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Spend less, still conquer the GREMay 17 '00 Write an essay on this topic.As part of the applications process for orthodontic school, I had to take the GRE exam. I was _not_ a happy camper as it had been two+ years since I had graduated from college, and really didn’t want to shell out additional funds for an overpriced prep course. Instead, I bought a number of “How to take the GRE” books, and put myself on a month-long self-study program. Was it effective? I scored in the high 700’s in each category. The Test: The GRE is comprised of a several sections: quantitative reasoning (math), analytical reasoning, and verbal. Each is scored out of 800 points. Your score is based upon a comparison between the number of questions you get right, and the national average. For example, you could answer 29/30 questions correctly on the verbal section, but receive a score of a 710 because a relatively high number of people scored perfectly. Or, you could answer 27/30 correct on the analytical section, but receive a 770 because fewer people did well on that particular section. It’s like having your score adjusted on a national curve. Quantitative Reasoning: This is essentially similar to the math section on the SAT. It was mostly comprised of basic algebra and arithmetic, and some geometry and trigonometry. Since it’s supposed to be a college graduate-level test, the problems were slightly more difficult than SAT math. Analytical Reasoning: This is a combination of logic puzzles, and difficult reading comprehension passages. For instance, a problem might read: “There are three men and four women seated in a movie theater. No man can sit on the ends. Each man sits next to at least one woman. No two men sit next to each other. Which of the following are acceptable seating arrangements.” Verbal Reasoning: This is very similar to the verbal section of the SAT but with more advanced vocabulary. Questions vary from synonym/antonym pairings, analogies, and paragraphs with reading comprehension passages. How to Study: As I mentioned earlier, I went out and bought a number of GRE prep books. When selecting books, I was looking primarily for ones with lots of practice exams. I didn’t pay too much attention to test-taking strategies because almost all of them have some say on that anyway, and there isn’t all that much variety in testing advice. The best prep books are the ones that include detailed explanations of the correct answers. I didn’t use the practice tests so much as a barometer of my preparedness, but as my means of studying. I would take an exam, and then go back and study the questions that I missed. I kept a notebook where I would note down vocabulary that I didn’t know, or how to solve a certain type of math formula. In between tests, I would study the notebook first to make sure that I never made the same mistake twice. I remember for the SAT, I printed out lists of vocabulary words and put them all over the place. I wasn’t quite so ambitious for the GRE, but I’ll admit to being a little lazier in my work ethic. I did subscribe to a free online website, striveto.com. They emailed me a new vocabulary word every day. That’s how I justified checking me email so frequently when I was supposed to have been studying. Doing tons and tons of practice exams were especially helpful for the quantitative and analytical sections. There are only so many different types of logic puzzles, and math problems out there. I’ll confess that I’m much better at remembering “this multiple island problem is just like that zoo problem” than figuring things out on my own. Miscellaneous Test-Taking Tips: - Read the questions thoroughly and completely. (I used to laugh at advice like this until I missed a bunch of questions of practice exams from rushing through them.) - Whenever possible narrow your choices to two or three answers, and then go with your best guess. There is no additional penalty for guessing/wrong answers. - For written passages, I like to skim the questions first, then read the passage, and then answer the questions. One caveat: I read very quickly, and have good retention. If you know that you are a relatively slow reader, you might want to try a different strategy with reading comp. questions, or try a speed-reading course. I hope this has been of some help. Best of luck to the prospective graduate students out there. “Accept the challenges so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory.”  |
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