Okay, I'm officially terrified

[lechat]

Hi all, I'm new here (obviously).

I'll be graduating in Spring 2012 and going to graduate school in Fall 2012. I want to get my Master's in criminology/criminal justice. FSU is my top choice (with a combination of location, research, and notoriety).

Here's my question, should I try and study for the old GRE and take it before August (I'm not even sure if that's an option at this point), and then re-take it with the new GRE at some point during Fall 2011? Or should I just focus on preparing for the new GRE, take it in August and then have to wait until November to get my results and possibly have to retake it early Spring?

I'm not worried about the verbal at all, but I have a math disability (Dyscalculia) that makes math a bit harder for me than most. I have to do it very consistently to do well and word problems give me a panic attack. My plan is to get an above average verbal score, and an average math score. My gut reaction is that even though the new GRE is more complicated in terms of mathematics that I'll have a sufficient amount of time to study (May-August) in order to achieve an okay math score. Any advice on what I should do?

Also, if anyone has any insight into applying to FSU's criminal program (Master's) - I'd love to hear from you.

Thank you!

[neuropsych76]

Hi all, I'm new here (obviously).

I'll be graduating in Spring 2012 and going to graduate school in Fall 2012. I want to get my Master's in criminology/criminal justice. FSU is my top choice (with a combination of location, research, and notoriety).

Here's my question, should I try and study for the old GRE and take it before August (I'm not even sure if that's an option at this point), and then re-take it with the new GRE at some point during Fall 2011? Or should I just focus on preparing for the new GRE, take it in August and then have to wait until November to get my results and possibly have to retake it early Spring?

I'm not worried about the verbal at all, but I have a math disability (Dyscalculia) that makes math a bit harder for me than most. I have to do it very consistently to do well and word problems give me a panic attack. My plan is to get an above average verbal score, and an average math score. My gut reaction is that even though the new GRE is more complicated in terms of mathematics that I'll have a sufficient amount of time to study (May-August) in order to achieve an okay math score. Any advice on what I should do?

Also, if anyone has any insight into applying to FSU's criminal program (Master's) - I'd love to hear from you.

Thank you!

Welcome to the forum!

The big difference between the new and old verisions of the GRE is that you can use a calculator on the new version of the GRE. The new math problems will be harder though. So, do you think harder problems with a calculator would be easier than not as difficult problems without a calculator?

The extra time also helps. Many people spend hundreds of hours studying for the GRE

[lechat]

Thanks!

I'm quite dependent on my calculator in order to double check what I'm doing. Because of my LD, it's very easy for me to make small mental mistakes.

So, I'm leaning more towards the new GRE, despite the increased difficulty.

Edited April 30, 2011 by lechat

[Determined1]

If you are applying in the Fall you may want to take the current GRE, with the new GRE you will not get your official scores until sometime in November and thats only if you take the test August or September and you will need your official scores for a complete your application. If your application deadlines are more in january and february, then its probably okay to take the new GRE as long as you take it early. gre.org has more details on which is best for you to take.

[Thedude22]

I have a learning disability as well that relates to math. If you have it documented you really should fill out all of the necessary paper work to get extra time on the GRE. They can also give you a quiet, lone location for you to take it. I didn't do any of those things and just rushed it and ended up getting a friggin 260 on the math. I got a 570 on the verbal and a 4 on the writing which are much more important to my grad programs, still having such a low math is a major problem. I suggest you talk to your college's disability services as to how you should go about getting aid on the test.