Identify Admissions Test Timeline
Purpose: Scholars will learn about the GRE and how they can best prepare for it.
About the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
By now you must have heard the dreaded word GRE. You may be wondering what is it and how do I register for it? Well, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a general test that is administered by the Educational Testing Service. It is the only admissions test for graduate or business school, but it is not required by all graduate programs. Take it, either way it is required for most fellowships.
Verify whether your graduate program requires subject tests. Educational testing service offers subject tests in Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology.
The general and subject tests are administered multiple times throughout the year. For a schedule click here.
Take the test early on to allow plenty of time for potential retakes. But, note that you should intend to take it only once. Taking this approach will save you money, time and fend off potential doubts about your capabilities among members of the admissions committee.
The test costs $205 and there is a late registration fee of $25. To register and find out more information visit:https://www.ets.org/gre. Subject tests cost $150 and there is a late registration fee of $25. To register and find out more information visit:https://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about.
Note: fee waivers are available for qualifying scholars. Read requirements and request a waiver here.
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GRE Structure & Scoring Overview
Here McNair Scholar Lianne Brito will provide tips on how to study for the GRE. This is the first video of a three part video series describing the GRE structure and scoring.
The General GRE Test Format
The questions in the general GRE test are designed to reflect the kind of thinking required in graduate school. Take the test early in your graduate school preparation timeline to allow plenty of time if you have to retake the test for a different score. To learn more about test content and structure visit their site.
Three Sections
Verbal Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning
Analytical Writing
GRE scores are good for five years. We would recommend taking it once you have studied and have taken several practice exams so you know what your potential score will be.
How to Get Your Dream Score
McNair Scholar, Lianne Brito, provides tips on how to obtain your dream score on the GRE. This is the second video of a three part video series.
Summary of Tips
- Take diagnostic tests so you can gauge your strengths and weaknesses
- Give yourself plenty of time to study and familiarize yourself with the test’s formatting.
- ETS offers study books and guides. Princeton Review, Magoosh and Kaplan Test Prep are companies that offer GRE study aids for a fee.
- Conduct a google search for free resources.
Free GRE Resources
- Review the Online Test Structure. POWERPREP® Preparation for the Computer-delivered GRE® revised General Test
- Take a Practice Test. You can use the POWERPREP® software on their site to download software to take free scored exams.
- Check Out ETS. ETS has helpful resources for GRE Prep
- Check Out Kaplan. Kaplan free practice test. Here are other Kaplan Resources:
· Kaplan Free Study Guide
· Kaplan Free Events
· Kaplan Tuition Assistance - Check Out Khan Academy. They also have links to free instructional videos on the Khan Academy website.
- Check Out Magoosh. Magoosh is an online study preparation website.
Suggested Assignment
Assignment #22
Getting Your Dream Score
Purpose: Scholars will learn about the different sections of the GRE and identify which scores are required for their interested graduate programs. For assistance schedule a visit with AAP Peer Advisors.
Download Assignment: Getting Your Dream Score
Instructions: Review the test information below and answer the questions under “How to Get Your Dream Score”. Then create your study schedule.
Save Your Work: Complete the assignment by typing in the boxes in the PDF below and downloading the document for your records.
Instructions for navigation
Prepare for graduate school now by marking this topic complete: click the “Mark Complete” button below in the bottom left hand corner to keep track of the topics you’ve completed. Then, click the “Next Topic” button below in the bottom right hand corner to move onto the next topic within the lesson.
If you are following the application elements curriculum, follow the Quick Learn icon to the right to the next topic in Admissions Test.
Note: For a refresher on Admissions Tests, consult the topic Identify Graduate Programs
