Study Guide For GRE Exam – Is It Worthwhile
Many universities require applicants for graduate school to take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). In many cases the score on the GRE is a major input...
Many universities require applicants for graduate school to take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). In many cases the score on the GRE is a major input to the admission decision process. If a prospective student is really interested in going to graduate school at one of these schools, it is in their interest to get as high a score on the GRE as possible. Thus, such students may decide to look for a useful GRE study guide.
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) is responsible for the GRE. In most situations it is taken on a computer, though paper versions do exist and may be used when the computerized version is not available. There are three multiple choice portions and a written part. There are many versions of the test, so one could take the test several times without getting much repetition of questions.
There are also a number of optional Subject Tests that cover knowledge in eight specific subject areas. These are optional, though admission to some specific graduate programs may require one or more of them. This article does not address preparation for the Subject Tests.
Can one learn how to do well on the GRE? ETS says not, because the test is based on knowledge that is acquired over years of learning, such as writing, critical thinking, and different forms of reasoning. Others say that the format of the GRE is so rigid that just taking similar tests is good practice.
ETS provides the PowerPrep software package for those who are signed up to take the GRE. This preparation software includes practice questions and review material. The questions are retired from previous GRE versions. It can project the score you will receive on the actual GRE.
A number of GRE study guides, some of them free, are out there. Not all of them take the same approach. Some focus on practice, even practicing the whole test. In other cases the main focus is to try to rehash the material that the GRE is testing. Some have approaches to figuring out and answering GRE questions. Others have ideas for how to write the essays in the writing portion.
Some companies provide GRE classes. The instructor will cover some of the same material as is found in the study guides, but some will also be proprietary. There will be opportunities for class discussion and for questions to be answered. Many of them will also provide computerized practice tests in an environment very similar to that of the actual GRE.
So, how should you prepare for the GRE? Should you do any preparation? There is no set answer to this question. Some, including ETS, say that preparation has little value. Obviously, there are many who disagree. This is one of those questions that you have to work out for yourself.
See more about at www.Test-Guide.com. Stop by Scott Manseo’s website to find information on and more.