[manhattan test--can't access answers and explanations]

Took the first Manhattan computer test tonight--just the math sections.

I finished both Quant sections, got my scores and then exported them as one can do to dig into what happened. Exported to the default "webpage" format and excel workbook. Except that when I click on the link provided for given questions I get a "webpage not found error." So I can't see the answers and explanations. Emailed them of course, but who knows what's up....

Yikes.

Anyone run into this?

[extra scratch paper for Quant--request in advance?]

I'm referring havign taken the GRE in 1993 when it was only available in paper form, no computer version yet.

[extra scratch paper for Quant--request in advance?]

Calling them would be a good idea. However, I found that the Prometric people are generally more worried about sticking to the standards of ETS than actually helping us have a positive testing experience. If it helps to know though, there is a 1 minute break between sections so that is a good time to exchange scratch paper.

The reason why you have to turn in the current scratch paper to get more is because they want an easy way to keep track of everyone's scratch paper. With this system, they know that every student always has 4 pages (2 pieces of paper) at all times. If you ever have less than this, then they know you might have did something with one or more pages!

If you aren't able to get special permission for more paper, my only recommendation is to limit yourself to 4 pages during practices. In the old test system, you cannot skip questions, so there is never a need to look back at old scratch notes -- if you need more paper in the middle of a section, it's about a 20-30 second process to get more. But now that you might want to go back to questions you've started, perhaps you want to strategize your testing order so that you either skip a question, or finish it if you start (i.e. don't start a question and then leave without answering). In my opinion, you should make the decision to write or skip the question almost right away, because going back is going to cost more time anyways. When in doubt, skip!

However, no matter the outcome, you should perhaps write to ETS afterwards and suggest that they allow more scratch paper. I think the old rules might have been writing for the old test conditions (no skipping) and maybe they did not consider how allowing you to skip questions might impact the amount of scratch paper needed.

Yes, the Prometric person on their 800 number for "accomodations" was clueless about the issue. She suggested contacting GRE or the center I'm taking it at directly; that center doesn't answer its phone and just has a recorded message, no option to leave a number or press X to get a human.

I took the GRE in 1993 on paper, so you could go back to questions and you could use the test booklet itself for scratch paper.

I should have written "during a secttion of the test" rather than "during the test." I can see why they'd collect after a section, and also why, as you note, they want to keep track of all paper given out and get it all back. But it's a neanderthal approach they use to keep track by not letting anyone have more than 2 sheets at a time. I'm obviously from another era. I'll practice now with two sheets, but that's a change for me. I take it on Monday.

Thanks.

[extra scratch paper for Quant--request in advance?]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I'm calling them on the scratch paper issue to see if I can get any extra in advance. I get why they collect it at the end, but in the middle of a test is what bothers me.

[extra scratch paper for Quant--request in advance?]

Thanks.

By exchanging it, did you mean you ahd to turn the other booklet in? I don't like that. I want to be able to look at all my scracth paper if I'm going bacl to problems I worked on but didn't review or answer.

Also, the Princeton Review book suggest bringing severla pencils and a relaiable watch, but contradicts that by also saying you can't bring anything into the room and that tehy give you two sharpened pencils. Which isn't enough as far as I'm concerned.

Can you bring a watch and your own pencils and do they jsut give you two to use?

Back in the 90s when I took the paper test you could beign your own watch and as many pencils as you wanted.

Yes, this stuff matters to me.

[extra scratch paper for Quant--request in advance?]

I have a slight motor problem that leads me to be very sloppy in my penmanship, hence I write larger letters, symbols, and numbers, and graphic images. I don't have a formally-declared disability with it or letter from a doctor or anything documented, but it effects--slighlty--everything I do with my hands.

From my practicing the Quant, I see that I'm going through a lot of scratch paper on each section due to this.

I'm certain I'll need extra scratch paper.

Anyone have isnight into how much they give you off the bat and if I can request in advance--now or at the test--extra paper? Of course I'll call Prometric about this, but hope someone here has some knowledge.

(As an addendum to anyone thinking of suggesting I write smaller, I'm not about change my standard m.o. for this one test and throw another wrench into the challenges of the test).

Thanks.

[Really Struggling with Radicals, Roots etc.]

In questions, you know you get these algebra questions with a million square roots and things, sometimes multiplying by each other etc, I've no idea how to even begin with these. :S

get a textbook-type "algebra" book from a book store like Barnes and Noble. The problem with most of the GRE prep material, that I've seen, is that they give a simple review of a concept and numerous problems to work through. You sound like you neeed a full explanation/teaching of the concepts. It can be done quickly; you only need a couple of relevant chapters for this stuff. The textbook kind of material is better at "teaching" I think.

[Test dates in Dec? Need to cancel 11/28 test]

For anyone in this situation or thinking about cancelling and still rescheduling, here's what happend.

1. Since I was registered for 11/28, ETS wouldn't show me any other test dates before 30 days after that. You can't take it/register twice in less than a 30 day period.

2. I created a fake GRE identity to see if there were other local avail. test dates, which were shown to the fake ID since it hadn't registered yet. There were many dates available throughout Dec still. I didn't register for any of course with my fake identity.

3. I cancelled my 11/28 test date. The system then showed my real identity all available test dates.

4. I scheduled a new test about a week later with my real identity.

Had to eat the cost, no refund, and had to pay full price for the new test date--don't care, that's trivial.

The key was figuring out that they wouldn't show me any test dates within 30 days of my already scheduled test date, finding them though the fake identity, and then knowing I was safe cancelling my alreay registered date.

Good to go now.

[Test dates in Dec? Need to cancel 11/28 test]

I had to reschedule on 11/24. In the early afternoon, there were two spots in December. Hours later, the next available spot withing a 150 mile radius was late late January. Luckly I acted in time to not get completely screwed over. I assume it's people who decide to retake it immediately after they saw their unofficial scores. You better bid for you spot NOW.

Thanks.

Did you look into wait-lists if anyone cancelled or that sort of thing?

[Test dates in Dec? Need to cancel 11/28 test]

Lats minute need ot cancel my test on this Wed 11/28.

A few days ago Prometric showed a bunch of Dec test dates still available, now the only date shown in 2 major metro areas and surrounding areas--incl Chicago--is Dec 31. They listed Dec 6 as of last Wed.

Anyone know abotu this? I'm assuming they're updating their system and aren't showing what's available.

I have to forfeit my payment and pay again--which I fine, but I need to reschedule.

Anyone know anything?

[Manhattan v. Nova for quantitative preparation]

Thanks for the tips. I'll look into them. I really appreciate your reply.

I have ETS and Manhattan practice tests but need a review of concepts. Or maybe I don't as much as I think. I haven't taken a practice test in a while now. In the morning I'm going to take one. To be honest, I'm getting stressed out about everything right now. Yes, I have a perfectionist streak about it given my past history with standardized tests, and that's obviously counter-producitivee for me right now. My last stdzd test one was the GRE in 1993. Thank god for this place.

[Manhattan v. Nova for quantitative preparation]

I started on the Nova math book a few days ago. I hate it. Bad move. I need a refresher in terms of review, and it's terrible at that. Many questions to work through, but poor explanations in addition to little review.

I'm going crazy with the math right now. I took the GRE in the 90s and scored in the 97% on math--790 at that time. I could've gone to college on a math scholarship . But I am really rusty, far more so than I expected. Haven't had a math course in 21 years, no stats in 14 years, but have been doing a little tutoring of immigrants and Jr high kids on math for a couple of years now and it all comes back in a snap. Not with Nova. I'm not sure what to do. I take the GRE on 11/28. Don't work, so I have a full week to prep, but Nova is making me feel like I've just wasted 4 days.I'm the type who just needs to get the concept, and I get them quickly, and then I'm off to the races with math. It's not clicking and I don't get it. It also seems like Nova focuses on problems that are obscure. Perhaps I've put too much time into topics given how many Q's they have.

I'm going to get a good book that reviews the concepts rather than having hordes of problems.Noen of what I've seen is really good at that. Suggestions for that?

Scrambling and scratching my head. Something's way off right now. Maybe Nova isn't very representative. I'm blowing the verbal away again like before.

p.s. Nova has come out with a new book that they say is for the revised GRE, new as of Aug or Sept. 2012, which is what I bought.

[When is the latest I can take GRE for Dec 15th deadline?]

I was told by the grad assistant at one of my schools that they actually get the scores in electronic from submitted by ETS fairly quickly, so they have them on hand in electronic form long before they get a paper copy. She said getting the paper form by their deadline of Dec 15th isn't an issue given the electronic submission byt ETS. End of Dec/early Jan is fine to get the paper copy. I'm taking it on 11/28.

It seems that people unaware that scores are reported by ETS in electronic form first and much more quickly.

[Vocabulary relevance for new GRE verbal?]

I actually think a strong vocab might be an even bigger advantage with the current format. I took the "old" GRE 10 years ago when applying for my M.S., and the "revised" GRE this fall. True, vocab is critical with the "old" GRE antonym section. But the "revised" GRE has a question type where you have to pick the combination of 2 words that make the sentence true. The percent chance of guessing correctly is lower on this format (1 in 10 random chance) than the old format (1 in 5).

http://magoosh.com/g...e-and-guessing/

If you know your vocab, you can eliminate several of the answer possibilities, and this "new" question type is actually very easy. OTOH, someone weak in vocab is going to do worse on this new question type if they have to resort to guessing.

There are also several questions where you have to fill in the blank. On the "hard" 2nd verbal section, most of my fill-in-the-blank were 3 parts, each of which had 3 options to choose from. Again, having a strong vocab is a big advantage since the chance of randomly being able to choose answers is very low when all 3 have to be correct in order to get the question right.

Thanks for this.

What do you recommend for review then? Reviewing word lists?

I do have a strong vocab, but have been away from academia for so long that I'm somewhat rusty. I've known the meanings of very many of the "hard" words in the past that I think I can refresh my memory in much less time than someone who needs to learn them in the first place.

[Vocabulary relevance for new GRE verbal?]

You still need to know vocab, but it's all in context now. The question types are very different than the previous test, so it's most important to familiarize yourself with the new format.

If you were able to score 99% on the last version and reading comprehension is your strength, I don't think you'll have any problem with the current test.

Thanks for the "in context" explanation of how vocab is now used. That's important and helpful to know. It's the best and most fundamental, despite being so pithy, explanation I've encountered in trying to get an idea of what's going on now with the new verbal section. Great.

[Vocabulary relevance for new GRE verbal?]

I know they've changed the use of vocabulary in the new GRE by getting rid of analogies and antonyms. I'm not sure how important vocabulary is in the new GRE afetr that revision.

I just took a practice old official GRE from a couple of years ago to evaluate where I'm at currently on verbal and figure out what to focus on in prepping. I scored at the 97%. I missed only 1 question on the reading sections, the rest of the errors were vocabulary issues. (My official verbal score years ago was 99%, so I am aiming to be up there again).

So, what's the deal on vocab now, how important is it now compared to the prior version, and does anyone have suggested strategies for vocab for the new version vs. the old?

I'd be particularly interested in hearing from people who've taken both versions of the actual GRE. Thanks.

[best options for practicing on computer--GRE?]

I'm wondering what are the best options to prep for the computer version of the GRE.

I took the GRE in 1993 and haven't taken a standardized test since, so I have no experience with computer-based tests.

I want to focus on practicing test-taking itself on computer programs to simulate the GRE. I'm in good shape on the actual material, but want to put my time into practicing test-taking on a computer, not having the paper test in front of me, etc.

I have the new ETS book with that program, but I want more tests on computer to practice with.

Recommendations?

[2 Questions: Admission committee/contacting unknown profs]

1. Is there a protocol to asking about who's on the grad admissions committee? Do departments not like to give this info out? Is it ever listed online? I'd ask the grad assistant, whom I've spoken to/emailed with already. I'm known to people in the two departments (an alumnus) I have in mind for this, and I'm wondering who's on the admission committees. Do they not liking sharing this info as it might subject the members to inquiries from applicants? I might know some people on both admish committees.

2. I want to contact some profs from the 2 former schools who don't know me, but do work--are the main people--in the specific subfields and topics I'm applying to study in.

What's advised as a way to make an introduction via email; what to talk about/ask? I want to make contact, and then hopefully get a simple dialogue going to make them aware I'm out here, what I'm into, and get advice and perhaps someone to review my SOP. I'm envisioning a simple intro email, and I'm hoping tto get them to open the door to further contact, like taking a look at my SOP. I'd briefly mention my research interests and diss. topic, but not get too far into them in a first contact. I’m looking to return to finish my PhD, or start over at a new school, so my diss. topic is fairly well-developed and wouldn't be too far off if I return to my old program.

Suggestions? Experience doing this?

Penelope?

Thanks.

[how important is GRE analytical writing score for polisci?]

I've never heard anyone reference the writing score when we discuss candidates. We've got your writing sample, your personal statement, and reference letters that talk about your research and writing skills, and everybody knows the test is flawed.

I appreciate your feedback Penelope. It's helpful and verifies, in the case of your program at least, my hunch.

Thanks.

[how important is GRE analytical writing score for polisci?]

I'm from an earlier generation, so I'm out of the loop on some things, like this issue.

What value(s) do polisci PhD programs generally place on the GRE writing test?

It would seem silly to me to give it much weight considering they'll get a serious, article-length, article-style paper (plus personal statement) to evaluate applicant's analytical/writing skills by the dept for itself. I can't imagine putting much faith in the opinions of the people who score this test section for ETS vs. personal or colleague's views. But what do I know?

Thanks in advance for any comments.

[Best test to use as GRE pre-test/diagnostic before prepping?]

ETS's powerprep II free software are official practice exams you could try. I did find that I scored about 3 points higher(new scale) than on the real thing though

Yes, thanks. I kind of want to save the real GRE tests available until after I've prepped a bit as the final step in preparing, the dry runs at the real thing.

I've heard elsewhere that Manahttan's materials are considered the "best" and closest in terms of scoring to the real thing. Might start there.

[Best test to use as GRE pre-test/diagnostic before prepping?]

I'm looking for suggestions on the best, i.e., most representative of actual current GRE, test available to take to gauge where my skills are right now before I start doing any preparation for the actual test. I want the best ballpark indicator of where I'm at to help decide how much prepping to do, what kind, etc. I'd like to do a computer-based test since that will be new to me.

I have 1993 GRE's (been out of grad school for a dozen years and looking to return) from the paper-based test that were, with percentiles from my final score report (given that time-frame), 790-Quantitative (97%) and 750-Verbal (99%). I probably don't need to do a massive amount of prepping, hence why I'm just getting to it now. But where to begin with a "pre-test?"

It's a brave new world of GRE, and I'm out of touch with what's out there.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Old, early 90s GREs compared to more recent tests/scales/%]

Looking to return or restart after more than 10 years. Rec'd MA.

My GRE scores were from the paper test in early/mid 90s. I raised eyebrows and elicited "wows" back then from even the most elite schools and the most competitive fellowship/scholarship programs: A+Q+V= 2340. Respective percentiles of 99%, 97%, 99%.

GRE scores have drifted higher over time; I'm talking about the 800/800 scale that was recently abandoned. With the more recent score profiles I read about, my scaled scores don't stand out so much as they did back in the day.

In looking at the new test and scaling, etc. I'm wondering what people have to recommend as far as changes, prep sources/services, etc. I've read about some of the changes, e.g. less emphasis on vocabulary for Verbal. I should be able to get super-high scores with some effort, but haven't taken a standardized test in almost 20 years. I don't want to spend $ on professional resources coming from people who themselves don't have top-of-the-line scores.

Suggestions for resources, tactics, strategy, etc.? Are there any decent resources out there yet for the new form of the test? Taking a standardized test on a computer will be new for me, and I want some experience with practice tests taken on a computer.

Thanks.

s.u.e.

p.s. I’m also wondering, if anyone has the historical knowledge, about comparisons of scores from people who took the GRE back when I did, roughly, and then years later after scores had drifted higher in the 2000s.