LITTLE BLACK
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GRE
RAHUL SINGH
RAHUL SINGH (HARVARD ALUMNI) shares his
secret success mantras to boost GRE score.
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CONTENTS
SR NO. PARTICULARS PAGE NO.
1. How can we help you!!
2. GRE- An Overview
3. Why take the GRE TEST
4. GRE Syllabus
5. GRE (CAT)
6. How GRE scores are calculated
7. GRE Score Report
8. How much does it cost to take GRE
9. GRE accepting schools in India
10. Success Stories
11. Tips for your study
12. Study Plan
How can we help you!!
Pursuing MS degree is a rewarding experience and GRE is a part of that process. We are here to
help you understand everything you need to know about GRE. Right from taking the test to
getting the best scores on the D-Day.
Here are the advantages of taking GRE Exam.
More than 4,500 programs worldwide use GRE scores to help them find, recruit and select the
students who best fit with their programs.
Your scores are a way to compare yourself with graduate applicants. Figure out what you need
to focus on to help your application.
The GRE exam gives you information about your strengths and weaknesses. Identify the skills
you need to focus on to be successful in your graduate program.
Our commitment to you
We will
1. Provide 100 Hours of Effective eLearning
2. Actual GRE Level mocks
3. Target 320+ in GRE
“Unanchored mind is the STEP #1 to creativity
- LOOSEN up to be a genius – Rahul”
GRE – In a NUTSHELL
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardised test that is an admissions
requirement for most graduate schools in the United States. Created and administered
by Educational Testing Service (ETS) in 1949,[8] the exam aims to measure verbal reasoning,
quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills that have been acquired
over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study. The GRE
General Test is offered as a computer-based exam administered at Prometric testing centers.
In the graduate school admissions process, the level of emphasis that is placed upon GRE scores
varies widely between schools and between departments within schools. The importance of a
GRE score can range from being a mere admission formality to an important selection factor.
The GRE was significantly overhauled in August 2011, resulting in an exam that is not adaptive
on a question-by-question basis, but rather by section, so that the performance on the first
verbal and math sections determine the difficulty of the second sections presented. Overall, the
test retained the sections and many of the question types from its predecessor, but the scoring
scale was changed to a 130 to 170 scale (from a 200 to 800 scale).
The cost to take the test is US$195, although ETS will reduce the fee under certain
circumstances. They also promote financial aid to those GRE applicants who prove economic
hardship. ETS does not release scores that are older than 5 years, although graduate program
policies on the acceptance of scores older than 5 years will vary.
Why Take the GRE Test?
GRE scores are used by admissions officers in roughly 1,800 graduate business and
management programs worldwide. Schools that require prospective students to submit GRE
scores in the application process are generally interested in admitting the best-qualified
applicants for their programs, which means that you may find a more beneficial learning
environment at schools that require GRE scores as part of your application.
Because the GRE test gauges skills that are important to successful study of business and
management at the graduate level, the scores will give a good indication of how well prepared
you are to succeed academically in a graduate management program; how well you do on the
test may also help you choose the business schools to which you apply. Furthermore, the
percentile table you receive with your scores will tell you how your performance on the test
compares to the performance of other test takers, giving you one way to gauge your
competition for admission to business school.
Schools consider many different aspects of an application before making an admissions
decision, so even if you score well on the GRE test, you should contact the schools that interest
you to learn more about them and to ask about how they use GRE scores and other admissions
criteria (such as your undergraduate grades, essays, and letters of recommendation) to
evaluate candidates for admission.
GRE TEST FORMAT
The structure of the computer-based GRE revised General Test consists of six sections. The first
section is the analytical writing section involving separately timed issue and argument tasks.
The next five sections consist of two verbal reasoning sections, two quantitative
reasoning sections, and either an experimental or research section. These five sections may
occur in any order. The experimental section does not count towards the final score but is not
distinguished from the scored sections. Unlike the computer adaptive test prior to August 2011,
the GRE revised General Test is a multistage test, where the examinee's performance on earlier
sections determines the difficulty of subsequent sections. This format allows the examinee to
freely move back and forth between questions within each section, and the testing software
allows the user to "mark" questions within each section for later review if time remains. The
entire testing procedure lasts about 3 hours 45 minutes. One-minute breaks are offered after
each section and a 10-minute break after the third section.
The paper-based GRE General Test consists of six sections and is only available in areas where
computer-based testing is unavailable. The analytical writing is split up into two sections, one
section for each issue and argument task. The next four sections consist of two verbal and two
quantitative sections in varying order. There is no experimental section on the paper-based
test.
Verbal section
The computer-based verbal sections assess reading comprehension, critical reasoning and
vocabulary usage. The verbal test is scored on a scale of 130-170, in 1-point increments (Before
August, 2011 the scale was 200–800, in 10-point increments). In a typical examination, each
verbal section consists of 20 questions to be completed in 30 minutes. Each verbal section
consists of about 6 text completion, 4 sentence equivalence, and 10 critical reading questions.
The changes in 2011 include a reduced emphasis on rote vocabulary knowledge and the
elimination of antonyms and analogies. Text completion items have replaced sentence
completions and new reading question types allowing for the selection of multiple answers
were added
Quantitative section
The computer-based quantitative sections assess basic high school level mathematical
knowledge and reasoning skills. The quantitative test is scored on a scale of 130–170, in 1-point
increments (Before August 2011 the scale was 200–800, in 10-point increments). In a typical
examination, each quantitative section consists of 20 questions to be completed in 35 minutes.
Each quantitative section consists of about 8 quantitative comparisons, 9 problem solving
items, and 3 data interpretation questions. The changes in 2011 include the addition of numeric
entry items requiring the examinee to fill in a blank and multiple-choice items requiring the
examinee to select multiple correct responses.
Analytical writing section
The analytical writing section consists of two different essays, an "issue task" and an "argument
task". The writing section is graded on a scale of 0–6, in half-point increments. The essays are
written on a computer using a word processing program specifically designed by ETS. The
program allows only basic computer functions and does not contain a spell-checker or other
advanced features. Each essay is scored by at least two readers on a six-point holist scale. If the
two scores are within one point, the average of the scores is taken. If the two scores differ by
more than a point, a third reader examines the response.
Issue Task
The test taker is given 30 minutes to write an essay about a selected topic. Issue topics are
selected from a pool of questions, which the GRE Program has published in its entirety.
Individuals preparing for the GRE may access the pool of tasks on the ETS website.
Argument task
The test taker will be given an argument (i.e. a series of facts and considerations leading to a
conclusion) and will be asked to write an essay that critiques the argument. Test takers are
asked to consider the argument's logic and to make suggestions about how to improve the logic
of the argument. Test takers are expected to address the logical flaws of the argument, not to
provide a personal opinion on the subject. The time allotted for this essay is 30 minutes. The
Arguments are selected from a pool of topics, which the GRE Program has published in its
entirety. Individuals preparing for the GRE may access the pool of tasks on the ETS website.
Essay Score Description
1 An essay that is deficient.
2 An essay that is flawed.
3 An essay that is limited.
4 An essay that is adequate.
5 An essay that is strong.
6 An essay that is outstanding.
Experimental section
The experimental section, which can be either a verbal, quantitative, or analytical writing task,
contains new questions ETS is considering for future use. Although the experimental section
does not count towards the test-taker's score, it is unidentified and appears identical to the
scored sections. Because test takers have no definite way of knowing which section is
experimental, it is typically advised that test takers try their best on every section. Sometimes
an identified research section at the end of the test is given instead of the experimental
section. There is no experimental section on the paper-based GRE.
GRE Computer Adaptive Test
The GRE is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), which means that in the multiple-choice sections of
the test, the computer constantly gauges how well you are doing on the test and presents with
questions that are appropriate to the ability level. These questions are drawn from a huge pool
of possible test questions. So, although we talk about the GRE as one test, the GRE test may be
completely different from the test of the person sitting next to you.
How it works?
At the start of each GRE multiple-choice section, you will be presented with a question of
moderate difficulty. The computer uses your response of this first question to determine which
question to present next. If you responded correctly, the test usually will give you questions of
increasing difficulty. If you respond incorrectly, the next question you see usually will be easier
than the one you answered incorrectly. As you continue to respond to the questions presented,
the computer will narrow your score to the number that best characterizes your ability. When
you complete each section, the computer will have an accurate assessment of your ability. As
each question is presented on the basis of your answers to all previous questions, you must
answer each question as it appears. You cannot skip, return to, or change your responses to
previous questions.
Random guessing in GRE
Random guessing can significantly lower your scores. If you do not know the answer to a
question, you should try to eliminate as many choices as possible, then select the answer you
think is best. If you answer a question incorrectly by mistake or correctly by lucky guess, your
answers to subsequent questions will lead you back to questions that are at the appropriate
level of difficulty for you.
How GRE scores are calculated
An examinee can miss one or more questions on a multiple-choice section and still receive a
perfect score of 170. Likewise, even if no question is answered correctly, 130 is the lowest
possible score.
The GRE scores are determined by:
The number of questions answered
Whether the answer is correct or incorrect
The level of difficulty and other statistical characteristics of each question
The Verbal, Quantitative, and Total GRE scores are determined by a complex mathematical
procedure that takes into account the difficulty of the questions that were presented to you
and how you answered them. When you answer the easier questions correctly, you get a
chance to answer harder questions making it possible to earn a higher score. After you have
completed all the questions on the test or when your time is up, the computer will calculate
your scores. Your scores on the Verbal and Quantitative sections are combined to produce your
Total score. If you have not responded to all the questions in a section (40 Quantitative
questions or 40 Verbal questions), the score is adjusted, using the proportion of questions
answered.
There will be a plenty of time to sleep when
“
you are dead –wake up and kick start now!”
- Rahul
GRE Score Report
The GRE Score Report has the following components:
Quantitative Score (130-170), with percentile
Verbal Score (130-170), with percentile
Total GMAT Score (Quant + Verbal) (260-340), with percentile
AWA Score (half-integers from 0 to 6), with percentile
GRE Percentile vs. Score
GRE total score is between 260 to 340. At 260, you will get zero percentile and at 340
score you will get 100 percentile. Lets see what percentile ranking you will will get for
what score. You can see as you move up, it becomes more difficult (You need higher
score jump) to increase percentile ranking.
GMAT Total Score Percentile Ranking
260 0%
294 35%
304 50%
316 78%
328 93%
339 99%
750 98%
760-800 99%+
What is Good GMAT Score?
Now this depends upon the type o Business Schools you are aiming. Harvard and
Stanford have GMAT average scores for students as 724 and 730 respectively. For other
top ten schools, average GMAT score is around 715.
Is GMAT score Everything?
No. Above scores are average GMAT scores, which means individual scores vary both
above and below these numbers. Besides GMAT score, there are other parameters such
as your work experience, references, interview, and essays, on which business school
admission depends.
"The more you talk about negative things in your
life, the more you call them in, Speak Victory not defeat."
-Rahul
USE IN ADMISSION
Many graduate schools in the United States require GRE results as part of the admissions
process. The GRE is a standardized test intended to measure the abilities of all graduates in
tasks of general academic nature, regardless of their fields of specialization. The GRE is
supposed to measure the extent to which undergraduate education has developed an
individual's verbal and quantitative skills in abstract thinking.
Unlike other standardized admissions tests (such as the SAT, LSAT, and MCAT), the use and
weight of GRE scores vary considerably not only from school to school, but from department to
department, and from program to program also. Programs in liberal arts topics may only
consider the applicant's verbal score to be of interest, while mathematics and science programs
may only consider quantitative ability; however, since most applicants to mathematics, science,
or engineering graduate programs all have high quantitative scores, the verbal score can
become a deciding factor even in these programs. Admission to graduate schools depends on a
complex mix of several different factors. Schools see letters of recommendation, statement of
purpose, GPA, GRE score etc. Some schools use the GRE in admissions decisions, but not in
funding decisions; others use the GRE for the selection of scholarship and fellowship
candidates, but not for admissions. In some cases, the GRE may be a general requirement for
graduate admissions imposed by the university, while particular departments may not consider
the scores at all. Graduate schools will typically provide information about how the GRE is
considered in admissions and funding decisions, and the average scores of previously admitted
students. The best way to find out how a particular school or program evaluates a GRE score in
the admissions process is to contact the person in charge of graduate admissions for the
specific program in question (and not the graduate school in general).
How much does it cost to take the exam?
Forms of Online Payment
Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or JCB)
Debit card (Visa or MasterCard only)
Debit cards from India are not accepted presently.
Refund on cancellation
When cancelling online more than 7 full days prior to the date and time of GMAT appointment,
candidates will receive a refund of US$80. If cancelled in less than 7 full days prior to
appointment date and time, there is no refund.
If candidate misses the scheduled appointment for any reason, registration fee will be forfeited.
GRE accepting business schools in India:
The following is the List of all graduate and business schools in India that accept GRE scores
today:
1. Aegis School of Business
2. Amrita School of Business
3. Anna University
4. Apeejay Stya University, School of English & Technology
5. Aryans Business School
6. Asia Graduate School of Business
7. Bhaktivedanta Institute
8. Department of Education Dharamsala
9. Global School of Management
10. Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
11. Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
12. Indian School of Business (not for the MBA program)
13. International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore
14. International School of Management Excellence
15. JECRC University
16. Lovely Professional University
17. Myra School of Business
18. National Institute of Technology Kamataka Surathkal
19. NIILM Center for Management Studies
20. NIIT University
21. Panjab University
22. Peoples Education Society
23. Praxis Business School
24. T A Pai Management Institute
25. TASMAC, Pune
26. Tata Institute of Social Science
27. Tata Services Limited
28. Universal Business School
29. University of Bombay
30. University of Delhi
31. Varanasi School of Management Sciences
A complete list of the graduate and business school programs around the world that accept
GRE scores can be accessed at www.ets.org/gre/programs. To view only the list of business
schools that accept GRE scores for MBA admissions, visit www.ets.org/gre/mba/programs.
Tips for Your Study
Consider the following when building your GMAT prep strategy. I’ve rolled up these notes from
my studies and from the experiences of the hundreds of test takers I’ve had contact with since
the start of my own GRE journey:
Once you’ve created a study plan, stick to it. You will get results through discipline!
Review all material with a pen and paper in hand. Most strategy guides are packed with
information that you should carefully digest, so take notes. You should also consider making
some flashcards for important concepts. You can download an set of free GRE HIGH
FREQUENCY WORDS as a model for your own flashcards
Keep an error log. Error logs are great for reviewing your performance and tracking your
improvements
Always time your practice. Even if you’re at the early stages of your prep, time yourself. As you
progress, try to impose realistic time limits for solving a given question (about 90 seconds per
question), it will help you build a solid instinct for pacing
Get a thorough review of GRE concepts prior to prepping with Official Guide
material. TheOfficial Guide for GRE Review series is extremely valuable since it features real
(but retired) test questions. Be sure you have a basic foundation on the test prior to going
through these practice questions
Take practice tests under simulated conditions. If possible, try to take your practice tests at the
same hour of the day you would take your actual GRE. Also, try to mimic the environment of a
testing center. I personally enjoyed taking practice tests in a lightly trafficked area of a library
to get used to the ambient noise
If you get a question wrong, make sure you review it properly. You must understand why the
correct answer choice is right and why all the rest are wrong. This exercise will help you avoid
future mistakes!
If you were unsure about a question but guessed correctly, review it as if you got it wrong.
Maybe you got lucky this time around, but you may not be so lucky on test day
Know when to guess and move along. You must answer all questions on the GRE. You will be
heavily penalized for not answering a question, so pace yourself well
In the last few days before the GMAT, ramp down your prep. Your body needs lots of rest for
this 3+ hour test. Eat well and get some sleep!