Mastering The GRE: Introduction
Why the GRE?
The GRE is a multi-staged computer-based test that is required by many graduate schools for acceptance into their programs. This exam is used to help assess how prepared you are for different programs and their rigor. Each section of the exam is used to assess your ability to handle general situations in the program of your choice. Admissions officers use this exam to help make it easier for them to compare the thousands of applications that pass through their desks in a given year. Top schools are generally looking for high ranking scores so be aware of what the average scores are for the institution of your choice.
The GRE is based on the science of standardized tests and is similar to other skill assessment exams. What this means is that the exam must be both reliable and consistent, meaning that test takers should get the same score each time, exams must be consistent, and test taker results must be varied to get a good representation of the pool. The GRE, similar to the ACT or SAT tests, is predictable and beatable. They biggest key is that this exam does not test for abilities you were born with but skills that you can acquire.
What does the GRE look like?
The GRE is a computerized exam that takes four hours including the breaks. There are 6 sections: analytical writing, two verbal reasoning, and two quantitative reasoning. The scoring range is between 130 and 170 calculated with 1 point increments. The analytical section is scored on a scale of 0–6.There is an experimental section but you shouldn’t try and guess which one it is because they are all made to look the same. You should try your hardest on each section and it pays to pay very close attention to the directions at the beginning of each section. Besides the score scale you will also receive a percentage rank in relation to those that took the exam around the same time you did. Universities really care about percentile rank.
Tip: Remember schools are in the business of making and allocating money; they are corporations run like one. There is a system and every system has hacks.
Resources:
- Understanding your GRE score
- Free Practice diagnostic test — Important
- Overview of the GRE
- Online Registration for Exam
I will try to document my experience studying and taking the exam. This was an introduction to the exam and in the next article I will focus on my experience taking the practice exam along with the inner workings of the multi-stage test.
My Goals:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan
If you have any questions or feedback feel free to direct message me: Charles Njoroge
