GRE - The Breakdown

The GRE. The wonderful standardized test that most graduate schools use to gauge a student. It may be a daunting task, but with a little organization and the correct study material/schedule, you will do just fine. Now take a deep breath. :) The following sections are various breakdowns that surrounds the GRE.

If there is anything that you think I should add, let me know. You can tweet Grad Girl @_gradgirl_  

Grad School Breakdown

  • Most schools require the GRE. There are some schools that do not require it, but it is a rare occurrence (from my own research). 
  • Some schools will require subject tests - Link for the GRE subject tests page. I do not have experience with these, but check with the schools that you are interested in before going any further. 
  • Schools have their own preferred score range -- pay close attention to these when studying/applying
    • For example, to apply to University of Florida, I needed a combined score of 300 and they did not fully care for the analytical writing score.

ETS GRE Breakdown

  • GRE Website link - start here! 
  • Pricing - $205 -- there are also late fees, changing test center fees, and changing test date fees. There is a price reduction program for those who need financial aid.  You can read more about the different fees and the reduction program here.  
  • Plan to take your exam anywhere between 4-12 weeks (pending other obligations). First time around, I planned the 12 weeks. It was a no go for me. Second time around, I planned for 6 weeks and it worked well for me. 
  • Score reports - during the test day, accept your scores. If you do not accept them, you do not get them. I know this sounds like common knowledge, but it does happen. You also have the chance to send your scores to schools the same day of testing. 
  • The ETS GRE website is a great tool to get yourself started -- there are many free study tools available on the site. ETS GRE Prep page link. 

The GRE Breakdown

  • Analytical Writing - Issue/Argument essays (30 minutes each)
  • Verbal (20 questions/30 minutes) - Text completion (1,2, or 3 blanks), Sentence Equivalence, and Reading Comprehension
  • Quantitative (20 questions/35 minutes) - Quantitative Comparison, Multiple Choice, and Numeric Entry
  • Experimental - This can be verbal or quantitative and can be any of your remaining sections. You will not know which, so take the test seriously the entire time. 
  • BREAK: Your main break (10 whole minutes) is after section two -- TAKE IT! I urge you to seriously take this break. It will be your key to not burning out completely. My breakdown of the break was as follows:
                                             3 minutes bathroom 
                                             2 minutes food
                                             2 minutes stretch
                                             3 minutes breathing, drinking water, new piece of gum, and re-entry

This is the general overview of the GRE from my point of view. You can go to ETS GRE web page and explore it to get a feel for yourself -- ETS GRE

With this general overview and your exam scheduled, now you can begin by choosing your study materials. YAY! :D

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