1. 1 GRE Information and Test Preparation Tips Praveen Potluri and Gayle Veltman Wichita State University Counseling and Testing Center (316) 978-3440

2. 2 GRE revised General Test and Subject Tests The GRE is a standardized test that is required for admission to many graduate programs in the U.S. and around the world. However, it is not the only graduate admission test, so always check with the graduate program(s) you are interested in to find out what is required for admission. The overall testing time for the computer-delivered GRE revised General Test is about three hours and 45 minutes. There are six sections with a 10-minute break following the third section. The exam measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills that have been acquired throughout your years of education and are not related to any specific field of study. Fewer programs require the GRE Subject Tests, but you can get more information about both the revised General Test and the Subject Tests at www.gre.org.

3. 3 Structure of Computer-Based GRE revised General Test

4. 4 What does the GRE revised General Test measure? Verbal Reasoning — Measures the ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize information from written materials, analyze relationships among parts of sentences and recognize relationships among words and concepts. Types of Items: Reading Comprehension Text Completion Score: 130-170, in 1 point increments Sentence Equivalence Quantitative Reasoning — Measures reasoning and problem-solving abilities with quantitative information. Focuses on: Basic arithmetic concepts Algebra Score: 130-170, in 1 point increments Geometry Data analysis Analytical Writing — Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, specifically the ability to articulate and support complex ideas clearly and effectively. Score: 0-6, in half point increments

5. 5 FREE Test Preparation Use the “Prepare for the Test” section of the official GRE website www.gre.org to work through sample questions and tips for each area of the test. If you excel in one area you can spend less time reviewing it, but be sure you know the types of items on it and how to answer items correctly to maximize your score. It is normal to score higher in some areas than others. www.gre.org At your local library, ask if they have a preparation book for the GRE revised General Test, especially one by the test publisher, ETS. The ETS book will have previously used GRE test items that will give you the best practice experience. Books by other publishers may have good items and tips, too. Download POWERPREP© II from the test website, www.gre.org. After acquainting yourself with the types of test items you will see by looking at the website or using a test prep book, use the POWERPREP software to practice on two full-length tests presented in the format you will actually use at the test site. This software is free and helps you learn how the computer presents items, how to answer them, and the tools available on test day.www.gre.org Attend a GRE workshop, if possible. It’s free on the WSU campus.

6. 6 LOW COST Test Prep You can buy a GRE test book, but whether you borrow or buy a book, always remember to use resources about the GRE revised General Test. Test prep materials that cover the GRE before it was revised in August 2011 contain items that are no longer used on the test and don’t include important information about the current test. Short videos can be purchased from www.gre.org that will quickly acquaint you with test items on the various sections of the test and give tips on how to answer them completely and correctly.www.gre.org ScoreItNow! TM is an essay scoring service that may be able to help you improve your writing. Look for information on the website about how to approach the two essay assignments in different ways to get the best score. You can purchase paper practice tests on the website.

7. 7 If you need more help – After you use the free and low cost test preparation options, if you need more help getting ready for the test, you can take a course through a test preparation company or hire an individual tutor or coach. These are more expensive strategies for getting ready for the GRE and don’t necessarily result in higher scores. Set aside time to spend preparing for the GRE in one to three hour segments on a regular basis. Make your test appointment through the GRE website 30 to 90 days ahead of the date you want to take the test and then schedule time on your calendar to prepare. Having an actual date set for the test will help you focus your efforts to prepare. Address test anxiety with a professional, if it is interfering with your ability to prepare for the GRE. Students can usually find help with test anxiety on their campuses, usually at the Counseling Center. Remember that you can retake the test if you don’t get the results you want the first time. But PREPARE and you’re likely to be successful the first time.

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