GREMasterEMPOWERRichC

Hi Nico Corr, While there are some 'elements' that the GRE and LSAT share, they both consist of enough 'unique' material that you would need to invest some serious study time to properly prepare for each Exam. Since you're considering both Exams, it would help to better define your overall timeline. When do you think you'll be applying to Grad School? How much time do you think you can commit to studying each week? GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi mlisci, Considering the cost of Grad School (and the potential benefits of Scholarships/Grants), the cost to retake the GRE is negligible. Many Test Takers spend upwards of 3 months (or more) on their studies, so it's possible that you just have not put in enough time to score at a really high level in Quant. The 'break' that you took also probably impacted your studies, so we have a logical explanation for your performance on Test Day. When are your application deadlines? How much time do you think you could commit to studying during a typical week? GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi gctsan, Since you've already scored a Q161, I'm going to take it on faith that you know how to calculate an average. As such, that information does NOT mean that you must have a Q167 to apply. All things being equal, it means that you're dealing with a competitive program and a higher Quant score would probably make it easier for you to get that coveted invite. We're you able to pick up the MSTs I mentioned in my PM? GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi Megan, With a Q148, there are likely other areas to work on besides your general 'focus'; the GRE Quant sections are remarkably consistent and predictable, so you CAN train to score at a high level. If you're inconsistent with the 'steps' that you go through or the tactics that you use, then your scores can vary. I'll bet that you know your math formulas and rules just fine, but if you don't 'see' (and respond to) the GRE in the right ways, the result can be low scores. Have you set your next Test Date yet? GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi mlisci, Since it sounds like you already know which Programs interest you, you should be able to research them in more detail (and determine the average GRE score for incoming classes, the 'middle 80%, or some other statistical information that will help you to assess your own scores). As it stands, I think that you would probably benefit from retaking the GRE and raising your Quant Score (your Verbal Score is already at about the 90th percentile, so you just have to keep those skills 'sharp.' How long did you study for your first attempt? What resources did you use? GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi marmelade, The EMPOWERgre Course includes a specific AWA Module that makes dealing with the Issue and Argument Essays really easy. The GRE essay graders are consistent in rewarding a certain type of style and structure, so once you learn what the graders want to see, repeating it on Test Day isn't that difficult. GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi Megan, From what you describe, there are 2 ways to approach the issue that you're facing: 1) Get comfortable with working in a quiet room. This will require that you choose your study environment more careful (maybe a private area in a library) so that you can build up a tolerance for working in this way. 2) Find something that you can use to provide the sensory input that you're looking for. There will likely not be much in the way of examples that will 'fit' this approach though. Did the Testing Center offer earplugs? And would wearing earplugs provide the type of sensory input that you are looking for? How did you score on your GRE? What is your goal score? GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi columbia09, Most GRE Companies offer some type of free resources (practice problems, Trial Accounts, videos, etc.), so that you can 'test out' a product before you purchase it. We have a variety of free resources at our site (www.empowergre.com). You should plan to take advantage of all of the freebies, then choose the product(s) that best match your personality, timeline and budget. GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi gctsan, I'm hoping that you can clarify some of the information that you provided in your post: 1) When you say that you used the PowerPrep MSTs, are you referring to the ones that you can download from www.gre.org? 2) Why do you think that you 'need' a Q167? Is that a minimum requirement to apply? An average Quant score for the program? GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi VJ49, Since applying to, and ultimately attending, Grad School requires a significant investment of time, money and energy, you really need to think about what YOU want out of the degree. There are a variety of factors to consider, including: 1) Is there a particular company or field that you want to work in? Certain Programs/Degrees are more appropriate than others (and some may even be 'feeder' Schools)? 2) Where are you willing to relocate to? Would you be willing to take your classes online? 3) Are there budgetary concerns? Are you interested in Scholarships? Etc. It's okay if you don't have answers to these questions just yet, but you really have to define YOUR parameters so that you can find the Program that best matches your needs. GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi puyple, If you know which Schools you're planning to apply to, then I would start by visiting each Schools specific website and looking for the information there. If you can't find it, then you should contact the Admissions Office directly and ask - they will almost certainly provide you with any general information that you're looking for. GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi bookworm1, With a December Test Date, you have plenty of time to prepare for the Quant section (but as an aside, you should probably still invest some time in your Verbal prep as well). If you have not yet done so, it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH MST (you can download 2 for free from www.gre.org). Once you have those scores, you should report back here and we can talk through your study options. TakeruK is correct - the Quant section of the GMAT is based heavily on your critical thinking skills and problem-solving ability. This means that while you DO need to know your math rules, you're going to find that many of the Quant questions that you face can be easily solved by using tactics and/or pattern-matching. If you're a bit 'rusty' on your math, then I suggest that you spend some time at Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org) - the site is free and makes the learning a bit more 'game-like' and fun (as opposed to most books, which focus on a dry academic approach). Do you have a score goal in mind? When are you applying to Grad School? GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi columbia09, It sounds like you didn't take your studies very seriously, so given that (and all of the other information that you've provided), your GRE score results are not surprising. That having been said, you could likely improve your scores in a short period of time if you had the proper resources and if you were committed to studying. Did the Advisor mention a specific score that would qualify you for financial support? GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi marco_p, With a 330/Q167/V163, you have an outstanding GRE score and your V163 far 'outweighs' the AWA 4.0. As an 'informal rule', most Schools expect a minimum of 4 on the AWA, so you likely have nothing to worry about there. You CAN contact the School directly though, if you have questions. All things being equal, you would probably be better served by working on the other parts of your application(s). GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi psychkita, I'm sorry to hear that Test Day didn't go as well as hoped. I'd like to know more about how you handled the Exam: 1) What time was your Official GRE? 2) Is there a reason why you took it on a Saturday? 3) Did you have any specific issues with the Quant section (tough questions, pacing issues, etc.)? As far as how you can proceed, you mentioned in an earlier post how you wouldn't have time to study and retake the GRE. Can you go into a bit more detail about that? GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi auygur, Given the Schools that you've listed, and the Programs involved, you should retake the GRE. Since those Schools are so competitive, you might also want to work with an Admissions Expert on your applications. What resources did you use to prepare for your first attempt? When are the application deadlines for the Programs that you're interested in? GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi jxu, What application deadlines are you facing? When would you want to retake the GRE? GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi laurjorg, Are you asking about this because you're 'unhappy' with your score results? What were your score goals when you started studying? GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi HYHY02, From what you describe, the only reasonable 'next' move is to take a FULL MST (including the Essays) in a realistic and test-like fashion. 'Estimates' are all well-and-good, but there's no substitute for a FULL MST. You should plan to take one soon (perhaps this weekend) and report back with your scores. GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi percheme, From your post, it sounds like you plan to take at least 3 MSTs in this last week - that is NOT a good idea. Taking lots of MSTs will likely lead to no tangible improvement (and you're more likely to 'burn out' before Test Day). In this last week, you have enough time to take 1 FULL MST, but the rest of your time should be spent on light review, study, practice, etc. GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi percheme, Have you taken any FULL MSTs (including the Essays) yet? If so, then how did you score. In your post, you mention your score goal for the Quant, but not one for the Verbal (or for the overall score). It's tough to offer specific advice on your situation since you haven't provided much in the way of specific information. GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi Kikyo, Most Programs provide information on their respective websites about 'class profiles' (score information, minimum requirements, etc.) so that applicants can have a basis for comparison (for their own profiles). If that information is not available, then you should contact the Schools directly; the Admissions Officers should be able to directly answer any questions that you might have. GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi hulihuo, With Schools/Programs that are that competitive, a strong OVERALL profile is required, so you might want to discuss your situation with an Admissions Expert. That Expert would probably be able to offer a more detailed perspective on how competitive your GRE score is (and whether you should take the GMAT or not). GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi jxu, Have you researched the individual Schools that you're interested in? The websites from each of these Schools will likely give you a better sense of how competitive your GRE score is (and how it compares to the average score, median score, etc. for incoming classes). At face value, these scores are likely 'in range' of the Schools you named. If your overall profile is strong AND you present yourself correctly, then you might have a strong enough GRE score right now to receive an invitation to any (or all) of those Schools. If you decide that you do want to retest, then you should post back here and we can talk through your options. GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich

Hi PrashMc, Since you sent your GRE score to those 4 Schools, is it safe to assume that THOSE are Schools that you're interested in? If you're not sure which Schools to apply to, then you really should do some research into the type of Degree that interests you, so that you can find the Programs that offer what you're looking for. Most Schools post data on their websites about average/median GRE scores, profile information on incoming classes, etc., so that you have a basis for comparison (for your own profile). If your GRE scores appear 'too low', then a retest would probably be a good idea. How long did you study? What practice resources did you use during your studies? GRE Masters aren't born, they're made, Rich