I took the GRE last Monday. It went pretty well. The test is divided into two major sections: verbal and quantitative, each with a max score of 800. There is also a third, writing section, that is scored on a scale of one to six. If you're going to take it soon, here are my tips:
-The two essays in the writing section are really easy. Just use big words, references to current or historical events, and, most importantly, a clear outline of your basic points.
-If you feel like you are a math idiot and you're bombing it, you might be. BUT, more likely than not, you're probably doing fine. I say this because, I felt like I knew the answer to about two questions, but, according to my score, I knew a few more than that. Some people said that memorizing geometry and algebra equations was one of the most important things you could do to help raise your score. When I got to the quantitative portion, I felt like I really didn't use many of those equations; but, then again, maybe that was because I had no idea what I was doing on that sections. Your call.
-The verbal sections is considered the hardest, but I felt the best about that. It is essential to study vocabulary words. Books such as the Princeton Review include what is called the "Hit Parade." This is a list of words that commonly appear on the GRE. Start early, and memorize these words and their definitions! I saw a TON of these words on the actual test.
-Lastly, relax. If you're decently intelligent, you'll do fine. If you got a respectable score on your ACT or SAT, you'll likely get a respectable score on the GRE.
I studied for about 2 months. I think I could have taken it in six weeks and done just as well. With this amount of study time, I scored about 100 to 200 points more than some of my friends that took the test after studying for only about a week. Depending on the schools you're applying to, more or less studying is in order. Check the school's website to determine what their minimum score is. Then, take the stupid thing, go get some drinks, lay in bed all day reading New Moon and, finally, stuff yourself on turkey and Thanksgiving goodness! I surely have a lot to be thankful for this year :)
Showing posts with label GRE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GRE. Show all posts
The Binge
I just ate 9 cookies.
Yes, nine...well, maybe ten. I lost count.
Why? Why did I eat 9 cookies (or maybe ten)? Because I'm procrastinating and that's what I do when I procrastinate. And it all goes downhill from there. One cookie turns into nine (or ten), then I'm researching weight loss techniques which leads me to thenest.com. The Nest is filled with subscribers venting their woes of marital weight gain. I feel better because all of you are sweet whores too. And now I'm blogging. It's a vicious cycle, but I justify it because I haven't posted in quite some time.
What is it with girls and sweets?! God forbid I do something else enjoyable! I should have just skipped right to blogging, and avoided 5 extra pounds. But instead, I scarf down as many cookies as possible as though I'm trying to break the world record.
So, what is it that I'm trying to avoid...studying for the GRE. Shocked? Yes, that's right...I have decided to apply to graduate school. A few weeks ago, I decided that I would apply to the Marriage and Family Therapy program. So far so good. I have a couple good references, have been going to GRE workshops, and have a killer resume. The nine cookie debacle is my first road block. Other potential obstacles include:
-There is only one accredited program in the state
-Hubs informing me that, "I don't want you to go to graduate school....who will cook for me?" (He was kidding...mostly)
-I really enjoy not studying
-This could get in the way of other hobbies...sleeping and eating cookies
-I may gain 15 pounds before I actually turn my application in
-We will likely be pretty poor in grad school. (At least I have the comfort of knowing that, if worse came to worse, I could always enter an eating contest).
However, these are fairly minor obstacles and, in all actuality, I am thrilled with my decision. I think it's a really good career path for me. So, nearly two hours later, I'm off to study. Don't worry, I already ate all the cookies...so I should get a lot done ;)
Yes, nine...well, maybe ten. I lost count.
Why? Why did I eat 9 cookies (or maybe ten)? Because I'm procrastinating and that's what I do when I procrastinate. And it all goes downhill from there. One cookie turns into nine (or ten), then I'm researching weight loss techniques which leads me to thenest.com. The Nest is filled with subscribers venting their woes of marital weight gain. I feel better because all of you are sweet whores too. And now I'm blogging. It's a vicious cycle, but I justify it because I haven't posted in quite some time.
What is it with girls and sweets?! God forbid I do something else enjoyable! I should have just skipped right to blogging, and avoided 5 extra pounds. But instead, I scarf down as many cookies as possible as though I'm trying to break the world record.
So, what is it that I'm trying to avoid...studying for the GRE. Shocked? Yes, that's right...I have decided to apply to graduate school. A few weeks ago, I decided that I would apply to the Marriage and Family Therapy program. So far so good. I have a couple good references, have been going to GRE workshops, and have a killer resume. The nine cookie debacle is my first road block. Other potential obstacles include:
-There is only one accredited program in the state
-Hubs informing me that, "I don't want you to go to graduate school....who will cook for me?" (He was kidding...mostly)
-I really enjoy not studying
-This could get in the way of other hobbies...sleeping and eating cookies
-I may gain 15 pounds before I actually turn my application in
-We will likely be pretty poor in grad school. (At least I have the comfort of knowing that, if worse came to worse, I could always enter an eating contest).
However, these are fairly minor obstacles and, in all actuality, I am thrilled with my decision. I think it's a really good career path for me. So, nearly two hours later, I'm off to study. Don't worry, I already ate all the cookies...so I should get a lot done ;)
