GRE It will open doors for you… Primary Selection Criteria GRE GPA There is only one attribute of a graduate application that can be directly compared across candidates from different undergraduate institutions… the GRE score. Description of the GRE Three sections: Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing The Analytical Writing section was introduced in the Fall, 2002-its impact on graduate school admissions is unknown. Maximum score on the Verbal and Quantitative Sections = 800. Maximum score on the Analytical Writing section = 6. Perfect GRE score = 1600 on Verbal and Quantitative and 6 on Analytical Writing Psychology Subject Test can exceed 800 points. An interpretation will be provided. Description of the GRE Computerized test administration. $160 per test. Closest Administration: Prometric Testing Center, 2573 Richmond Road, Suite 260 Scores You Need… Master's Programs - 1100 minimum on Verbal and Quantitative and 5-6 on Analytical Writing Ph.D. - 1200 minimum on Verbal and Quantitative and 5-6 on Analytical Writing Psy.D. – 1100 minimum on Verbal and Quantitative and 5-6 on Analytical Writing Psychology Subject Test- approximately 600 for all programs Predicting Your Score ACT to SAT Conversion Table To predict your GRE score, convert your total ACT score to an SAT score using the conversion table attached. Your GRE will approximate your converted SAT score. Some Things to Know about Reporting GRE Scores All your scores are reported to each school each time your send your scores. What they do with them is up to them. Some may take the most recent score. Some may average these scores together. Some may take the lowest score. Therefore, you really just want to send one score. Studying for the GRE: Verbal • • • • • Begin studying at least 3 months before the test. Obtain a study guide for GRE and study all word lists and practice problems. Take several computerized practice tests prior to taking a real test. Read the New York Times daily and make flash cards of new vocabulary. www.wordsmith.org will give you a word a day everyday to build vocabulary. Studying for the GRE: Math The math on the GRE is algebra and geometry. Save Algebra and Geometry courses for the semester before you take the test. Re-read an Algebra and Geometry text if you have taken those classes. Hire a math tutor (at $10 an hour for 2 hours it will be worth the $20 to get you into a good school) Studying for the GRE: Writing 45-minute "Present Your Perspective on an Issue" task In this task the test taker is given an opinion on an issue of general interest and asked to address the issue from any perspective(s) they wish, as long as they provide relevant reasons and examples to explain and support their views. 30-minute "Analyze an Argument" task. In this task test takers are asked to critique an argument by discussing how well-reasoned they find it. Test takers are asked to consider the logical soundness of the argument rather than to agree or disagree with the position it presents. Studying for the GRE: Writing • • • • • • Know what is being asked of you in each writing assignment. Focus is on critical thinking and analysis skills, not grammar. Write it like you would say it. Do not try to use “flowery” writing. Review completed tasks on the GRE Web site. You must use a word processor to write your essay, so be sure you are proficient at word processing. All possible topics for each task are available on the GRE Web site and will be sent to you when you register for the test. Review topics and practice each task. Studying for the GRE: Overall Familiarize yourself with the test by reading about the test. GRE Website Take many, many practice tests. Take at least one computerized practice test. Attend any study sessions that you hear about. Study from a non-GRE affiliated study guide. Psychology Subject Test Read an Introduction to Psychology text. General Test Format: Computer Testing • • • • • • • Given year round. Scores sent to 4 schools within 10 days. Can take new test every 30 days for a total of 5 times in a year. You receive questions geared to your level making the test shorter. Because of "gearing to your level" exact questions given will differ from test taker to test taker. You cannot correct answers or go back to questions. You can cancel your score immediately after you take the test and before you see it. When Should You Take the Test? When you are ready for it…