The GRE?

Patricia Taylor-Cooke Drew C. Appleby

I have plenty of time to prepare. I didn’t really study for the SAT, so why should I study

for the GRE. I did okay on the SAT. So, I will do okay on the GRE. I got accepted to college. So, I will have no problem

getting into graduate school. My GRE test is still a year away.

I am only a Freshman/Sophomore/Junior. I don’t need to worry about it yet.

I can’t afford to get help in preparing for the GRE I’m not going to waste my money. It won’t help

anyway. I haven’t even thought about it. I don’t need to practice. You can take as long as you

want to answer the questions. What the heck is the GRE?

What is the GRE? How is the GRE Administered?

How Do I Prepare? Long-Term

Cost vs. Investment

What are the Sections?

Short-Term

Review

The New GRE!!

The Graduate Record Examination An examination that tests your skills in several different areas

Verbal Quantitative Writing Assessment

One Part of Your Ticket to Graduate School

Subject Test (Will be covered later)

An Important Selection Criteria for Graduate Schools

The GRE is Available in CAT or Paper Format

CAT = Computer-Adaptive Test Each question is chosen based on whether

you answered the previous question correctly Benefit = Available Year Round, Immediate Feedback Paper Based Disadvantages – 5 sections, 3 times a year & wait for feedback

Verbal Tests vocabulary, verbal reasoning skills, and ability to read with understanding and insight

30 questions

30 minutes

Types of questions include: Analogies, antonyms, sentence completion, and reading comprehension

(Kaplan, 2001)

ERRONEOUS:

o careful

o vigorous

o accurate

o convincing

o thoughtful

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word

in capital letters.ERRONEOUS:

o careful

o vigorous

o accurate

o convincing

o thoughtful

Explanation:

Erroneous = incorrect

Closest Match = Accurate

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word

in capital letters.ABET:

o Exaggerate

o Arrange

o Refuse

o Deter

o Confuse

ABET:

o Exaggerate

o Arrange

o Refuse

o Deter

o Confuse(Kaplan, 2001)

Explanation:

ABET = to aid

Closest Match = Deter

Select the pair that best expresses a relationship similar to that expressed in

the original pair.DISCHARGED : SOLDIER

o fired : cannon

o graduated : student

o appointed : judge

o transferred : student

o docked : salary (Kaplan, 2001)

DISCHARGED : SOLDIER

o fired : cannon

o graduated : student

o appointed : judge

o transferred : student

o docked : salary

DISCHARGED : SOLDIER graduated : student

Discharged is what a soldier is said to be when his or her tour of duty is up and he or she is released from commitment to the armed forces.

Graduated is what a student is said to be when he or she has completed a particular stage of schooling, and is released.

(Kaplan, 2001)

Select the pair that best expresses a relationship similar to that expressed in

the original pair.TITLED : NOBLE

o elected : candidate

o acclaimed : artist

o commissioned : officer

o deposed : ruler

o initiated : argument

TITLED : NOBLE

o elected : candidate

o acclaimed : artist

o commissioned : officer

o deposed : ruler

o initiated : argument

(Kaplan, 2001)

TITLED : NOBLE commissioned : officer

A person is called noble because he/she is titled.

An officer, especially one of the military, is an officer because he/she has been commissioned.

This one is easier if you work it from right to left.

(Kaplan, 2001)

Choose the word or set of words for each blank that best fits the meaning of the

sentence as a whole.The author presumably believes that all businessmen are _______, for her main characters, whatever qualities they may lack, are virtual paragons of ______.

o clever…ingenuity

o covetous…greed

o virtuous…deceit

o successful…ambition

o cautious…achievement

The author presumably believes that all businessmen are _______, for her main characters, whatever qualities they may lack, are virtual paragons of ______.

o clever…ingenuity

o covetous…greed

o virtuous…deceit

o successful…ambition

o cautious…achievement (Kaplan, 2001)

Author believes business men are models of some quality.Implies that whatever bad points they may have, there’s one particular good thing about them.

After reading the passage, choose the best answer to each question. Answer all

questions following the passage on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.

(Kaplan, 2001)

The four Galilean satellites of Jupiter probably experienced early, intense bombardment. Thus, the very ancient surface of Callisto remains scarred by impact craters. The younger, more varied surface of Ganymede reveals distinct light and dark areas, the light areas featuring networks of intersecting grooves and ridges, probably resulting from later ice flows. The impact sites of Europa have been almost completely erased, apparently by water outflowing from the interior and instantly forming vast, low, frozen seas. Satellite photographs of Io, the closest of the four to Jupiter, were revelatory. They showed a landscape dominated by volcanoes, many erupting, making Io the most tectonically active object in the solar system. Since a body as small as Io cannot supply the energy for such activity, the accepted explanation has been that, forced into a highly eccentric orbit, Io is engulfed by tides stemming from a titanic contest between the other three Galilean moons and Jupiter.

(Kaplan, 2001)

The four Galilean satellites of Jupiter probably experienced early, intense bombardment. Thus, the very ancient surface of Callisto remains scarred by impact craters. The younger, more varied surface of Ganymede reveals distinct light and dark areas, the light areas featuring networks of intersecting grooves and ridges, probably resulting from later ice flows. The impact sites of Europa have been almost completely erased, apparently by water outflowing from the interior and instantly forming vast, low, frozen seas. Satellite photographs of Io, the closest of the four to Jupiter, were revelatory. They showed a landscape dominated by volcanoes, many erupting, making Io the most tectonically active object in the solar system. Since a body as small as Io cannot supply the energy for such activity, the accepted explanation has been that, forced into a highly eccentric orbit, Io is engulfed by tides stemming from a titanic contest between the other three Galilean moons and Jupiter.

According to the passage, which of the following is probably NOT true of the surface of Io?

a) It is not characterized by intense tectonic activity.

b) Its volcanos have resulted from powerful tides.

c) It is younger than the surface of Callisto.

d) It is distinguished by many impact craters.

e) It has apparently not been shaped by internal forces.

According to the passage, which of the following is probably NOT true of the surface of Io?

a) It is not characterized by intense tectonic activity.

b) Its volcanos have resulted from powerful tides.

c) It is younger than the surface of Callisto.

d) It is distinguished by many impact craters.

e) It has apparently not been shaped by internal forces.

The four Galilean satellites of Jupiter probably experienced early, intense bombardment. Thus, the very ancient surface of Callisto remains scarred by impact craters. The younger, more varied surface of Ganymede reveals distinct light and dark areas, the light areas featuring networks of intersecting grooves and ridges, probably resulting from later ice flows. The impact sites of Europa have been almost completely erased, apparently by water outflowing from the interior and instantly forming vast, low, frozen seas. Satellite photographs of Io, the closest of the four to Jupiter, were revelatory. They showed a landscape dominated by volcanoes, many erupting, making Io the most tectonically active object in the solar system. Since a body as small as Io cannot supply the energy for such activity, the accepted explanation has been that, forced into a highly eccentric orbit, Io is engulfed by tides stemming from a titanic contest between the other three Galilean moons and Jupiter.

It can be inferred that the geologic features found in the light areas of Ganymede were probably formed

a) subsequent to the features found in the dark areas.

b) in an earlier period than those in the dark areas.

c) at roughly the same time as the features found in the dark areas.

d) primarily by early bombardment.

e) by the satellite’s volcanic activity.

It can be inferred that the geologic features found in the light areas of Ganymede were probably formed

a) subsequent to the features found in the dark areas.

b) in an earlier period than those in the dark areas.

c) at roughly the same time as the features found in the dark areas.

d) primarily by early bombardment.

e) by the satellite’s volcanic activity.

Quantitative Tests basic math skills, understanding math concepts, and reasoning skills

45 minutes 28 questions

Types of questions include: Graph problems, problem solving, and quantitative comparison

(Kaplan, 2001)

This question consists of two quantities, one in column A and another in column B. You are to compare the two quantities and decide whether

the quantity in column A is greater;the quantity in column B is greater;the two quantities are equal;the relationship cannot be determined from

the information given

Common information: In a question, information concerning one or both of the quantities to be compared is centered above the two columns. A symbol that appears in both columns represents the same thing in column A as it does in column B.(Kaplan, 2001)

Column A Column B

a°

b°

89°91°

A

B C

D

ABCD is a rectangle

a b

(Kaplan, 2001)

First – Make the picture look like the description.

Column A Column B

a°

b°

89°91°

A

B C

D

ABCD is a rectanglea b

Answer: The quantity in column A is greater

Select the best answer choice given.

If a b = a+b for all nonnegative numbers, what is the value of 10 6?

o 0o 2o 4o 8o 16

If a b = a+b for all nonnegative numbers, what is the value of 10 6?

o 0o 2o 4o 8o 16

(Kaplan, 2001)

To solve just plug in 10 for a and 6 for b.

MEGACORP, INC.

REVENUE AND PROFIT DISTRIBUTION FOR FOOD- AND NONFOOD-RELATED OPERATIONS, 1984-1989

Total Revenues (in billions of dollars)

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989

Non-FoodRelated

Food Related

Total Profits (in millions of dollars)

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

1984 1986 1988

Percent Revenues From Food-Related

Operations in 1989 By Category

30%

43%

7%

20%

Snack Foods

Soft Drinks

Alcoholic Bev.

Frozen Foods

(Kaplan, 2001)

Total Revenues (in billions of dollars)

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989

Non-FoodRelated

Food Related

Total Profits (in millions of dollars)

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

1984 1986 1988

Percent Revenues From Food-Related Operations

in 1989 By Category

30%

43%

7%

20%

Snack Foods

Soft Drinks

Alcoholic Bev.

Frozen Foods

Approximately how much did total revenues increase from 1984 to 1987?

a) $ 0.5 billion b) $ 1.5 billion

c) $ 4.0 billion d) $ 4.5 billion

e) $ 5.0 billion

Approximately how much did total revenues increase from 1984 to 1987?

a) $ 0.5 billion b) $ 1.5 billion

c) $ 4.0 billion d) $ 4.5 billion

e) $ 5.0 billion

(Kaplan, 2001)

Total Revenues (in billions of dollars)

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989

Non-FoodRelated

Food Related

Total Profits (in millions of dollars)

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

1984 1986 1988

30%

43%

7%

20%

Snack Foods

Soft Drinks

Alcoholic Bev.

Frozen Foods

In 1989, approximately how many millions of dollars were revenues from frozen food operations?

a) 1,700 b) 1,100

c) 900 d) 600

e) 450

In 1989, approximately how many millions of dollars were revenues from frozen food operations?

a) 1,700 b) 1,100

c) 900 d) 600

e) 450

Percent Revenues From Food-Related Operations

in 1989 By Category

(Kaplan, 2001)

Beginning October 1st 2002

Analytical Section Replaced with the Writing Assessment

(ETS, 2002)

What if I Have Already Taken the Analytical Section?

ETS is Recommending all Institutions to Consider both Formats Equally

(ETS, 2002)

Check With the Schools, But You Should Not Be Required to Take the Writing Section if You Took the GRE Prior to October 1st 2002

Consists of 2 Parts (as of July 1, 2003 must be word processed at CBT centers) Present Your Perspective on

an Issue

Analyze an Argument

You are Given a Choice of Two Issues 45 Minutes to Write

An Argument Will be Given 30 Minutes to Write

Scored on a 6-Point Scale(ETS, 2003)

Present Your Perspective on an Issue Assesses Your Ability to Think

Critically About a Topic and to Clearly Express Your Thoughts About it You May Take any Approach You Wish – There are NO Correct Answers You Must Write a Persuasive and Compelling Argument to Back Your Position

(ETS, 2002)

Present Your Perspective on an Issue

“In our time, specialists of all kinds are highly overrated. We need more generalists --- people who can provide broad perspectives.”

Sample Issues:

“The best ideas arise from a passionate interest in commonplace things.”

(ETS, 2002)

Analyze an Argument Assesses Your Ability to Understand, Analyze, and Evaluate an Argument and to Clearly Convey Your Critique in Writing This is Primarily a Critical Thinking Task Presented in Essay Format

(ETS, 2002)

Analyze an Argument

Hospital statistics regarding people who go to the emergency room after roller-skating accidents indicate the need for more protective equipment. Within this group of people, 75 percent of those who had accidents in streets or parking lots were not wearing any protective clothing (helmets, knee pads, etc.) or any light-reflecting material (clip-on lights, glow-in-the-dark wrist pads, etc.). Clearly, these statistics indicate that by investing in high-quality protective gear and reflective equipment, roller skaters will greatly reduce their risk of being severely injured in an accident.

Sample Argument:

(ETS, 2002)

Visit www.gre.org for… Sample Essays With Reader Comments Scoring Criteria

Published Pool of Issues and Arguments Visit www.kaptest.com to… Receive Feedback on Two of Your Essays Only $59.00

If you thought these questions… Weren’t too difficult

Were easy and fun

Then start preparing for your future in graduate school!!!

If You Thought These Questions… Were Fairly Challenging

Made You a Little Anxious/Uncomfortable Then There are Three

Routes for You to Take1) Begin Preparation Now for Graduate School2) Consider Programs that Don’t Require the GRE3) Consider Employment Opportunities that Don’t Require a Higher Degree

If You Thought These Questions… Were Really Confusing

Are too Difficult for You to do Well

Then Rethink Aspirations

• If They Involve Graduate School Then You May Want to Shift Your Focus to a Different Type of Program or to

Employment

Long-term Preparation Short-term Preparation

Don’t Wait!!!!!

SAT Scores are a Good Indicator

Free Test at IUPUI (278-2490) An ETS GRE Book (www.gre.org) Kaplan Book or Online (www.kaptest.com)

Start Preparing Early in Your Education Sophomore Year Take a Practice Test

Plan Semesters to Build Weak Areas Verbal Section

Take Latin Learn Word Roots

Take a Critical Thinking Class

Helps you Figure Out Words You Don’t Know

Learn to Pull Main Points From Paragraphs

Quantitative Section Take or Audit M111 Algebra Covers all Math Skills

Needed Basic Algebra and Geometry

Take M118 Finite Math Covers Some Concepts From GRE Probabilities

Writing Assessment Take R227 Argumentation and Debate Builds Skills in Analysis &

Evidence of Arguments Take W250 Writing in Context Builds Skills for Writing on

Issues Take P162 Logic Builds Skills on Analyzing Arguments Download the Published Pool

of Arguments and Issues and Practice

Research Schools Offering the Types of Programs that Interest You Find Out Their Cut-Off

Scores Many Schools have Arbitrary Cut- Off Scores Used to Weed Out Applicants

For Example – Combined Verbal and Quantitative of 1200

Expensive

Inexpensive

Begin No Later Than 2 Months in Advance

Less Expensive

Expensive Kaplan (www.kaptest.com) or 1-800-KAPTEST Classroom Course ($999.00 -

$1049.00) Math or Verbal Course ($599.00) Online Course ($499.00) Private Tutoring ($1999.00 - $3999.00)

Course Prices Listed on Kaplan Web Site 08-30-03

Less Expensive IUPUI

Community Learning Network GRE Course ($259.00)

Accessing the Site (www.cln.iupui.edu) Continuing Studies Course Catalog College and Graduate Prep The GRE: Prep. For Test-Taking

Course Price Listed on Web Site 01-15-02

Inexpensive Kaplan (www.kaptest.com) or 1-800-KAPTEST Crash Courses ($99.00)

Workshops ($29.00 each) Books and Software ($17.00 - $49.99)

Prices Listed on Kaplan Web Site 08-30-03

Online Essay Grading ($59.00)

GRE Strategy Seminar FREE

Inexpensive ETS (the Test Makers) (www.gre.org) Free PowerPrep Software & Paper Test

When You Register for the Test Online Diagnostic Test, Verbal & Quantitative ($15.00) Book: Practicing to Take the GRE General Test 10th Edition ($21.00)

Prices and Information Listed on ETS Web Site 08-30-03

Online Writing Practice or Timed Test ($10.00)

Other Free Information

Cost What You are Investing $15.00 - $4,000.00

Time

Investment What You Get in Return Graduate Degree A Professional Career Personal Satisfaction Higher Average Earnings

High School Diploma/Technical Certification: $19,930.00

Associate’s Degree: $36,075.00

Bachelor’s Degree: $43,500.00

Master’s Degree: $46,500.00

Doctoral Degree: $61,178.00

Bureau of Labor Statistics

00.20.40.60.8

11.21.4

Mil

lion

s of

Dol

lars

Average Earnings over 20 Years

Bureau of Labor Statistics

I have plenty of time to prepare. I didn’t really study for the SAT, so why should I study

for the GRE? I did okay on the SAT. So, I will do okay on the GRE. I got accepted to college. So, I will have no problem

getting into graduate school. My GRE test is still a year away.

I am only a Freshman/Sophomore/Junior. I don’t need to worry about it yet.

I can’t afford to get help in preparing for the GRE I’m not going to waste my money. It won’t help

anyway. I haven’t even thought about it. I don’t need to practice. You can take as long as you

want to answer the questions. What the heck is the GRE?

The GRE is Used as an Initial Determinant for Applicants If You are Even Considering Graduate School – Don’t Wait!

This Test Partly Determines Your Future!

Prepare Long-Term AND Short-Term!!

Use as Many Options as You Can to be Prepared Cost vs. Investment

See Next Presentation For Information on the Subject Test!

References

Educational Testing Service. (2003). Graduate record examinations. August 30, 2003, from www.gre.org

Kaplan. (2001). GRE exam (5th ed.). New York: Simon & Schuster.

Kaplan, Inc. (2003). Kaplan: Test prep and admissions. August 30, 2003 from www. kaplan. com

U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2002). Occupational employment, training, and earnings. February 3, 2002, from www.bls.gov