So, I’m looking at grad schools and as a result looking at the GRE. I know a lot of you guys have been to grad school so I’m trying to get some opinions from you guys on how hard it is. I will be taking the general test and the mathematics subject test. I am pretty confident I will ace the math part of the general test. Any feedback you can give on either test would be appreciated.
My girlfriend just got done taking the GRE. She is looking to be a Physician’s Assistant. I personally have never taken the test and don’t know much about it. Good luck!
It’s challenging but I took it a while ago so I’m not sure how it’s changed. I know they offer prep classes for it. It’s like any other standardized tests, it’s more about being good at taking tests than actually knowing the material. Don’t get me wrong, you need to know your stuff, but the prep classes give good test taking tips that may be beneficial.
I havent taken the test yet but a good friend of mine killed it. Basically told me to get a book and go over the math so that you can remember all the tricks and crap you forgot. Said to do practice tests and you should be okay.
I took it in late 2001, the math part is pretty easy, but the verbal can be tricky. I recommend studying the test tricks instead of trying to memorize a ridiculous amount of words.
Most grad schools require at least a 1000 on the math / verbal combined. They also have an essay section that is up to 6 points, but I know little about that part, because it wasn’t part of the test back then.
Do a quick search online to find out the best study guide and use it.
Good Luck.
It's like any other standardized tests, it's more about being good at taking tests than actually knowing the material.
That’s one thing that makes me feel better, I usually do extremely well on standardized tests.
I havent taken the test yet but a good friend of mine killed it. Basically told me to get a book and go over the math so that you can remember all the tricks and crap you forgot. Said to do practice tests and you should be okay.
I just printed out the practice tests from the gre website today for the general and math subject tests.
Most grad schools require at least a 1000 on the math / verbal combined.
What is the total amount of points you could possibly make on both sections?
I’ve taken the LSAT, not the GRE. But VA is right. It’s about test taking skills.
Get past exams, setup test conditions for yourself, and practice, just like you’d practice FTs, or anything else (repetition til comfort level achieved). Hold strictly to the time guidelines. Don’t cheat. And build yourself up to a full exam walk through (mental/emotional endurance).
If you walk in to the test knowing what to expect, you’re already halfway to a good score.
I did that for about a week before the LSAT. Let’s just say that I was [B]very[/B] pleased with my result.
[QUOTE=LoyalNiner;331819]What is the total amount of points you could possibly make on both sections?[/QUOTE]
I think 1600.
I couldn’t even tell you what I got on my GRE, but I got into a top 5 planning school so I guess it had to be pretty good.
I took the GRE earlier this month. It was challenging, but I did well because I studied up for it and took a bunch of practice tests. Study the math hard and go over vocab sections in the book and you will do fine. The writing section was the hardest part IMO, because you can’t really study for it, but I still got a 5 out of 6, so it won’t be that bad.
Different programs are going to weigh the GRE differently. I believe WFU even did away with it, though I could be wrong.
Is the GRE computer based? It wasn’t when I took it, but the GMAT was, which I took more recently.
[QUOTE=VA49er;331835]Is the GRE computer based? It wasn’t when I took it, but the GMAT was, which I took more recently.[/QUOTE]
It was when I took it in '05 (or maybe late '04…don’t remember).
The GRE isn’t too bad, as people have mentioned it is more of a test taking measurement than anything else. If you do well on standardized tests and have made it to the point where your grades and recommendations are good enough to get you into grad school, then you should be able to do well enough on the GRE.
The worst part for me was that the closest test taking location when I took it was down near South Park.
GRE is on the computer. It was the worst 3 1/2 hrs of my life, but I am a horrible test taker. I did really well on the writing part though. The trick there is to use a big vocabulary. I took a Prep course at Charlotte.
Its not bad. Like a souped up SAT. Just practice taking tests like everyone said. I took mine after a week of spring break at Panama City and still did well. Damn, that was a tough morning though 
(to be fair, I did study for about 3 weeks prior to spring break!)
When I took it there was an analytical portion that I think they’ve discontinued. That was the only tricky part.
The vocab and math sections are pretty much the same as an SAT.
I took it in '05. It wasn’t too bad, about what I expected. The math part is pretty easy. The verbal section had very difficult analogies, but if you have strong deductive skills, you should do fine. There is a separate writing part. On that, be clear and concise, but make sure you make your point and provide specific examples to back up your points.