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About the GRE

The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) typically refers to the GRE General Test, which is taken by college graduates seeking an advanced degree. It is an adaptive computer based test comprising three sections: analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. As a point of interest, the GRE test questions are created by ETS, the same company that creates the SAT test questions. The GRE is an adaptive exam, which means the question difficulty level is adjusted based on your performance. Therefore, your score is not only based on how many questions you answer correctly, but also on the difficulty of those questions. You have the option of taking the test online or at a test center, and you can take the test on multiple occasions to improve your score. You will need to create an account and register for the test by going to the official GRE website. There you will find additional information about the test and plenty of resources, including free practice tests as well as the option to purchase additional practice tests and study materials.

Note: The GRE also has four separate Subject Tests: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Psychology. You can learn more about these tests here.

Scoring

The verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections are both scored on a 130-170 point scale. The average verbal score is 150 and the average quantitative score is 154. The analytical essay section is scored from 0-6. The average score on the essay is 3.6

Section Breakdown

Verbal Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning is divided into two 30 minute sections, each with 20 questions. There are three question types in each section: (1) reading comprehension, (2) text completion, and (3) sentence equivalence. Reading comprehension includes passages followed by a series of questions based on the content. Passage topics include humanities, social science, and natural science. Text completion requires that you replace several blanks with a word or phrase that would make the entire text (usually a short paragraph) logically correct. Sentence equivalence questions ask you to select two words to replace the blank in the sentence in order to make the sentence logically equivalent. Question types (2) and (3) rely on a strong vocabulary - an important element to getting a top GRE Verbal score.

Quantitative Reasoning

Quantitative Reasoning is divided into two 35 minute sections, each with 20 questions. You will face four distinct question types: traditional 5-choice multiple choice, quantitative comparisons (4-choice), multiple choice with one or more answer choices, and numeric entry questions. An on-screen calculator will be provided. Content tested includes arithmetic, pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. None of the questions require any advanced math courses - you have probably seen most of the material in high school.

Analytical Writing Assessment

The analytical writing is divided into two 30 minute sections. One section will ask you to “Analyze an Issue” and the other section will ask you to “Analyze an Argument.” In the Issue essay, you will take a position on a statement and discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with it. In the Argument essay, you are asked to write a critique of an argument presented. In other words, how well reasoned do you find the argument? For both essays, you will type your response and have access to basic word-processing tools, including cut, copy, paste, undo, and redo.

Sample Issue Question:
As technological progress continues to accelerate, it is crucial that we shift the focus of K-12 education on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) classes, and less on the humanities.

Sample Argument Question:
“All dog trainers at Cooperative Canines Training Center (CCTC) will be required to read one assigned book each month, to be selected by CCTC’s management team. These books will focus on various training methods and techniques. During CCTC’s monthly staff meeting, each trainer will be encouraged to provide her unique perspective on the book, as well as the pros and cons of the training methods discussed in the book. This feedback will ensure that all CCTC trainers are using consistent training methods with their clients.”

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The Cornerstone Approach

There are a host of strategies that can be used to attack even the hardest GRE questions. And these strategies are extremely effective! But strategies can only get you so far. That’s why I balance the lessons with just the right blend of strategies, test-taking techniques, and content. The lessons are always fine-tuned to address YOUR specific needs - no one else’s! At the outset of the program, I’ll already have done a thorough analysis of your previous GRE score report, or an intake diagnostic GRE. Based on that analysis, I’ll know what specific areas we need to focus on so that we can maximize your score and not waste time reviewing stuff you already know!

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