Ace the revised GRE confidently

WHATS NEW

Nervous about taking the GRE this year? Get test tricks, tips on how to crack the new format

Online exams differ greatly from in-class tests, from the testing conditions to the materials that are available. Below is an introduction to the new format of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), helping potential candidates prepare better.

-Understand what the test measures

The Analytical Writing section measures your ability to sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion, articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively support your ideas with relevant examples, and examine claims and accompanying evidence. There is one question in this section with two 30-minute ( for each) tasks: “Analyse an Issue” and “Analyse an Argument.” The Analytical Writing score is reported on a 0–6 score scale, in half-point increments.

The Verbal Reasoning section measures your ability to analyse and draw conclusions from discourse, understand multiple levels of meaning, select important points, and understand the meanings of sentences and entire texts. There are two 30-minute parts in this section, each containing 20 questions. The Verbal Reasoning score is reported on a 130–170 score scale, in 1-point increments.

The Quantitative Reasoning section measures your ability to interpret and analyse quantitative information and use mathematical skills such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, probability and statistics to solve problems. There are two 35-minute Quantitative Reasoning parts in this section, each containing 20 questions. The Quantitative Reasoning score is reported on a 130–170 score scale, in 1-point increments.

- Know the test format

The total time allowed for the computer-based revised GRE is three hours and 45 minutes, and has six sections with a 10-minute break after the third section.  The instructions at the beginning of each section specify the total number of questions in the section and the time allowed for the section. The Analytical Writing section is always the first section, while the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections can appear in any order. An unidentified section that does not count toward a score may be included and may appear in any order. An identified research section that is not scored may be included too, and it will always be at the end of the test.  

Questions in the revised version follow a variety of formats. Some require you to select a single answer choice, others require you to select one or more answer choices, and still others require you to enter a numeric answer. Before answering a question, make sure you understand what type of response is required.

It also offers you a friendlier, more technically-advanced test that is designed to provide graduate and business schools with even more useful results. You not only have the freedom to move back and forth, edit or change answers, skip and return to questions, all within a section, you also have the ability to use more of your own test-taking strategies. The on-screen calculator is an additional advantage. New questions emphasise real-world scenarios and there is less reliance on vocabulary out of context, adding to the appeal of the revised test.

-Understand test-taking strategies

For the Analytical Writing measure, it is important to budget your time. Within the 30-minute time limit for each task, you will need to allow sufficient time to think about the topic, plan a response and compose your essay. Save a few minutes at the end of each timed task to check for obvious errors. Although an occasional typographical, spelling or grammatical error will not affect your score, severe or persistent errors will detract from the overall effectiveness of your writing and lower your score.

Your Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning raw scores are determined by the number of questions you answer correctly. Nothing is subtracted from a score if you answer a question incorrectly. Therefore, to maximise your scores from the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, it is best to answer every question.
Work as rapidly as you can without being careless.  Since no question carries greater weight than any other, do not waste time pondering individual questions that you find extremely difficult or unfamiliar.  

You may want to go through each timed section rapidly first, stopping only to answer questions you can answer with certainty. Then go back and answer the questions that require more thought, concluding with the difficult questions if you have time.  

- Plan your preparation

Preparation for the test will depend on the amount of time you have and your personal preferences on how to prepare. Before you take the test, you should know what to expect from the test, including the administrative procedures, types of questions and directions, approximate number of questions and amount of time for each section. The administrative procedures include registration and appointment scheduling, date, time, test centre location, cost, score-reporting procedures and availability of special testing arrangements. For further details, visit:  http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare/tips/

- Practise, Practise

Practise taking the test. Make use of the free materials that are available at www.takethegre.com/prep. Download the ‘POWERPREP® II’ software to experience a simulated test-taking experience and become familiar with the test directions, question types, on-screen calculator, testing software and test design.

-Photo ID, connect and rest

Check the ETS website (www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/test_day/id/) to make sure you have valid and acceptable identification. The name you used to register must exactly match the name on the ID documents that you will present at the test centre. You could visit the GRE page on Facebook and interact with other GRE test takers to exchange ideas. Pack anything that you may need such as water and a snack to have during the break.  On test day, wear comfortable clothes and dress so that you can adapt to any room temperature. A good night’s sleep will work wonders.

(The contributor is the director of communications and services , GRE Program.)