GRE TEST PREPARATION

That there should one man die ignorant who had capacity for knowledge, this I call a tragedy.” Thomas Carlyle.

Planning to attend graduate school? You can boost your GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores by being fully prepared for test day. Our test preparation guide contains vital information about the new GRE CAT as well as sample questions for you to try.

Your GRE score will help the graduate admissions offices of your prospective universities decide whether or not to accept your application. Therefore, the tests are an important factor in the success of your post-graduate life, and worth preparing for as best you can.

The GRE program offers three tests: the GRE General Test, Subject Tests, and, as of October 1999, the Writing Assessment.

GRE General Test. This is an aptitude test that measures your abilities in math, English and logic. As of April 10, 1999, the GRE General Test is only available as the GRE CAT (Computer-Adaptive Test). As the paper-and-pencil test is no longer available, all the test preparation information contained here will refer to the GRE CAT.

The General Test is a requirement of almost all US colleges and universities. Some Canadian universities also require your GRE score when you apply for graduate entry.

Subject Tests. Find out from the admissions office of the colleges you are applying to if a Subject Test is required by the department you want to join. The paper-and-pencil Subject Tests measure achievement in a specific subject that assumes an undergraduate knowledge of that area. There are 14 Subject Tests to choose from, including:

• Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Economics (not offered on the November test date)
• Engineering
• Geology (not offered on the November test date)
• History (discontinued after April 2000)
• Literature in English
• Mathematics
• Music (not offered on the December test date)
• Physics
• Psychology
• Sociology (discontinued after April 2000)

The Subject Tests are offered only on a limited number of days per year. The next available dates are December 11, 1999 and April 8, 2000. Contact www.gre.org for further information.

GRE Writing Assessment. The newest of the GRE tests (October 1999), the Writing Assessment is a computer-based test, consisting of two separate analytical tasks:

• A 45 minute "Present Your Perspective on an Issue" assignment. An opinion will be stated on an issue of general interest and you will be asked to address the issue from a perspective of your choosing.
• A 30 minute "Analyze an Argument" assignment. This requires you to critique an argument by discussing how well reasoned you found it.

This test is separate and optional to the General Test. Check with your prospective graduate schools to determine if they require this test.

The Writing Assignment is available year-round, however, you cannot take a Subject Test on the same day.

The aim of the Writing Assignment is to demonstrate your ability to think and write clearly and analytically. It is not a test of specific content knowledge, nor is it a multiple-choice test.

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