Technological advances have changed everything in the world of education and in the workplace. As higher education seeks to encompass the changes and the expectations of employers, so the abilities of the students change, and the entrance exam, the GRE, has been revised as of August 1, 2011.
The test is still in three sections, and here I offer some advice on the Quantitative Reasoning section of the test. Find help with the Analytical Writing section here. For the Verbal Reasoning section try here.
Changes in the Quantitative Reasoning Section
While the section still requires that the applicant has basic mathematical skills there is a new emphasis on applying knowledge to real-life scenarios. It is necessary to demonstrate that you understand and can interpret quantitative information, as well as use your skills to solve problems. Basic skills and concepts of arithmetic, geometry, algebra, probability and statistics are used in questions that call for data interpretation and realistic applications.
Calculators will be provided to save time on the most basic computations, while the new GRE is testing your understanding of quantitative reasoning through four types of question.
Quantitative Comparison Questions
While asking which is the greater of two quantities, these questions test your ability across the spectrum of math concepts. The question might be about two angles of a triangle or two unknowns (x and y) of an equation. You need to be able to solve the equation or work out the angles before you can answer the question. For these questions there is no substitute for practice. Find some sample questions, checking your school or local library for up to date GRE books and spend some time becoming adept at solving the questions. You will also find sample questions on the GRE website
Multiple Choice Questions
There could be questions asking you to select one answer, or more than one answer. Always read carefully what is required and what the choices of answer are. Sometimes you can use the answers in a process of elimination, but invariably you will have to work through a problem and compare your answer with those offered. As in the comparison questions, the multiple choice will require a number of skills.
Numeric Entry Questions
These are probably the most basic questions, where you solve a problem and put the answer in a box. In the revised test you will have the ability to review and change your answers.
Data Interpretation Questions
In this section you will be given a data set or a chart and asked to give answers based on the information presented. These are real-life scenarios, that might occur in any situation. Once again the questions require your skill in a number of applications to provide answers from numeric data.
Practice
As with anything the more you practice the more familiar you will be with the type of questions. A good idea is to request a couple of GRE books on an inter-library loan and study the samples given. Some of the questions in your actual test may be very similar to practice questions but with different numbers. There will probably be a few of your friends applying for college and a study group can be really beneficial, but you must stay focused and not spend time discussing the latest movie. If you can master a good selection of sample test questions you will probably leave your GRE test wondering why you ever though it was going to be difficult.
Study the Format
If you can become familiar with the format of the test through looking at the GRE website, you won’t use valuable time looking at all the options before starting to answer your first question. Save time by knowing what to expect beforehand, by doing research, which is also a good way to begin your college career! You’ll do a lot of research as a college student, so get used to it.
Sally Anne Lewis - Sally has master's degrees in science and journalism, is fascinated to a degree in most things. Always something to learn.
