Student Guide To Taking The GRE

By Lindsay Probasco on June 11, 2014

This article is brought to you by the Uloop Test Prep category. Are you ready to take the GRE, GMAT, MCAT and LSAT? If so, compare Test Prep services with the Uloop Test Prep category.

Some of you may not have known (myself included) that getting into grad school isn’t just about applying to a bunch of random schools and crossing your fingers. No, no, it requires much more than that. Apparently there is a little test you have to take to get into most schools in the United States. This test is called the Graduate Record Exam or the GRE for short.

However, while some universities look for impressive results, others have low acceptance scores because the GRE isn’t as big of a factor for getting in.

Regardless, taking the test is something you most likely will have to do if you’re planning on going to graduate school, so you might as well try your best anyway. Some helpful information to prepare you for the test might make things a little bit easier because taking it shouldn’t be too far off.

Helpful Tips for taking the GRE:

1. Take it while you’re still an undergrad. The good news: GRE test scores are valid for up to five years. Don’t be in a position where you have to take a test after having a job for a while out of school. Get it over with before you forget how to be a good test taker!

2. Know the test. The GRE has three main components:

  • Verbal Reasoning — Measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences and recognize relationships among words and concepts.
  • Quantitative Reasoning — Measures problem-solving ability, focusing on basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis.
  • Analytical Writing — Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, specifically your ability to articulate and support complex ideas clearly and effectively.
3. One of the best aspects of this particular admissions test is that unlike most other standardized tests, you can go back to other sections if you have time. You can answer questions in whatever order works best for you.
4. There are about 700 test centers in over 160 countries. Chances are, there isn’t one too far from you. Get signed up at your nearest location.
5. There are computer based tests and written tests. If you work better a certain way, the options are available to you. Just be sure to check which testing centers have what you’re looking for.
6. You decide which scores you want sent to schools. With the ability to retake the test a number of times, you can send only the scores you want the schools to see. Thanks to the ScoreSelect option, you get the best of all your test days.
7. Take advantage of the internet. There are so many free, online practice tests available at your disposal. From full YouTube lessons to workbook guides, the internet can be of great use before you go spend a ton of money on a practice book.
8.  Make sure you need to take it before you spend time preparing for it. In retrospect, most business degrees don’t require you to take it. See the below chart from 2012 to understand which degree students take it the most.

http://upload.wikimedia.org

9. Get prepared. Seriously. The questions on this test can be much different than ones on other tests like this before. Writing may be a skill that’s hard to “practice” but understanding the types of questions and appropriate responses can help you format your writing style.

10. Get the one-up on your peers by taking it early. In the competitive job market that is today, having this test completed will help employers and schools understand your abilities and initiative.

To find out more about the Graduate Record Exam, check out the website.

Register today and start prepping to ensure security in your future, whether that be in the job market or plans for going back to school.

Get prepared for your graduate school exams with the Uloop Test Prep category. From one-on-one tutoring to advanced courses, make sure you score high on tests like the MCAT, GRE, LSAT and GMAT.

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format