The Graduate Record Examination, also known as the GRE, is a standardized test required for admission to most graduate programs within the United States. The exam measures quantitative and verbal reasoning, critical thinking skills, and analytical writing. The areas of knowledge being tested are not dependent on any specific coursework. Rather, they test the accumulated knowledge of a student which has been gathered over the entirety of their academic career. The GRE is usually administered as a computer-based exam.
Students attempting the GRE for the first time are often quite intimidated because the results of the exam may determine their eligibility to the graduate school they wish to attend. Others look for assistance after taking the exam once in hopes of retaking the exam and improving their score. GRE tutors can help ensure that students are able to achieve their best score by helping them improve their study habits and reviewing the specific skills covered on the exam.
The quantitative section of the GRE assesses the tester's basic math knowledge and reasoning skills. The math level is consistent with basic high school level knowledge. The verbal section of the GRE assesses the tester's vocabulary usage, reading comprehension, and critical reasoning skills. Each of these portions of the GRE is scored in one point increments on a scale of 130-170.
The analytical writing section of the GRE assesses the tester's ability to read analytically and then write an informed response. This is accomplished by giving the tester a reading selection that puts forth an opinion based on a series of facts. The reader then analyzes the argument for logical flaws and provides suggestions to improve the argument. The writing is graded by two separate readers who score in half point increments using a scale of 0-6.
Unlike many standardized exams utilized in program admissions, the weight of the GRE score varies considerably. Each school, indeed sometimes each individual program within a school, looks for different things in the GRE scores. Liberal arts programs often place a greater emphasis on the verbal score. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs tend to place a greater emphasis on the quantitative score. In other instances, a school may have entrance requirements based on overall GRE scores while the individual programs do not consider the scores at all.
A personalized GRE tutoring plan can emphasize the areas most relevant to improving a student's individual score, in the areas most relevant to their academic needs. Practice exams can identify areas of weakness for those who have yet to take the exam or past exam scores can be the guidepost for developing a unique tutoring plan. Studying for the GRE does not need to be a stressful and lonely endeavor; a GRE tutor can help make the experience fun and collaborative. By taking the time to get to know each student, the tutor is able to discover individual their learning styles. This allows lessons to be delivered in a way that makes the information easier to understand and master.
A private GRE tutor is able to meet when and where it is most convenient for their student. Students may prefer to work in their home study area, on a campus, in a library, or in another public setting. Some students prefer to interact with their tutors online through our face to face live learning platform. Giving students the ability to choose when and where they collaborate with their tutor provides them with the most comfortable, flexible, and customizable GRE tutoring experience possible.
Working with a GRE tutor can help a student prepare for the exam in an efficient, low-stress manner. Call the directors at Varsity Tutors today so we can help you to connect with a private GRE tutor in your area.
