Excerpts from the GRE Playbook 2014
1 like17,078 views
This document provides an overview and summary of key information about preparing for and taking the GRE exam. It includes 10 chapters that cover GRE basics, the different sections of the exam, strategies for each section type, when to take the exam, available study resources, understanding score reports, and a conclusion with a promo code. Some key details include that the GRE has sections on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing; the exam is around 3 hours 30 minutes long; a good GRE score is around the 80th percentile or higher; and there are many official and third party study materials and prep programs available to help students prepare.
Excerpts from the GRE Playbook 2014
- 1. BenchPrep’s GRE Playbook 2014 The one-stop resource for everything GRE.
- 2. Table of Contents 4 Ch. 1: Introduction Introduction to BenchPrep’s GRE Test Prep Program • BenchPrep Games, Flashcards, 66 Ch. 6: Analytical Writing Section GRE Writing Basics • “Analyze an Issue” Task • “Analyze an Argument” Task • Sample Essay Adaptive Nature and Other Features • How Prompts • 25 Tips for Analytical Writing • What BenchPrep Can Improve Your Score the GRE Graders are Looking For • How to Get a 6 • Writing Section General Strategies and Tips 14 Ch. 2: GRE 101 Overview of the GRE • Why You Should Take the GRE • What the GRE Measures • What Programs Accept the GRE • Infographics 79 Ch. 7: GRE Test Day How to Manage Stress Before the GRE • Why Staying Relaxed Will Help You Score Well on the Comparing GMAT, MAT, and GRE • How the GRE • Things to Bring on GRE Test Day • The 10 GRE is Scored • What the “Adaptive” GRE GRE Commandments Means • What is a Good GRE Score? 31 Ch. 3: Taking the GRE When Shoud You Take the GRE Infographic • 88 Ch. 8: GRE Resources GRE Resources Overview • Online Self-Based Learning • Group Classes and In-Person Tutor- How to Register for the GRE • What’s the Dif- ing • Free ETS Resources • GRE Apps • Physical ference Between the Paper-Based and Com- GRE Books and Flashcards • GRE Prep Books • puter-Based GRE? • About the GRE Subject GRE Prep Book Reviews and Recommendations Tests • Should You Take the Subject Tests? 42 Ch. 4: Quantitative Section GRE Quantitative Basics • Multiple Choice 96 Ch. 9: After the GRE Understanding Your GRE Score Report • How Do Schools Look a Multiple GRE Scores Questions • Quantitative Comparison Questions • Numeric Entry Questions • 25 Things to Know for the Quantitative Section • Quantitative Section General Strategies and Tips • A Special Note on the Quantitative Section 54 Ch. 5: Verbal Section GRE Verbal Basics • Sentence Equivalence Questions • Reading Comprehension Questions • Text Completion Questions • A Special Note about Vocabulary • 25 Things to Know for the Verbal Section • Verbal Section General Strategies and Tips 101 Ch. 10: Conclusion Special $50 Off Benchprep Promo Code
- 3. GMAT GRE vs Which test is right for you? All MBA Programs Economics Programs Grad School Programs GRAD School & MBA business school Show business schools that you If you are applying to MBA and/or graduate school programs. are serious about getting an MBA Investment banks and recruiters review scores for employment Generally easier for most students than the GMAT It is common to spend hundreds of hours preparing The grading curve is easier Time Time Analytical + 1 essay Integrated Reasoning Quantitative Verbal ! Excruciatingly difficult math c ± ÷ 8 5 2 9 6 3 3 HRS. 45 MIN. ! Harder verbal and vocabulary + . Analytical Writing Verbal Quantitative Experimental (math or verbal) × 7 4 1 Section 30 min. × 2 30 min. × 2 35 min. × 2 30 min. Section 30 min. 30 min. 75 min. 75 min. 3 HRS. 30 MIN. Over +1000 MBA Programs = 0 - ! Greater emphasis on writing ! More emphasis on grammar $250 $185 Scores are both valid for www.800score.com/gmat-and-gre.html www.princetonreview.com/gmatvsgre.aspx www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/mba/programs/ yrs GMAT GRE Computer adaptive tests http://benchprep.com
- 4. Chapter 2 – GRE 101 ∞∞ 168.7 is 2 standard deviations above average, corresponds to the 97th or 98th percentile Verbal worldwide average as provided by ETS. ∞∞ 150.8, with standard deviation 8.5 ∞∞ 159.3 is 1 standard deviation above average, corresponds to approximately the 80th percentile ∞∞ 167.8 is 2 standard deviations above average, corresponds to the 97th or 98th percentile. Worldwide Averages By Field of Study as provided by ETS: Intended Grraduate Major Verbal Score (Mean) Verbal (sd) Quantitative Score (Mean) Quantitative (sd) Analytical Writing (Mean) Analytical Writing (sd) Life Sciences 151 7 151 7 3.8 0.7 Physical Sciences 153 9 158 7 3.8 0.8 Engineering 150 9 159 6 3.6 0.8 Social Sciences 153 7 150 8 4.0 0.7 Humanities & Arts 157 7 149 7 4.2 0.8 Education 157 7 149 7 4.2 0.8 Business 150 7 152 8 3.7 0.8 Analysis As you can see, anything at least one standard deviation above the average is a solid score, and anything at least two standard deviations above the average is an exceptional score. Also note that students pursuing graduate degrees in Physical sciences and Engineering might look more favorable with a higher Quantitative Score than a Verbal score as shown by the results. A score that is one or two standard deviation above the average could be considered a good score, depending on your own indi- BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 27
- 5. BenchPrep Presents YES When Should I Take The GRE? Are you feeling ready for the test? TOP GRAD SCHOOL PROGRAMS NO Have you started studying? Download the BenchPrep app & start studying NOT YET Business Education Engineering Law Medical Science Library & Information sciences Social Sciences Health Public Affairs Facts to Consider Are you ready now? YES 185 There are 3 sections. When do you want to apply to graduate school? Verbal, Writing, & Quantitative The GRE is 3 hrs. 40 min.long THE GRE April June August PERFECT SCORE your score is good for five years October In August 2011, the GRE was updated to a new format 2 Take in February 6 2 4 Take in April Take in June 4 Sources http://ets.org/gre http://gradschool.about.com/cs/aboutthegre/a/gre.htm http://www.igrad.com/articles/taking-the-gre http://www.happyschoolsblog.com/average-revised-gre-scores-universities/ 2013 6 8 Take in August 8 Receive your GRE results 10–15 days after you take the exam YOU CAN RETAKE THE 21DAYS EVERY UP TO IN A YEAR
- 6. Unlike other standardized tests where you need to know specialized content which you might only learn in the later years of college, you already learned most of the content on the GRE in high school (hopefully!).”
- 7. Chapter 4 – Quantitative Section GRE Quantitative Section The GRE Quantitative section (the “math” section) is designed to test your ability to reason mathematically, to understand basic math terminology, and to recall basic mathematical formulas and principles. You should be able to solve problems and apply relevant mathematics concepts in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Keep in mind, though, that the GRE is primarily a critical thinking test, so your ability to apply reason and logic to solving the quantitative questions is more important than your ability to recall mathematical formulas and principles. The GRE Quantitative question types include: ∞∞ Two kinds of Multiple-choice questions, each with several answer choices from which to choose, ∞∞ Quantitative Comparison questions, each with four possible answers (A−D), and ∞∞ Numeric Entry questions, for which you must come up with an answer on your own. Some of the Multiple-choice and Numeric Entry questions are part of question sets based on the data in charts or graphs. In this section, we will discuss the format of each question type and provide you with specific strategies for successfully answering the GRE quantitative questions. A. Quantitative- Multiple Choice Questions The GRE includes two kinds of multiple-choice questions: (1) Multiple-choice— Select One Answer and (2) Multiple-choice—Select One or More Answers. ∞∞ Multiple-choice—Select One Answer questions each have five answer choices. Your task is to select the one correct choice. ∞∞ Multiple-choice—Select One or More Answers questions can have fewer than five answer choices or more than five answer choices. Your task is to select all the choices that answer the question correctly. The directions may tell you how many choices to select. If you are told how many, you should select exactly that number of choices. BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 43
- 8. Chapter 4 – Quantitative Section Some GRE multiple-choice questions involve straightforward calculations, while others require you to evaluate a word-problem in a real-life setting. Still others may be part of question sets called Data Interpretation sets. All of the questions in a Data Interpretation set are based on the same data presented in tables, graphs, charts, or figures. To solve GRE Multiple-choice questions, you typically will not be required to perform complex calculations. However, you will be given scratch paper for whatever figuring you wish to do, and you will also be provided with a calculator to assist you when necessary. (In the computer-based test, the calculator will appear on screen.) Example: Q. If 5x - 6 = 14, then 8x = A. 8 5 B. 4 Q. The ratio of two quantities is 4 to 5. If each of the quantities is increased by 3, which of the following could be the fraction of theses two new quantities? Indicate all answer choices that apply. A. 7 8 11 B. 13 C. 64 5 D. 20 E. 32 C. 23 28 B. Quantitative Comparison Quantitative Comparison questions ask you to compare two quantities and determine whether: (1) one is larger than the other, (2) the quantities are equal, or (3) there is not enough information to determine a relationship between the two quantities. Some questions include additional information that is centered above the two quantities that concerns one or both of the quantities. Quantitative Comparison questions generally require more logic skills than math skills. BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 44
- 9. On the Quantitative section, your ability to apply reason and logic to solving the quantitative questions is more important than your ability to recall mathematical formulas and principles.”
- 10. Chapter 5 – Verbal Section phrases. Some of the answer choices might be very similar to one another. Your job is to select the two best choices from among the six options. Keep in mind that a complete sentence is clear and concise, conveys a logical meaning, and is uniform in grammar and style. Example: Question Stem: It comes as no surprise that different cultures have certain behavioral norms; however, to an outsider, the specifics of these behaviors can often be . Answer Choices: A. B. C. D. E. F. explicit startling predictable unexpected derisive admirable Reading Comprehension Questions GRE Reading Comprehension questions are designed to measure your ability to read, understand, and analyze a written passage. Correctly answering a question requires you to recognize both what is stated and what is implied within the passage, and to establish the relationships and ideas expressed in the passage. The GRE includes a balance of reading passages across different subject matter areas, such as humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Each passage will be approximately 150 words in length and will be followed by one to three questions. You should select the best possible answer, or combination of answers, for each question. In the revised GRE, Reading Comprehension questions have three formats: 1. Multiple-choice Questions—Select One Answer Choice BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 56
- 11. Chapter 5 – Verbal Section 25 Things to Know: Verbal 1 2 Use roots, prefixes, and suffixes to determine the meaning of words you don’t know. Vocabulary is essential. When it comes to the GRE Verbal section, that’s the bottom line. Be proactive: look up words you don’t know! 3 4 On definition questions, guess quickly! Many questions require you to know the definition, and because it’s likely that you can’t use much logic to get to a better answer, select one and move on. You can always come back if you have time. Find your personal reading passage strategy. If you read the questions first, when you read the passages, you can focus on finding the right answers most quickly. However, some students find that reading the passage first helps them understand the argument more generally first, before delving into the specific questions. 5 6 Pay special attention to the first and last sentences. They provide important clues to the meaning of each passage. Questions with Roman numeral answers are often confusing and difficult. They ask you choose one more more or to find an exception. If you’re running low on time, mark down a guess and move to the next question. BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 60
- 12. Chapter 7 – GRE Test Day The 10 GRE Commandments Test day. It’s here. It’s all too easy to lose your composure and get caught up on one question. The test-makers throw in all sorts of convoluted wording and unnecessary information to make you get confused, take up time, and throw you off. Thou shalt remember that every question is equal. All questions are weighted equally. So you know that really tough question you’ve been staring at blankly for three minutes? Worth the same as the “2x=6” question. So, get your points on the easy stuff, and remember that every question is weighted the same. This above all else is your most important piece of instruction. COMMANDMENT 1 2 Thou shalt use process of elimination. Pssst! Guess what? You don’t really have to know the correct answer on the GRE; all you have to do is select the right answer. Process of elimination is your friend; use it! Usually only two attractive answer-choices are offered, out of five total. One is correct; the other is either intentionally misleading or only partially correct. The other three answer-choices are usually fluff. This makes educated guessing on the GRE very effective. If you can dismiss the three fluff COMMANDMENT COMMANDMENT Don’t get caught in this trap! Heed the following 10 GRE Commandments to stay focused during the exam. 3 choices, your probability of answering the question successfully will increase from 20% to 50%. Thou shalt not get flustered. The GRE is definitely too short to lose focus after getting flustered. Train yourself to keep your composure and stay on track through taking practice tests and monitoring how you react to the time pressure. BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 85
- 13. Chapter 8 – GRE Resources Kaplan Princeton Review GRE® Advantage: The GRE Self-Paced Study New GRE − On Demand Price Access Score Improvement Promise BenchPrep GRE Prep Program $524 $499 $499 3 months 6 months 12 months Higher score guarantee or your money back Satisfaction guarantee 16% score improvement 8 video sessions and study materials, including workbooks 24 hours of recorded sessions and a complete set of printed materials including The Princeton Review Online Student Workbook for the GRE 900+ lessons including videos 5,000 N/A 4,100+ 7 Full-length 8 Full-length 7 Full-length Custom Study Plan Integrated Mobile Apps Game Center Ability to discuss with other students Ability to ask an expert Reporting dashboard Includes official GRE material from ETS Lessons Practice Questions Exams Flashcards BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 90
- 14. Chapter 9 – After the GRE Official score reports are the reports that are sent to the schools you designate, will only include the score(s) which you have selected to send to these organizations. They will include your: ∞∞ Contact information ∞∞ Intended graduate major ∞∞ GRE test score(s) of only SELECTED tests and the associated percentile ranks Score reports sent to institutions will not include any information concerning the other score recipients you have chosen (so if you’re sending your scores to University A and University B, University A won’t know about B and B won’t know about A). How do Schools Look at Multiple GRE Scores? It might happen that you have to take the GRE two or more times to get the score you want. Luckily, with the new ScoreSelect option, you have more freedom than ever to select which of these scores you send on to the programs you’re applying to. With ScoreSelect, you can send any single score, or any combination of scores, that you want. When selecting which scores to send to which universities, it’s helpful to know how the admissions committee consider scores from multiple GRE tests. Most programs and Grad Schools provide details on their website about how they look at multiple GRE scores. Practices vary widely, and a school can use one of many approaches: Approach #1 “All scores considered” Some schools may simply consider all of your scores, with no further details provided. BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 98