Preparing to take the GRE
(and getting into graduate school) Jeff Stocco, Center for Servant Leadership
Career Development – how can we help? Advice on essay/candidate statement Information on programs Help sorting out your options Grad school – now or later?
How do you get help? Appointment with Jeff Stocco, Director, x7272
General Test or Subject Test?
General Test is required for most graduate programs
Subject Test may be required for some programs (exams are offered in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, literature in English, mathematics, physics, psychology)
Registration for General Test
The GRE® revised General Test is available at about 700 test centers in more than 160 countries. It is offered as a computer-based test year round at most locations around the world and as a paper-based test up to three times a year in areas where computer-based testing is not available.
http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about
Registration for Subject Test
Web or by mail – Online http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/ – The GRE® Subject Tests are offered at
paper-based test centers (PDF) worldwide. You can register for a Subject Test online or by mail. Register early to receive your free test preparation materials in time to prepare for the test.
General Test: How do you prepare? Take it “cold” (NOT recommended!) Take a prep course (like Kaplan or
Princeton Review) Develop your own method
– PowerPrep Software (www.gre.org/pracmats.html) or borrow from the Career Center)
– Test prep books
How do you improve your score?
Learn techniques (Princeton Review) Practice on a computer for familiarity Learn vocabulary and word roots Review and master math facts Practice, practice, practice!
CAT tips
Answer every question Don’t obsess over time-consuming questions Use the scratch paper provided to you No points for speed, only accuracy Practice on computer versions of the GRE
– PowerPrep software has two complete tests
Geography of the GRE General Test 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.
Applying to Grad School: What’s required? Application form Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement Transcripts Test scores (GRE, MAT, GMAT)
– TOEFL? Letters of Recommendation
– Waiving your right to view your recs?
Portfolio (if applicable)
Timeline for Applying Spring semester of junior year
– Talk with your advisor about your plans – Focus on type of program and start gathering information
Summer before senior year – Draft personal statement – Browse guides and web sites for programs
• Peterson’s Guides to Grad Study (6 volumes, in the Career Center) August – September
– Meet with faculty – Ask for letters of recommendation – Register for required standardized tests
October – Take standardized tests – Request application materials from your desired schools – Chart timelines for desired schools – Order transcripts
Timeline for Applying
November – Complete application forms (download, online, printed apps) – Give your letter writers all the info they will need
December / January – Submit applications
February – Contact (and possibly visit) programs
March / April – Receive acceptances/rejections and offers of financial
assistance – make a decision!
Financing Graduate School
Assistantships – Teaching – Research – Project or Program
Fellowships Scholarships Loans