As it is important for education to keep pace with employment opportunities, so it is important for the entry exams for universities to keep pace with education. The GRE has been revised to reflect changes in both education and employment requirements. Instructions for taking the GRE, wherever you are and whatever your subject is, can be found in the GRE bulletin here.
New Questions
The revised GRE features a different kind of question, especially in the Quantitative Reasoning section, where basic math is no longer tested on its own, but is still used as part of critical thinking exercises, with almost an applied math concept. For example you will be asked to solve problems and then make decisions about the answers.
In the Analytical Writing section the format is the same, but your answers are expected to be more focused, demonstrating your thoughts rather than simply your use of language. Grammar and spelling are still important, but so is a cohesive and concise piece of written work.
The Verbal Reasoning has some questions in a new format, again looking at reasoning and comprehension. Your knowledge of vocabulary will still be examined but in a different way, with an emphasis on demonstrating aptitude rather than simply knowledge.
Structure of the Test
For the computer based test you will be given:
Two questions and allowed 30 minutes for each in the Analytical Writing section. The questions will be based on Analyze an Issue, and Analyze an Argument.
Two sections of 20 questions and 30 minutes each in the Verbal Reasoning.
Two sections of 20 questions and 35 minutes each in the Quantitative Reasoning.
Halfway through the test you will be given a ten minute break. There may also be an extra section included, which you need to answer, either Verbal or Quantitative.
Benefits of the New Test
There is an option of computer based or paper test, depending on where you are and whether there is access to a computer. There is free software to help you prepare for the test and you should make use of this opportunity, as a familiarity with the type of questions can make it less stressful, and save you time on the test day. This software will include sample questions and a practice test for you to check your timing.
The new test allows, and provides a calculator. This will be onscreen for the computer based test and you will be provided with a calculator to take the paper test. You will not be permitted to use your own calculator.
The new test also allows for revision, within each section. You will be able to indicate which questions you have completed, have left incomplete or have not started. You are advised to use this tool but not to spend too much time on the organization. This is an aid to your working most efficiently, and making sure you answer as many questions as possible.
Pitfalls of the New Test
If a question requires that you answer both parts, you get no score for just answering one part. No partial credit is given in the GRE. If you feel you cannot answer a question in its entirety, mark it and go to the next.
You Can do it!
Thousands of people take the GRE every year, and thousands pass and begin their college education without any difficulty. These are usually the people who have started preparing early and when their test date arrives, they can be confident and not spend time being nervous and figuring out how to answer the questions. Be one of these confident, GRE passing people. Prepare for your test.
Sally Anne Lewis - Sally has master's degrees in science and journalism, is fascinated to a degree in most things. Always something to learn.
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