About the GRE
The GRE is a standardized test used by graduate programs’ admissions to help assess applicants. While admissions committees look at an applicant’s GPA, extracurriculars, and other application material, there is no doubt that a good GRE score is crucial to a successful graduate program application.
Created in 1936, the GRE is now taken by hundreds of thousands of graduate school applicants each year. The GRE is an adaptive test, which means that the more questions you answer correctly, the more difficult the following problems become, and the higher your possible final score. The GRE General Test is what is typically required for a graduate program application, though there are also six Subject Tests. These tests are for Biology, Chemistry, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.
What to Expect on the GRE
There are three sections to the GRE: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
The Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE assesses your ability to analyze written material, including relationships among component parts of sentences and relationships among particular words and concepts. There are three types of questions. Text completion questions require you to fill in blanks in sentences with particular vocabulary words. Sentence Equivalence questions are also fill in the blank style and ask you to select two words that would each give the sentence the same meaning. Reading Comprehension questions, which comprise most of the Verbal section, ask you about a passage’s structure and meaning.
The Quantitative section uses high-school level math to assess your quantitative reasoning ability. There are two types of questions in this section. Quantitative comparison questions provide two quantities and you will be asked whether they are equal, whether one is greater than the other, or if there is not enough information to make a determination. The other question type, problem solving questions, covers a variety of topics with multiple choice answers.
The Analytical Writing section of the GRE is composed of two essays. In one essay, you will have to analyze an issue and present an argument of your own. In the other essay, you will have to read someone else’s work and analyze their argument.
Boost Your GRE Score!
The GRE is a particularly difficult test, but it is one that you can train for and improve your score on. There are resources available for self-studying, but at Ivy Prep we always recommend investing in an expert tutor. Our GRE courses and our GRE private tutors both utilize proven methods for success, and we are extremely confident that you will see your score improve. Fill out the form below and get started with Ivy Prep today!
Mastering the GRE
Don’t worry for even a moment if you are struggling with the GRE. Ivy Prep’s team of ace tutors is here to help. Give us a call today at (866) 266-0072 and let us help you turn your GRE problems into solutions today!