Who's taken the GRE?

[AreaCode707]

And what's it like? I just found a website where you can take lots of different practice tests, from the SATs to the MCATs and I'll probably check out the GRE later. But has anyone taken it? What's a passing score?

 

[dullard]

I took the GRE - however it will be changing this year. So if you take it in the future, our responses now will not be applicable.

When I took it there where 3 parts: vocabulary, algebra, and logic (they have different names, but this is basically what the test is). The vocab part was the most difficult in my opinion - if you don't know a word you have no chance. The only way to improve is to sit long hours memorizing long lists of typically used words (do you know the definition of zyzzyva?). This is a complete waste of time - and really doesn't prove that you will do well in grad school - so the average score here is about 450 out of 800 (if I remember right). The algebra part uses math from junior high school. For people who are good at math, it is like a stroll on a beach remembering the simple times you had 10 years ago in junior high. With a little tutoring, anybody who stuggles with math should be able to do quite well (the questions are not at all advanced or complicated). The logic part can be tricky - especially if you don't take practice tests like the ones you pointed out. Everyone I knew who filled out at least 3 practise logic tests got a perfect score. The logic questions go like this:
"Suzy, Bob, Jan, John, and Ralph sit in a circle. Going clockwise, Bob sits directly on the left side of Jan. Who sits directly left of Bob?" The answer is simple, Jan.
Make sure you use plenty of scratch paper to draw the people sitting down and you will do just fine.

A passing score is hard to define. There are three tests each with 800 possible points. So you could add up all points and list that result out of 2400. However it usually isn't done that way. For example, I went into engineering and my university only looked at the math and logic scores (the vocab score was ignored). Typically engineering schools require a total of 1200 in the math and logic sections (although I've seen this vary from 1100 to 1400). Anyone who can do simple addition and can draw a circle of people should be able to get 700 on the math and 750 logic - easilly passing all requirements I've ever seen. If you go to grad school in english, they might just look at the vocab part.

 

[Spamela]

i took it. it's physically very demanding - i had a headache & stiff neck/shoulders afterwards.

there is no passing score. the institution to which you're applying decides what percentile scores they want their applicants to obtain, along with GPA & recommendations, etc.

 

[FelixDeCat]

We take the TASS test in Texas.

 

[McPhreak]

Originally posted by: Spamela
i took it. it's physically very demanding - i had a headache & stiff neck/shoulders afterwards.

You should take the MCAT.

I'm practicing for the GRE now and it's cake compared to the MCAT. 3 hours really isn't that long.

I'm also wondering whether the practice test they give via Powerprep (ETS) is exactly the same in terms of the look and feel on the monitor. Anyone know?

BTW: They will be getting rid of the analytical (logic) section and replacing it with analytical writing starting in October of this year. You gotta read some stuff and write an essay about the logic of the passage. You can read more about it on the ETS website.

 

[DaveSimmons]

I'm practicing for the GRE now and it's cake compared to the MCAT. 3 hours really isn't that long.

but take it on the same day as a major-specific GRE (I took it with the Comp Sci) and that's the definition of true fun

too bad about them taking out the logic section -- that part actually was kind of fun, almost certainly more fun than a writing section will be for CS/EE/MIS geeks (though I did quite well on the verbal).

 

[linuxboy]

I'm also wondering whether the practice test they give via Powerprep (ETS) is exactly the same in terms of the look and feel on the monitor. Anyone know?

Nearly identical. The differences aren't noticeable.

And what's it like?

After the first hour, I started guessing at random since I get a tad peeved at spending time at what seem to be useless tasks. It's not too bad, just get plenty of sleep and take some practice exams to know what it feels like.

What's a passing score?

If you're really considering a school, go to the department website to look up stats on what people who are accepted typically receive. If the school has no website, call or write and ask. It depends on the program. Acceptance also varies with the quality and prestige of recommendations, GPA, work history, etc. All about the politics and fitting into their image of what a person who applies should be like.

Cheers !

 

[Capn]

Wow, if those changes are correct I'm glad I don't have to take it after October.

I got a 2050, which is good but not stellar. I think my breakdown was 790q 690a and 570v.

My experience, gripe about the $120 or so it takes to register for the exam. Get up early and tired to drive down to the exam testing center. Sit and wait around till it's your turn, show them your ID etc. They take a godawful black and white digital picture of you a 8am, they give you your pencils, scratch paper, and ear plugs. The lead you into the computer room where you fill out what schools you want your scores sent to etc. Then you begin, as others have said there's 3 sections analytical, quantitative, and verbal. The real killer is they give you another section as a test section, and you don't know which one it is, which sucks. Finish your exam, get your scores, go home feeling like you should've done better. Overall it's a painful experience, but there are obviously harder exams you could've taken.