the rst section. While each question is still weighted the same within sections, it could be the case that your second Verbal or Quantitative section might be more difficult (or easier) than the rst. Thats it. Either way, you should try to do your best and answer every question. As computers tend to be used more and more in the classroom, its likely that adaptive testing technology will be used increasingly more in the future. For the test-taker, it doesnt make too much difference, but its helpful to be aware of how the technology works for each test.
168.7 is 2 standard deviations above average, corresponds to the 97th or 98th percentile
Life Sciences Physical Sciences Engineering Social Sciences Humanities & Arts Education Business
7 9 9 7 7 7 7
7 7 6 8 7 7 8
Analysis
As you can see, anything at least one standard deviation above the average is a solid score, and anything at least two standard deviations above the average is an exceptional score. Also note that students pursuing graduate degrees in Physical sciences and Engineering might look more favorable with a higher Quantitative Score than a Verbal score as shown by the results. A score that is one or two standard deviation above the average could be considered a good score, depending on your own indi-
vidual situation. In fact, some schools simply recommend a GRE score thats above the average. But how do you interpret all of this in terms of your own personal circumstances? Lets look at the Yale School of Forestry to help put things in context. The schools 2012 Incoming Student Prole. states that accepted applicants had an average of 2-4 years of professional experience prior to enrollment. This tells us that professional real world experience seems to be a factor taken into account during the admissions process. We can probably generalize a bit. If you have a great deal of professional, real world experience, it may very well offset a GRE score lower than the average accepted by a program. On the other hand, if you have an exceptionally high GRE score, it could help to compensate for a lack of professional experience; say, if youre looking to go straight from nishing a bachelors degree straight into tackling a masters degree. Of course, we have to remember were generalizing. Its possible that some schools/ programs expect or require a combination of extensive professional experience AND high GRE scores. Always get your information straight from the horses mouth by referring to the information provided by the school/program you wish to apply to. That being said, its still pretty safe to say that, generally speaking, schools/programs consider lots of other things besides your GRE scores when making admissions decisions. Professional experience, recommendation letters, academic record, co-curricular activities, community involvement, leadership achievements, publications, portfolios, personal interviews: these are all ways in which you can put your best qualities and qualications on display to help you impress those making the admission decision that you are a candidate worth pursuing. It really all comes down to your own unique set of circumstances. To nd out what is a good GRE score, rst determine the minimum GRE requirements of the schools youre interested in. Search and you will nd: you may even nd that your target school/program doesnt require a GRE score, or even if it does, does not specify a minimum GRE score to be considered for admission.
Keep in mind, however, that even if you dont have to achieve a minimum score, that doesnt mean you shouldnt set a target score and strive hard to reach it. To help determine your target score when no minimum score is given, check to see if the school provides information on average GRE scores of successful applicants, as well as other information that paints a prole of the qualications/backgrounds of successful applicants. That information will help you to determine your target Good GRE Score, and also help you to determine what you need to do to make your overall application as solid and well-rounded as possible--something that will stand out from the crowd. Of course, the higher your GRE score is, the better it will make the rest of your application look, so set goals and pay attention to details when prepping for GRE and when preparing your other application components.
The GRE boils down three pretty simple concepts: it tries to test how well you can (1) read, (2) do math, and (3) write
Chapter 3
First and foremost, you certainly will want to check the application deadlines for the Universities and programs you plan to apply to: this is why youre studying for this thing after all! Many American Masters and PhD programs with start dates in the Fall have deadlines for application some time from January-March. Other programs have rolling admissions deadlines. Either way, its generally best to submit your application early to have the best chances of getting accepted. Youll denitely want to make sure your schools have your GRE scores in time to consider your application, which brings us to point #2.
#2 Test processing times.
Because the Writing Section is now part of the GRE, you will not receive your results immediately after the test, though you will receive your unofficial scores on the Verbal and Quantitative sections. Your official scores will be available approximately 10-15 days after your test, and are sent out to schools you specied then. Some schools may not actually need your GRE scores exactly on the application deadline, but this is something youd denitely want to check with your individual program.
#3 Your schedule.
If youre in college, your Senior year is going to be chock-full of work or fun or both, and so it may be best to try to get the GRE out of the way during your Junior year, or in the summer or early fall, when youll be stress-free and best able to focus. If youre out of college and working, then youll want to schedule the GRE so that youll have time to prepare and be calm :)
If you arent sure if youll achieve the score you want on your rst try, then you may want to schedule the GRE so that you can take it again if you score poorly. You can take the GRE revised General Test once every 21 days, up to ve times within any continuous rolling 12-month period. With the new ScoreSelect option (well explain that later), you can choose exactly what scores you want to send to your grad school program. Of course, the GRE is an expensive test, so you wont want to take it more times than you have to, but it might be a safe move to take it early anyway.
#5 Whether your college coursework will prepare you for the GRE.
Unlike other standardized tests where you need to know specialized content which you might only learn in the later years of college, you already learned most of the content on the GRE in high school (hopefully!). So, if youre in college now, theres no real advantage to waiting to take the GRE later. Then again, if youre taking some coursework which might benet you on the GRE (like Algebra or Geometry classes), then it could be smart to learn from these courses before you take the GRE. In fact, the ETS notes that statistically, performance on the GRE tends to decline with age. So, if you think Grad School might be in your medium-term future, it might be a smart move to go ahead and take the GRE, because the scores are valid for 5 years after you take the test.
#6 The most popular time to take the test is in October, November, and December.
Its possible to take the GRE on short notice, but keep in mind that many people choose to take the GRE in the late fall to meet application deadlines, so it may be harder to nd a time slot you want during these months. No matter what, if you want to perform your best on the GRE, its best not to put it off to until the last minute. Of course, everyones situation is different, so even if you decided to apply to grad school late and must take the GRE in a hurry, then you can make the best of it. Whenever you decide to take the GRE, BenchPrep has study plans to suit your needs.
BenchPrep Presents
YES
NOT YET
Facts to Consider
YES
Are you ready now?
185
When do you want to apply to graduate school?
There are 3 sections.
Verbal, Writing, & Quantitative
GRE
Take in February
Take in June
THE
6
2013
Receive your GRE results 1015 days after you take the exam
Take in April
Take in August
Sources
http://ets.org/gre http://gradschool.about.com/cs/aboutthegre/a/gre.htm http://www.igrad.com/articles/taking-the-gre http://www.happyschoolsblog.com/average-revised-gre-scores-universities/
21DAYS
RETAKE THE
YOU CAN
UP TO
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IN A
YEAR
ETS is the organization that designs and administers the GRE. The rst step to registering for the GRE is to go to the ETS website and create an account with your name, address, and email. After that, click on the Register for a General Test on the myGRE Home Page. You can register via phone, mail, and fax. However, test takers with disabilities or health-related needs who are requesting special accommodations may not register online. You can also not register online if youre applying for fee reduction or stand-by testing.
#2 Select your testing date, time, and place.
You can register for the GRE way far in advance, and if youre taking the test during a busy testing time (October, November, and December, for example) then its a smart move to register early, as many testing times will be lled. As you select your testing location, you will be redirected to the Prometric website to select a date, time, and place to take the GRE. This is whats supposed to happen: Prometric is the testing center company who will actually administer the test. Make sure you select a location that is close to where you live, and where you will feel comfortable taking the test. Also, you should register for the GRE with a name that matches your Identication (drivers license, passport, etc.) exactly. You might not be allowed to take the test if your name doesnt match exactly.
#3 Pay, plan, and prepare.
As of July, 2013, the Revised General GRE costs $185. After paying this fee and completing your registration, the nal step is to plan and prepare! For
example, it would be smart to scout out the location ahead of time, because some GRE testing locations are in places you wouldnt really notice otherwise. Plan to be at the testing center for about four and half hours, and know what to take with you. There is a $50 fee to change your testing location or your date, and these changes must be made four days in advance. Finally, after registration, now is a great time to assess how much time you have to prepare, and budget a sensible study plan. BenchPrep offers a number different study plans, depending on how much time you have.
Lets start here: if you are located in the United States, you will take the computer-based GRE. The paper-based test isnt offered in the same places where the computer-based test is offered. The paper-based test is offered for the GRE subject tests, but thats a different story. If you are located outside the US, there is a chance you may take the paper-based test, but its still most likely that you will take the computer-based test. In 2012, ETS begin to phase out the paper-based test, so its not really offered as much anymore. The GRE is offered year-round as a computer-based test in most locations around the world. Paper-based tests, on the other hand, are offered only up to three times per year.
#2 The computer-based test is way more convenient.
With the computer-based test, you will get your unofficial Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores at the test center, but not your Analytical
Writing score. About 10-15 days after your your test date, your official scores and your Analyztical Writing score will become available. With the paper-based test, on the other hand, you wont get your score back for SIX weeks!
#3 The computer-based test is adpative.
The computer-based GRE has always been adaptive, but the current Revised GRE (introduced in 2011) is adaptive in a different way from the Old computer-based GRE. The pre-2011 GRE changed its questions based on your how well you did on previous questions. Since there are now two sections on the Verbal section and two sections on the Quantitative section, the Revised GRE no longer adjusts its questions based on your performance during a section. Rather. the GRE only adjusts difficult between sections. What does this mean for you in practice? Not too much. Each question is still weighted the same within your section, but it could be the case that your second Verbal or Quantitative section might be more difficult than the rst, and so a correct answer on a more difficult section might be worth more than a correct answer on an easier section. #4 The Computer-based test means youll have to prepare differently. Its a different experience taking a standardized test on a computer: you cant scratch out answers or scribble all over a reading passage. So if youve never taken a standardized test on a computer before, its wise to prepare a little differently. Familiarize yourself with how the testing screen will look, and how you answer a question. An online resource like BenchPrep is the perfect tool to help you prepare for this new interface, making you comfortable as you approach test day and maximizing your score. Most likely, the computer-based exam will be the way you take the test. With this in mind, its smart to take steps to make sure youre as prepared as possible for test day.
Unlike other standardized tests where you need to know specialized content which you might only learn in the later years of college, you already learned most of the content on the GRE in high school (hopefully!).
The GRE Subject Tests are more specic than the GRE General Tests, and test your knowledge in a specic eld of study.
#2 There are 7 GRE Subject Tests.
There is only one General GRE (though of course there are different versions). There are, in contrast, 7 GRE Subject Tests: Biochemistry, Cell , and Molecular Biology; Biology; Chemistry; Literature in English; Mathematics; Physics; and Psychology.
#3 GRE Subject Tests are paper-based.
Its very likely that you will take the General GRE on a computer, while the Subject Tests are only given in paper-based format.
#4 GRE Subject Tests are only offered three times per year.
The General GRE is offered year-round, but the GRE Subject Tests are only offered three times per year: in September, October, and April.
#5 Not all Grad School Programs require GRE Subject Tests
Most Grad School Programs (that arent medical school or law school) require the General GRE, but not all Grad Programs require the GRE Subject Tests.
#6 GRE Subject Tests are one section, of 2 hours and 50 minutes.
The structure of the GRE Subject Test depends on the specic test you need
to take. For example, the Biology GRE Subject test consists of 194 ve-choice questions. The test is split into three major content categories: cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology and ecology and evolution. However, each GRE Subject Test is 2 hours and 50 minutes of continuous examination.
#7 You get your scores back later.
With the General GRE Test, you get your unofficial scores immediately after you take the test, and your official scores approximately 10-15 days after you take the test. With the Subject Tests, you dont get your scores back until one month after you take the test. You might have to take the GRE Subject Test to complement your application to Grad School. Be sure to check the requirements for each school youre planning on applying to.
But just because theres a GRE Subject Test in the area which is your intended eld of study doesnt necessarily mean that youll have to take that test: some Grad School programs in areas where there are GRE Subject Tests dont even require GRE Subject Tests. For example, if you Google for the list of Graduate Programs and Test Requirements listed at the University of California, Berkeley, youll see that if youre applying to get PhD in Applied Mathematics, Astrophysics, Chemistry, English, Integrative Biology, Mathematics, or Physics, then they recommend you take the Subject Test relating to those areas. However, even if youre applying for a PhD in Psychology, the Psychology Subject Test is not required. So, what does this mean for me: If the Subject Test is a requirement for admission, then of course you must take it. But even where the Subject Test is not required, if you have a strong background in a related subject to which your Graduate major will be, then it might be a good idea to take a Subject Test to showcase this specic knowledge and stand out from other applicants. Solid performance on a subject test vividly demonstrates your competence and acumen in your subject area, and can help you to present yourself as an applicant who stands out from the pack!
Chapter 4
Quantitative Section
GRE Quantitative Basics Multiple Choice Questions Quantitative Comparison Questions Numeric Entry Questions 25 Things to Know for the Quantitative Section Quantitative Section General Strategies and Tips A Special Note on the Quantitative Section
Some GRE multiple-choice questions involve straightforward calculations, while others require you to evaluate a word-problem in a real-life setting. Still others may be part of question sets called Data Interpretation sets. All of the questions in a Data Interpretation set are based on the same data presented in tables, graphs, charts, or gures. To solve GRE Multiple-choice questions, you typically will not be required to perform complex calculations. However, you will be given scratch paper for whatever guring you wish to do, and you will also be provided with a calculator to assist you when necessary. (In the computer-based test, the calculator will appear on screen.)
Example:
Q. If 5x - 6 = 14, then 8x = A. 8 5 B. 4
Q. The ratio of two quantities is 4 to 5. If each of the quantities is increased by 3, which of the following could be the fraction of theses two new quantities? Indicate all answer choices that apply. A. 7 8 11 B. 13 C. 23 28
C. 64 5 D. 20 E. 32
B. Quantitative Comparison
Quantitative Comparison questions ask you to compare two quantities and determine whether: (1) one is larger than the other, (2) the quantities are equal, or (3) there is not enough information to determine a relationship between the two quantities. Some questions include additional information that is centered above the two quantities that concerns one or both of the quantities. Quantitative Comparison questions generally require more logic skills than math skills.
Its smart to memorize the order of these answer choices before the test, as they will always be the same. In each Quantitative section, the Quantitative Comparison questions always come rst. The other question types do not appear in any predetermined order, nor is there any set number of each question type on every GRE General Test. The best way to handle the Quantitative Comparison questions is to simply determine the value of each quantity. It is often better to estimate values because you are really just trying to decide if one value is greater than the other. After you have calculated the values, you can easily determine the relationship, if one exists. If one quantity is sometimes greater than or sometimes less than the other quantity, the relationship cannot be determined from the information, and so you should select answer D. Example:
This question gives you two quantities, Quantity A and Quantity B. Compare the two quantities and choose one of the following answer choices: Q. A $25 CD was bought on sale for $17.50. Quantity A The difference between the original price and the price of the CD during the sale
A. if Quantity A is greater; B. if Quantity B is greater; C. if the two quantities are equal;
C. Numeric Entry
Questions of this type require you to enter your answer as an integer in a single answer box or as a fraction in two separate answer boxes. You will use the computer mouse and keyboard to make your entry. Once youve calculated your answer, click on the answer box(es) to activate, then type your answer. To erase, simply backspace. For a negative sign, type a hyphen, and for a decimal point, type a period. You should apply the standard rules of rounding if the question asks for an approximate answer; otherwise, type in the exact answer. It is not necessary to reduce fractions to their lowest terms. Example:
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3:4:5 Triangle is a Pythagorean triple with a 90 angle and sides lengths of 3:4:5 or 6:8:10 or 12:16:20 . . . you get the picture.
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r = area of a circle
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r = volume of a sphere
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(1/3) = (1/3) = 1/27
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Simple interest = P[(1 + rt)/100], where P= Principal, r=rate, and t=time. So the interest on $100 at 5% for two years = 100[(1 + .052)/100] = $11
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Compound interest = P[(1 + r/100n]^nt, where P= Principal, r=rate, n=number of periods, and t=time. So the compound interest on $100 at 5% for two years, compounded monthly = 100[(1 + .05/10012]^122 = $110.49
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Work rate formula = (1/time taken by both) = (1/time taken by person A) + (1/ time taken by person B)
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Solving an inequality: when multiplying both sides by a negative number, always switch the direction of the inequality sign. So -2x > 6 yields x<-3.
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Standard deviation: the greater the standard deviation, the more spread out a set of values is. The small the standard deviation, the more closely the values are to the mode.
On the Quantitative section, your ability to apply reason and logic to solving the quantitative questions is more important than your ability to recall mathematical formulas and principles.
The following strategies can be applied to all of the GRE math sections: Draw pictures on your scratch paper as necessary to help you gure out problems. Look for a way to reason through the problem. Use your on-screen calculator only if you really need it. When reading word problems, translate them into mathematical equations. (Carrie has 3 more CDs than Amy is equivalent to C = A + 3) Remember to estimate or ball-park answers when you can. It is often possible to eliminate all but the correct answer choice without doing any actual math.
Multiple-Choice Questions
Make sure that you understand what information is given and what question is being asked. Paraphrase if necessary. Many questions will allow you to reason your way to nd an answer by performing only a few or even no calculations. Avoid lengthy and complicated calculations when possible. Remember that some questions call for more than one correct answer. For these questions, be sure to carefully analyze ALL of the answer choices. Dont just select the rst correct answer you see and move on.
Data Analysis Questions
Before answering each question, scan the given data. Many of the questions will allow you to approximate an answer by making a visual comparison only. Avoid performing calculations when possible. Do not base your answer to any question on an assumption or any outside information. Use only the data given. You might be asked to select more than one correct answer, so pay close attention to the format of the question.
Many comparisons require estimation only. Avoid lengthy and complicated calculations. Be sure to take into account any information given that applies to both quantities. If one quantity is sometimes greater or sometimes less than the other quantity, then the relationship cannot be determined from the information (Answer choice D means that no one can determine the answer, not just that you cant determine the answer.)
Numeric Entry Questions
Read the question carefully and be sure to provide the type of answer indicated. You will not have any answer choices to course you, so check your answer and make sure it is logical based on the information provided in the question.
Chapter 5
Verbal Section
GRE Verbal Basics Sentence Equivalence Questions Reading Comprehension Questions Text Completion Questions A Special Note about Vocabulary 25 Things to Know for the Verbal Section Verbal Section General Strategies and Tips
GRE Verbal
The GRE Verbal section is designed to measure the skills required to carefully read and understand sentences and passages in standard written English, skills vital to success in graduate school. A GRE Verbal section includes questions of the following types: Sentence Equivalence, Reading Comprehension, and Text Completion. The questions appear in random order. This section provides you with useful strategies and techniques, an overview of the question types, and a breakdown of the critical reading skills that will be tested. This section also includes some sample practice questions.
Types of Questions
Sentence Equivalence
The Sentence Equivalence questions on the GRE Verbal section are designed to test vocabulary in context as well as your ability to understand relationships among words and concepts. You should be able to answer many questions with only a general knowledge of vocabulary; however, some challenging questions might require you to make distinctions between more subtle meanings. Questions in this section are composed of a sentence with one blank, followed by six answer choices. You must select the two choices that, when independently inserted in place of the blank, best t the meaning of the sentence as a whole and produce two completed sentences that are alike in meaning. In other words, the two answer choices should be synonyms that perform equivalent roles in the sentence. Because this section of the exam tests your ability to determine the relationship between words, both answer choices are equally important. There is no partial credit given if only one word is chosen or if only one choice is correct. In general, the words that appear in Sentence Equivalence questions are limited to nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Answer choices will be either single words or short
phrases. Some of the answer choices might be very similar to one another. Your job is to select the two best choices from among the six options. Keep in mind that a complete sentence is clear and concise, conveys a logical meaning, and is uniform in grammar and style. Example:
Question Stem: It comes as no surprise that different cultures have certain behavioral norms; however, to an outsider, the specifics of these behaviors can often be . Answer Choices: A. B. C. D. E. F. explicit startling predictable unexpected derisive admirable
2. Multiple-choice QuestionsSelect One or More Answer Choices 3. Select-in-Passage Questions While these variants add some complexity to the Reading Comprehension section, you will use essentially the same strategies to tackle questions in all three formats. Familiarity through practice will help you tremendously. Students who possess two key skillsparaphrasing and skimming usually earn the best scores on this section. These skills, along with techniques on how to determine the main idea, read and answer the questions, and use the process of elimination, are discussed in more detail in the following sections. Example:
Q. The main purpose of the passage is to A. explore biological and physiological similarities between humans and chimpanzees. B. examine the hunting behavior and diet of chimpanzees and compare them to human activity. C. discuss the health benefits of eating and hunting meat while simultaneously predicting the effect of this behaviors on chimpanzee offspring. D. bring attention to the pioneerig research of Dr. Jane Goodall in Tanzania. E. educate the public on the impact that tool use had in early human societies.
Example:
Experts believe that humans have 10 trillion cells in their bodies that (i) any number of essential genetic elements; scientists often marvel at what incredible (ii) would ensure should the cells become jumbled or misunderstand their purpose. Blank (i) A - govern B - organize C - disclocate Blank (ii) D - order E - method F- chaos
The GRE Verbal section is designed to measure the skills required to carefully read and understand sentences and passages in standard written English, skills vital to success in graduate school.
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Use roots, prexes, and suffixes to determine the meaning of words you dont know.
Vocabulary is essential. When it comes to the GRE Verbal section, thats the bottom line. Be proactive: look up words you dont know!
On denition questions, guess quickly! Many questions require you to know the denition, and because its likely that you cant use much logic to get to a better answer, select one and move on. You can always come back if you have time.
Find your personal reading passage strategy. If you read the questions rst, when you read the passages, you can focus on nding the right answers most quickly. However, some students nd that reading the passage rst helps them understand the argument more generally rst, before delving into the specic questions.
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Pay special attention to the rst and last sentences. They provide important clues to the meaning of each passage.
Questions with Roman numeral answers are often confusing and difficult. They ask you choose one more more or to nd an exception. If youre running low on time, mark down a guess and move to the next question.
Think of an obvious opposite word in your head on Antonym questions rst, before you look at the answers.
On Reading Comprehension, make sure your answer actually answers the question, and isnt just a true statement.
With analogy questions, create a sentence in your head that shows the relationship between the two words and then use that sentence on each answer choice.
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On sentence completion questions, nd connector words like although or but that may change the meaning of the sentence.
Think about connotation. On sentence completion questions, ask if the required word needs to have a positive or negative connotation. Many times you can eliminate answer choices because the connotations dont t.
Read, read read! News magazines with well-written articles will boost your vocab.
Keep on pace. On the GRE, every question is worth the same, so keep trucking through those questions and dont get hung up on one or two.
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On reading comprehension, distinguish ideas that the author is advancing from those the author is only reporting.
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On sentence completion, dont just look among the answer choices for two words that mean the same thing. Remember, the goal is to make the whole sentence mean the same thing
On the sentence completion, ll in the easiest blank rst. It doesnt have to be the rst blank.
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When you have made your selection for each blank, check to make sure the passage is coherent: logically, grammatically and stylistically.
Most often, answers on the Reading Comprehension sections will not be negative answers, but rather be neutral or positive.
Again: vocab, vocab, vocab! Weve said it once already, but its the truth: improving your vocab is key to improving your score on the Verbal section.
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On Reading Comprehension, answer each question only on the basis of the information provided in the passage.
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Paraphrase when you need to. Putting the question and answer choices into your own words often makes them easier to understand.
Remember that some Reading Comprehension and Sentence Equivalence questions ask you to select more than one answer choice. Carefully consider ALL of the answer choices before making your selections.
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Start with the blank that seems the most simple to ll, and then work on the others.
Text Completions Read through the text once to get an idea of context. Pay attention to clue words in the text, such as transition words, that will help you to identify the structure of the text. Start with the blank that seems the most simple to ll, and then work on the others. Once youve made your selections, check the text for logic and grammar.
Chapter 6
There are two separate tasks within this section: 1. Analyze an Issue (which well call the Issue Task) 2. Analyze an Argument (which well call the Argument Task)
You are allowed 30 minutes for the Issue Task, and 30 minutes for the Argument Task, including reading and prewriting. Note that the essays are generally weighted equally by department admissions boards. No specialized knowledge is required to complete either writing exercise. You are not tested on what you might know about a particular subject. Instead, you are given the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to reason clearly and write coherently and concisely. Graduate schools are looking for logical reasoning, clarity, organization, writing mechanics, and proper usage of the language.
In addition, how well you write is much more important than how much you write. The GRE software provides more space than you will ever be able to use. You should write enough to clearly support your position or analyze the given argument within the allotted time. Its very important to note that the Argument Task has a very different purpose than the Issue Task; youre not being asked to write the same type of essay twice. If, after practicing, you still have trouble separating the two in your mind, consider how they might be used in graduate school. The Issue Task is similar to the writing you have done and will continue to do in greater depth: to propose a thesis and defend it. The Argument Task, however, reects the processes used during research. As an undergraduate, you have probably had most of your academic resources vetted by your professors. As you will discover in graduate school, if you havent already, not everything published is solid scholarship. Some theses are simply false. Others are justiable, but are poorly defended by their authors. You will have to be able to evaluate published work and identify any logical aws, if only to avoid introducing the same mistakes into your own papers. The Argument Task measures your readiness to perform this important part of academic research.
think of multiple sources of support. Then outline the main points of your position, and write your response in the form of an introduction, body, and conclusion, making sure your body contains at least three main supporting points.
to know something about the subject matter. Finally, dont assume your reader is an expert in the subject; if you use specialized examples, always explain their signicance. Here are some sample Issue Prompts. 1. Prompt: In raising a child, love is important, but discipline is most important of all. Discuss whether you agree or disagree with the statement. Use relevant reasons and examples to support your point of view. In developing and supporting your position, consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true. Explain how those considerations affect your point of view. 2. Prompt: Health care in the United States should be free for all citizens, fully nanced by the government. Discuss whether you agree or disagree with the statement. Use relevant reasons and examples to support your point of view. In developing and supporting your position, consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true. Explain how those considerations affect your point of view.
Argument Task
On the argument section, if you happen to be presented with a topic that you know something about, you will probably feel more comfortable in writing about it. In these situations, be careful not to focus too much on facts themselves. Your job is to criticize the way the facts are organized and presented. For example, you may disagree with your prompt, and think that public libraries are an excellent use of public funds. This is not the time to make that argument. Instead, focus on the ways the author has failed to be convincing. No matter what the topic, the argument will always have multiple aws. 1. Prompt: Funding for space exploration and colonization needs to be greatly expanded. At present, Earth is the only planet known to support life. A cataclysmic event
could result in the extinction not only of human life, but of all life in the known universe. Moreover, as human society continues to progress, it will seek new frontiers to expand to and to gather resources from. For both of these reasons, we must ensure that humanity establishes a foothold on other worlds. Critique the reasoning used in the argument above. You are not being asked to discuss your point of view on the argument. You should identify and analyze the central elements of the argument, the underlying assumptions that are being made, and any supporting information that is given. Your critique can also discuss other information that would strengthen or weaken the argument or make it more logical. 2. Prompt: The following appeared in a letter to the editor of a local newspaper: Too much emphasis is placed on the development of math skills in high school. Many students who are discouraged by the difficulty of the content turn away from schoolwork merely because they lack basic math skills. But practice questions and content review on the Internet provide an important alternative for students at this crucial stage in their education, an alternative that the school board should not reject merely because of the expense involved. After all, many studies attest to the value of using Internet-based math review. Thus, allowing students to practice basic math skills and review relevant math content on the Internet can only make students more eager to study and learn math. Therefore, the school board should encourage schools to purchase computers and permit high school students to access the Internet. In your assessment, analyze the line of reasoning used in the argument. Consider what, if any, questionable assumptions underlie the reasoning and how well any evidence given supports the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of additional evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes would make the conclusion more logically sound, and what additional information might be needed to better evaluate the argument.
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Plan rst. Spend ve minutes and outline what your position will be, and how you will say it. You dont want to get caught changing your mind halfway through.
You dont have to get too fancy. The GRE Writing Section tries to measure basic writing ability. You dont have to write with the air of Mart Twain to get a great score, but rather just display a general control of writing ability.
Make an argument and stick with it! The essay prompts are often really open-ended and vague, and tts easy to waste time waffling on the essays, but thats not your job! Be 80% in favor of one opinion, especially on the Argument task. Be disciplined about sticking with your plan.
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Think about assumptions. On the Argument essay, there will likely be a number of assumptions made, which can weaken the Argument. These may be generalizations, problems with statistics, false causes, and assumptions. Your task: nd and attack!
Use varied sentence structure. Start your sentences with prepositional phrases and transitions to vary your sentence structure and improve essay ow. One way to check if your sentence structure is varied is to check if your sentences are all of the same length: if they are, then its likely that your structure is too similar as well.
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Use transition words and phrases. Words and phrases like However, On the one hand, Secondly, For instance, Nevertheless, While, Even though, and Indeed are your friends. Use them!
An easy Issue section structure = (1) Introduction, (2) Body, (3) Qualication (a paragraph that starts with However explaining how you could possibly be wrong), and (4) Conclusion
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An easy Argument section structure = (1) Introduction, (2) Body, and (3) Qualication and Conclusion (what other information is needed to persuade you one way or the other?)
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Keep the big picture argument in mind. While its important to provide specic examples, its perhaps just as important tot keep your big-picture argument in mind as you write your essay.
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Proofread. While minor errors and misspellings are okay, its always smart to spend minute or to checking for silly typos.
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Dont repeat yourself in the conclusion. Theres a ne line between summarizing and being repetitive, but in your conclusion, make a conscious effort to expand and deepen your argument, rather than just repeat yourself.
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Use the active voice. Why say Hamlet was written by Shakespeare, when you can say Shakespeare wrote Hamlet? Active voice generally sounds better.
Avoid slang and cliches. Nothing says I am not a creative writer than using cliches and slang.
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Keep on track. You only have 30 minutes for each essay; make sure you keep on pace.
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Go for breadth. Its easy to spend your time analyzing the nuances of one particular point or piece of evidence. However, its a better strategy to cover multiple angles than focusing too much on one particular angle.
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Keep the introduction short. Get to the meat of your argument and dont rehash that prompt in your intro.
Study sample essays. The best way to understand what is expected of you on the essay section is to look at essays that are already graded. Can you understand why some got high scores and others did not?
Get expert help. If writing is not your strongest subject, then ask other writers to help you out.
Read sample prompts so that you know what types of Issues and Arguments to expect.
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The GRE Writing Section is perhaps the hardest section to study for. As with writing in general, there isnt any magic formula for success. Nonetheless, diligent study and practice can improve your score dramatically.
focused, and includes sentences of varying length and complexity. Any errors are minor and do not affect the meaning of the essay. Score of 6: Insightful, in-depth analysis of complex ideas. Compelling logic and very persuasive examples. Essay is well organized and focused and displays skill in structuring sentences; vocabulary is precise and relevant. If there are any errors, they do not affect the logic or meaning of the essay.
Chapter 7
take smart moves to incorporate eating well into your study plans. For example, join together a few study buddies for study dinners, where one person cooks for the others. Or cook in bulk on the weekends and refrigerate your leftovers for meals during the week. #4 Talk about your stress. Sometimes simply talking about the stress, even if you dont really get answers, can be an effective strategy to manage stress. Stress is a part of everyones life, and more than likely youll nd a kind ear from a family member or friend who you can talk to to ease your mind. #5 Stop, and dream a little! Youre taking the GRE because youve got some ambition of improving yourself personally and professionally. So rst, congratulate yourself on taking steps for self-improvement! You should feel proud that youve taken this step: your work ethic will pay off, no matter what happens on test day. But even more, try to visualize the person youre trying to become. When you can truly envision yourself as a successful, condent person, its much easier to take real and concrete steps to become that person. Hey, you might even get an awesome GRE score too :) #6. Sleep Everyones different, but with your busy schedule its not smart to cut out on sleep on a Tuesday night just to get through one more practice section. Try to be disciplined about taking care of your body. Oh, and nap! #7. Dont, Dont Compare Yourself with Other People! This may sound crazy coming from a test preparation blog, where everything seems to be about percentiles and comparing yourself to other people. But its true: youre an individual, and trying to compare yourself with other people simply wont work out well. Trust us. Do your best; control what you can control; be yourself; and remember that your GRE score is not reective of your worth as a person!
The First GRE Commandment: Thou shalt remember that every question is equal. This above all else is your most important piece of instruction.
Why Staying Relaxed Will Help You Score Well on the GRE
Managing stress and staying relaxed is just good as a goal of its own, it will also help you get a higher score on the test! Heres some reasons why this is true. 1. Relaxed people have clearer heads. When youre uptight and stressed out, for some reason the synapses in your brain dont re correctly. Staying relaxed can help you your mind process all of the little tricks that standardized test-makers like to throw in their questions when youre taking the test. 2. Relaxed people can plan better. When youre relaxed, you can assess all of your time commitments and plan your life better. Taking time to visualize your day, responsibilities, and schedule can help you use your time much more efficiently. 3. Relaxed people have better relationships. If youre studying for something thats as potentially stressful like the GRE, you certainly dont want to be having relationship troubles as well, whether thats with your boyfriend or girlfriend, friends, siblings, or whomever. Saying relaxed will help you deal better with the ups and downs of these relationships. 4. Relaxed people remember things better. When theres a lot of unease on your mind, its hard for your brain to process and le away new information; too much of your brainpower is being spent on stress. With a relaxed and open mind, it will be much easier to remember those vocab words and math shortcuts. 5. Relaxed people are better at strategic thinking. Relaxed people can see the the big picture a lot better. On the GRE, taking a big picture, composed approach to the test is really important. Caught up on a math question? Skip it! Dont like the looks of reading section? Come back to it! Got three of ve answers eliminated? Pick one and move on! Theres no question about it: staying cool, composed, and sharp will help maximize your score.
BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 83
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trouble with Verbal on the test, and know how to strategize accordingly.
A reading passage in the Verbal Section may be anywhere from one to three paragraphs long. That passage could contain a lot of information, but only a fraction of that information is useful for you to mark the correct answer. By reading the questions rst, youll know what to look for when reading the passages.
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Chapter 8
GRE Resources
GRE Resources Overview Online Self-Based Learning Group Classes and In-Person Tutoring Free ETS Resources GRE Apps Physical GRE Books and Flashcards GRE Prep Books GRE Prep Book Reviews and Recommendations
GRE Resources
There is no shortage of GRE practice materials and GRE practice exams that contain all of the information on the test. The hard part is not nding resources, but rather nding the most useful resources to you, and then putting in the time to learn it, which is a matter of scheduling and managing your attention. Resources for GRE practice and prep include books, ash cards, and software, including mobile apps. Each resource has its own specic advantages. Between books, online test prep resources, even private tutoring, everything you need to know for the GRE is accessible and available to you. Online Self-Based Learning There are a number of online self-based learning programs like BenchPrep out there. See the chart on the next page for a handy comparison of three of the leading online programs: Kaplan, the Princeton Review, and BenchpPrep. The Kaplan program is the most expensive of the bunch, at over $500. While Kaplan is a well-respected company, $500 only provides access to this study program for 3 months! The Princeton Review online course is about the same price, and offers access for 6 months. Unlike Kaplan and the Princeton Review, BenchPrep offers both monthly and yearly subscriptions, and is the most reasonably priced of the three (Also pssst! Check out the conclusion of this e-book for a discount code!).
Group Classes and In-Person Tutoring When prepping for the GRE, you can also choose to enroll in in-person classes and private tutoring. The in-person teaching obviously has its advantages, and will generally also provide you access to the online material as well. But theyre expensive: 8 classroom sessions with Kaplan will cost around $1,300. With Princeton Review, you can take 8 classroom sessions (for a total of about 24 hours of class time) for $1,000-$1,300.
Kaplan
Princeton Review
GRE Advantage: The GRE Self-Paced Study New GRE On Demand Price Access Score Improvement Promise Custom Study Plan Integrated Mobile Apps Game Center Ability to discuss with other students Ability to ask an expert Reporting dashboard Includes official GRE material from ETS Lessons 8 video sessions and study materials, including workbooks 24 hours of recorded sessions and a complete set of printed materials including The Princeton Review Online Student Workbook for the GRE N/A 8 Full-length $524 3 months Higher score guarantee or your money back $499 6 months Satisfaction guarantee
5,000 7 Full-length
4,100+ 7 Full-length
The hard part is not finding GRE resources, but rather finding the most useful resources to you, and then putting in the time to learn it, which is a matter of scheduling and managing your attention.
You can also hire a tutor to work with you on a one-on-one basis. There are many individuals and companies which specialize in this type of tutoring. For example, Kaplan offers 15, 25, and 35 hour tutoring plans. However, for the vast majority for students, this will cost way too much. For students in the Chicago area, for example, private tutoring lessons from Kaplan run from $2,400 to $4,600!
Free ETS Resources While there is a lot of free GRE prep material out there, most of it is not a complete or reputable study tool. However, the free resources on the ETS website are top-notch. ETS is the organization which designs and administers the GRE. The ETS Website (www.ets.org/gre/) features a number of free resources and is the denitive source for information about the test. The best free resource is the POWERPREP II software which ETS offers for free download after registering at the official website of Educational Testing Services. This software offers two complete, timed full practice tests and one untimed test. These tests are written and designed by the people who make the actual test, and the interface looks just like how the real GRE interface will look. So, in your study plan, combined with your use of other resources like BenchPrep, its a no-brainer to take advantage of these two free POWERPREP II tests. Downloading this software is a great rst step to beginning your GRE study program. After taking the rst test, then spend time prepping with review exercises and practice tests available in other prep software, apps, and/or books. Once you feel youve improved and are hitting at or near your target score, take the second official practice test. That will allow you to conrm whether youre reaching your target score.
GRE Apps Mobile apps can replicate much of the look and feel of ashcards and books. Apps that are playable on a smartphone or tablet are as convenient for practicing on the go as conventional ashcards. The only limitations of apps are
the technical limitations (such as battery life) of the mobile device on which theyre played, and the typically more linear navigation patterns (compared to physical books or ashcards). BenchPrep offers a number of Games, Flashcards, and Apps that you can use on your mobile devices. Besides mobile apps, there are plenty of other types of test prep software available for the GRE. Some are included on a CD as a bonus feature when you purchase a physical test prep book. Others may be downloaded directly.
Physical GRE Books and Flashcards A set of ashcards contains a more limited amount of information than most test prep books, but is more portable. Flashcards provide a unique feedback mechanism for refreshing and reinforcing important concepts. Although physical books and ashcards are excellent learning tools for the GRE, they cannot fully replicate the experience of taking the real GRE computer-based test. In order to approximate as closely as possible the feel of the real computer-based test, its important to practice with electronic simulations available as mobile apps or other types of software. This is of course why a service like BenchPrep provides the strongest combination of learning, ash cards, real-time tests, and with the same feel as the actual GRE. Many students who are preparing for the GRE use a GRE Prep Book, whether they choose to take a GRE Prep Course or not. In some ways, books are the most exible resource, because they contain a large amount of information, typically including chapters of content review for each test section, more chapters of example test questions, one or more practice tests, and general information about the test and process of taking the test. In a prep book, you can cover the information in any order that you want. However, in our opinion, books are limiting when preparing for the GRE. GRE Prep Books dont offer interaction, or analytics to help you with your
preparation. Most importantly, books cant simulate the test day experience, since youll most likely be taking the computer-based GRE. For these reasons, it is important to consider online prep options to get the best preparation for test day. Regardless, there is some great information is test prep books, and so here are a few things to consider when choosing your GRE Prep Book. First, you should try to get your hands on the latest edition of the book. The latest edition will have the most up-to-date content for the GRE. Another thing to consider when looking for a GRE Prep Book is the amount of content. In particular, you should look for books with both a lot of lessons, or concept review, as well as practice questions and practice tests. In addition to looking for a book with a lot of practice questions, your GRE Prep Book should have difficult questions to challenge you as you study. Achieving your target score is well worth investing some money in test prep resources. Typically, we at BenchPrep recommend the following GRE Prep Books: 1. Kaplan GRE Book Review Premier 2014 with 6 Practice Tests: book + online + DVD + mobile Kaplan GRE Premier 2014 with 6 Practice Tests contains 1,800+ total practice questions with detailed explanations, covering the revised and expanded Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing Assessment Test sections, and strategies for all the question types youll encounter on Test Day. It also comes with a digital copy of the book and study plans to help you make the most of your time preparing for the GRE. Overall, this book is well organized, clear, and concise. 2. Barrons GRE Book Review, 20th Edition This newly revised and updated manual gives you a test overview plus test-taking advice and a timetable for a typical computer-based GRE test. Added features include a verbal reasoning review with practice questions in
sentence completion and reading comprehension, an analytical writing review with scoring guidelines and practice exercises, a quantitative reasoning review that includes general math strategies, discrete quantitative questions, quantitative comparison questions, and data interpretation questions, and two full-length model GRE tests with answer keys and answer explanations. This book offers complete material for a good price, and is an overall good GRE prep resource. 3. McGraw-Hills GRE Book Review, 2014 Edition This book will give you the essential skill-building techniques and strategies developed by a team of renowned test-prep tutors. Youll get all the facts about the exam, hundreds of practice questions, and six full-length practice tests. With McGraw-Hills GRE, you will be guided step by step through your preparation program--and receive the tools you need to succeed. McGraw-Hill is one of the more well-known test prep companies in the world, and this book is particularly inexpensive. 4. Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book of GRE Book Review Practice Problems Manhattan Preps 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems is an essential resource for students of any level who are preparing for the Revised GRE General Exam. With 33 chapters and over 1,800 practice problems, students can build fundamental skills in math and verbal through targeted practice. Plus, with easy-to-follow explanations and step-by-step applications, each question will help students cement their understanding of those concepts tested on the GRE. This is a very comprehensive book, especially for its price. Once you start studying, you should begin to gauge how hard the GRE will be for you and where you need to focus. You will also start to pick up on how much time you will we need to actually prepare for the test. Ask yourself if you are able to dedicate a couple hours a day for a couple months. If not, you may want to start studying earlier than most. Sometimes the scariest part of the exam, and inevitably what seems like the most difficult, is setting enough time aside for studying and preparing.
Chapter 9
Regardless of which scores you choose to send to your schools, all scores of GRE tests you have take can be found in your examinee GRE score report. Although the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are scored on the same scale, they should not be compared to one another, because they are scaled differently. The most relevant piece of information related to your score on each of the GREs three measures (Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing) is your GRE percentile rank. The percentile rank gives the best comparison of your performance on the three different measures, as well as the best indicator of your overall performance on the test. Your percentile rank measures how well you do relative to everyone else who took the test within the most recent three year period. More information about the scores and how they are calculated can be found on the ETS website.
Official score reports are the reports that are sent to the schools you designate, will only include the score(s) which you have selected to send to these organizations. They will include your: Contact information Intended graduate major GRE test score(s) of only SELECTED tests and the associated percentile ranks Score reports sent to institutions will not include any information concerning the other score recipients you have chosen (so if youre sending your scores to University A and University B, University A wont know about B and B wont know about A).
Approach #2 All scores considered, but taking into account score increases. Some schools may simply consider all of your scores, but will take into account improvements. Approach #3 Mix n match Some schools may take the highest section scores from different testing dates. So, for example, say that on GRE #1, you scored a 150 on Verbal, a 160 on Quantitative, and a 4 on the Writing; and on GRE #2, you scored a 160 on Verbal, a 150 on Quantitative and a 5 on the Writing. In this case, then the school will take both 160 scores and the 5 into consideration. Approach #4 Mix, match, and weight Some schools may take the highest section scores from different testing dates, but also weight more heavily more recent scores. Approach #5 Most recent scores. The school could simply take your most recent GRE score. Approach #6 Average scores. The school could also average all of your test scores that you provide.
Luckily, with the new ScoreSelect option, you have more freedom than ever to select which of these scores you send on to the programs youre applying to.
Conclusion
Dear Student, We hope youve found this GRE Playbook useful as an introduction to the test and the strategies that can help you earn your target score. Feel free to print this Playbook out, give it to friends and teachers, and use it in any way thats helpful for your study plan. As with any Playbook, its up to you to call the shots, but were here to try to coach you as best we can. Taking the GRE can be intimidating, but with the proper preparation, you can ensure that your give your very best effort. As always, if you have questions, comments, or suggestions, feel free to reach out to us 24/7 at 855-BENCHPREP (855236-2477) or support@benchprep.com.
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