Preparing for the GRE

As December nears, many seniors begin to make plans for the future. Some will head home and continue the family business, some will get married and start a family and others will make the hard decision to stay in school.

“If your planning to get your master’s it all starts with taking the GRE,” said Emerald Minor, a senior in Psychology.

The Graduate Record Examination, otherwise know as the GRE, is feared by most college seniors. Although this test lasts for more than 3 hours, it doesn’t have to be a grueling experience. There are some helpful hints that can ease the testing process.

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First, always register for the GRE in advance. Look at your schedule. Know when you have time to study and what weeks work best for you. The GRE does take preparation so try to schedule it on a week when you have the least going on.

“I had a test and a paper due in the same week of my GRE test,” said Olivia Payne, a senior in Liberal Arts. “After the test, I got my score back and I wished I had had more time to study. It’s a test that takes concentration, and if your mind isn’t there then you waste $150.”

Yes, the test does cost $150, but don’t be alarmed, because the score is good for up to five years. So, if your not planning on going to graduate school right away, but want to keep your options open for the future, going ahead and taking the GRE is the smart decision.

“My second bit of advice is to always eat a healthy breakfast before the test,” said Minor. “There’s nothing worse than sitting in a test hungry.”

Many students bring in mints or a pack of peanut butter crackers to avoid any hunger distraction.

Lastly, after taking the test, the computer will automatically give you a score. This is helpful for those seeking a specific score or those in a time crunch to apply to graduate school.

“Don’t get too worked up about your score,” said Minor. “If you did great, then you never have to take it again, but if you didn’t do so hot you can always retake the test.”

If your score doesn’t match your expectations, you will have to wait a full month before registering to take the test again. This time should not be wasted. Buy some study books and devote time to studying.