GRE Information and
Test Preparation Tips
Praveen Potluri and Gayle Veltman
Wichita State University
Counseling and Testing Center
(316) 978-3440
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GRE revised General Test and Subject Tests
• The GRE is a standardized test that is required for admission to many graduate
programs in the U.S. and around the world. However, it is not the only graduate
admission test, so always check with the graduate program(s) you are interested in
to find out what is required for admission.
• The overall testing time for the computer-delivered GRE revised General Test is
about three hours and 45 minutes. There are six sections with a 10-minute break
following the third section.
• The exam measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and
critical thinking skills that have been acquired throughout your years of education
and are not related to any specific field of study.
• Fewer programs require the GRE Subject Tests, but you can get more information
about both the revised General Test and the Subject Tests at www.gre.org.
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Structure of Computer-Based GRE revised General Test
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What does the GRE revised General Test measure?
• Verbal Reasoning — Measures the ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize
information from written materials, analyze relationships among parts of sentences
and recognize relationships among words and concepts. Types of Items:
Reading Comprehension
Text Completion
Score: 130-170, in 1 point increments
Sentence Equivalence
• Quantitative Reasoning — Measures reasoning and problem-solving abilities with
quantitative information. Focuses on:
Basic arithmetic concepts
Algebra
Score: 130-170, in 1 point increments
Geometry
Data analysis
• Analytical Writing — Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, specifically
the ability to articulate and support complex ideas clearly and effectively.
Score: 0-6, in half point increments
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FREE Test Preparation
• Use the “Prepare for the Test” section of the official GRE website
www.gre.org to work through sample questions and tips for each area of the
test. If you excel in one area you can spend less time reviewing it, but be
sure you know the types of items on it and how to answer items correctly to
maximize your score. It is normal to score higher in some areas than others.
• At your local library, ask if they have a preparation book for the GRE revised
General Test, especially one by the test publisher, ETS. The ETS book will
have previously used GRE test items that will give you the best practice
experience. Books by other publishers may have good items and tips, too.
• Download POWERPREP© II from the test website, www.gre.org. After
acquainting yourself with the types of test items you will see by looking at
the website or using a test prep book, use the POWERPREP software to
practice on two full-length tests presented in the format you will actually use
at the test site. This software is free and helps you learn how the computer
presents items, how to answer them, and the tools available on test day.
• Attend a GRE workshop, if possible. It’s free on the WSU campus.
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LOW COST Test Prep
• You can buy a GRE test book, but whether you borrow or buy a book, always
remember to use resources about the GRE revised General Test. Test prep materials
that cover the GRE before it was revised in August 2011 contain items that are no
longer used on the test and don’t include important information about the current test.
• Short videos can be purchased from www.gre.org that will quickly acquaint you with
test items on the various sections of the test and give tips on how to answer them
completely and correctly.
• ScoreItNow!TM is an essay scoring service that may be able to help you improve your
writing. Look for information on the website about how to approach the two essay
assignments in different ways to get the best score.
• You can purchase paper practice tests on the website.
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If you need more help –
• After you use the free and low cost test preparation options, if you need
more help getting ready for the test, you can take a course through a test
preparation company or hire an individual tutor or coach. These are
more expensive strategies for getting ready for the GRE and don’t
necessarily result in higher scores.
• Set aside time to spend preparing for the GRE in one to three hour
segments on a regular basis. Make your test appointment through the
GRE website 30 to 90 days ahead of the date you want to take the test
and then schedule time on your calendar to prepare. Having an actual
date set for the test will help you focus your efforts to prepare.
• Address test anxiety with a professional, if it is interfering with your ability
to prepare for the GRE. Students can usually find help with test anxiety
on their campuses, usually at the Counseling Center. Remember that
you can retake the test if you don’t get the results you want the first time.
But PREPARE and you’re likely to be successful the first time.
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Fees/Charges
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