The GRE examination is the Graduate Records Examination which is multiple choice standardized test that is use to help colleges and universities decide which candidates are best suited for their graduate programs. It is similar to the SAT test given to undergraduate admission potential students. Today it is a computerized test that can be given at any time of the year depending upon the needs of the student.
There are several sections to the test including mathematics, verbal and writing. Included between all of these sections the test covers problem solving ability, quantitative comparison, sentence completion, analogies, reading comprehension, argument analysis and the ability to write a response to a statement supported by an argument.
And for each of these sections, and the overall test, there are tips that will help improve a student’s score by accurately representing the knowledge and retrieval of the student knowledge and not a representation of stress levels.
Before going to the test be sure you are aware of the types of questions on the test and the time limits for each section. This will help you pace yourself through the examination. While going through practice tests read the directions for each section and familiarize yourself with the directions so you don\’t waste time during the test.
During your preparation prior to taking the test you should do a mock test several times. Depending upon your score, decide on the amount of work you have to do to study. Go over the word lists for the vocabulary questions and test yourself from past examinations. Finish any preparation prior to the test with one or two practice tests under examination conditions.
Don\’t stick doing one question for too long, this can cause you to lose time and miss other questions you could have easily answered. Optimize your time taking the test – you aren\’t supposed to be the first one finished but you are supposed to maximize your time to complete the most amount of questions and get the best score you can.
The GRE doesn\’t penalize for skipping questions so don\’t leave any questions unanswered. It is better to guess and get it wrong than to leave the question completely unanswered and guarantee yourself a wrong answer.
Get good rest the night before. You will have a better chance of relaxing and de-stressing during the test. Research has shown that people who are relaxed will perform better on tests and get better scores. Do a test-drive to the facility the week before the exam. This is vital to being able to relax and get to the facility on time.
Wear comfortable clothing to the test so you aren\’t cramped by tight clothing. You won\’t be allowed to bring scratch paper to the test but they will provide paper – make effective use of it to make notes or solve math equations.
Because the test is computer generated they now don\’t have a pre-determined mix of easy, medium and hard questions but the computer selects the type of questions based on how well the student is doing. The first question in the section will be a medium difficulty question and depending upon how the student does will determine what question is chosen next. The harder questions are weighted more than the easier ones in overall grading system for the GRE.
Students are able to get a very high score even when they miss several questions because the harder questions count for more.
Once you finish the test on the computer you can immediately send your score to four universities for free, so come prepared with the schools of your choice. These scores are valid for five years and if you are not satisfied with the results you can retake the test after 30 days.
The total testing time is 3 hours so if you know the directions for each section before arriving you increase the amount of time you have for each of the sections. Each time a student takes the test the analytical writing tasks are given first, followed by verbal and quantitative sections.
With some preparation, perseverance and diligence students are able to achieve their best scores to give them their best opportunities for graduate schools.