Confused by the scoring used in the GRE? Let’s break it down. The GRE has three distinct sections that score differently: Quantitative, 40 questions, It reports on a 130-170 score scale in 1-point increments. Verbal, 40 questions. It reports on a 130-170 score scale in 1-point increments. Analytical Writing, 2 essays. After both essays receive […]
Vocabulary and Sentence Completion on the GRE
Let’s be honest, no one can memorize all the vocabulary you might encounter on the GRE. Most of the lists of “GRE words” are just “SAT words” on steroids. Prep books frequently instruct students to keep a vocabulary diary, make flash cards, or read at a higher level to expand your working vocabulary and familiarity with […]
Brain Food: Diet Tips for Top Mental Fitness
Nearly everyone knows that the foods they eat affect how well their bodies function. But many fail to realize that what they eat also has a considerable impact on how well their brains work. Here are some brain food diet tips to help you get into top mental shape for the GRE. The brain is […]
Problem Solving Steps for GRE Math
The GRE Quantitative section doesn’t just test your math knowledge. Above all, it assesses your problem-solving skills. ETS, maker of the exam, suggests some general steps to follow when solving quantitative problems. While a fairly new offering from the test maker, the three-step approach that ETS describes is based on a classic set of problem […]
3 Reasons to Relax the Day Before the GRE
Do not study for the GRE the day before the test. Let’s say that again. Do not study for the GRE the day before the test. For many who’ve been diligently preparing for the GRE, this advice elicits no argument. Yet, acting on it can be surprisingly challenging. Why not try another problem set or […]
How to Walk into the GRE and Destroy It
Leading up to the GRE, many students ask what they should be thinking about when they walk into the test center. We always tell them to focus on the following things: Relax. Stress is your enemy. Stop thinking about specific GRE concepts—you’ve prepared enough at this point. Think instead about overall success, and visualize scoring […]
The Hardest Official GRE Practice Problems
You can find nearly 1,000 official GRE practice problems from ETS. Of those, about 200 have an interesting statistic of test takers who answered the question correctly on a real exam. Presumably, the lowest percentage marks the hardest official practice problem and there are two that tie for this distinction. In The Official Guide to the […]
Using Argument Topics to Prepare for GRE Reading Comprehension
GRE Reading Comprehension passages often present arguments. By argument, we don’t mean a messy quarrel. In this context, an argument is an attempt to give reasons (premises) in support of a novel or debatable claim (a conclusion). Analyzing arguments is a crucial skill for Reading Comp. Luckily for you the makers of the GRE offer […]
The Essential 10-Key Numeric Keypad
Since 2011, the GRE General Test permits the use of a calculator. But, not just any old calculator, an on-screen calculator that is part of the GRE software. This four-function calculator is invaluable for performing rapid arithmetic and basic calculations. It’s not helpful as a substitute for problem-solving skills, strategy, and good planning. In other […]
Vocabulary and the GRE: Keeping a Word Journal
The two most frequent questions students have about the GRE are: “What math do I need to study,” and “What vocab do I need to know?” If you’re here, you’re likely trying to find answers to the second question. So, how does the GRE test your vocabulary? Let’s talk about it. GRE Vocabulary Having a […]