Undergrad student: What to really expect & How to get there?

[wannabeZoologist]

Hello, I'm currently going to be a sophomore, and I'm pretty much freaking out about the GRE right now. I just ordered a book, Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions, to hopefully brush up on my math skills for the next few weeks, then move on to the other books/test prep. I hope to be able to go to grad school straight after my undergrad years, but don't really know how it works (but that's for another thread I suppose).

 

Back to the topic, I'm not the best at standardized tests. I was just wondering, when did you guys start studying? I know I should have probably started last year, but couldn't find the time.

 

I always hear how the GRE compares to the SAT, but how does it compare to the ACT?
If you want to go straight out of your undergrad years, when exactly do you need to take it by (when in your junior year did you take it)?

How much do colleges look at the score? Like I said, I'm not the best at standardized tests, but I do have quite a bit of experience.

Right now, I'm considering schools such as the Unversity of Montana, University of Idaho, University of Washington, Southern Illinois University, University of Colorado Boulder, Northern Arizona University, etc. What score do you think will be needed for a Forestry/Wildlife Biology masters?

Do you have any tips for taking the GRE?

(Kind of unrelated) When do you start visiting labs/emailing professors that you're interested in?

 

Since I'm still freaking out a bit, I can't really think of anything else, so I guess this will be it for now. I really appreciate any help/input, I know that some of you were in my place, I hope haha.

[Brent@GreenlightGRE]

Hi wannabeZoologist, 

 

I'll answer a few of these questions. 

The best way to find out exactly what you're in for is to take an official PowerPrep practice test: https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare/powerprep2/ 

I always encourage students to take a practice test VERY early in their studies (within the first week of preparing). I do this for several reasons: 

- Students should know, as soon as possible, exactly what they will be preparing for over the coming weeks and months. 
- The results of this test help students gauge the amount of work required to reach their target score. 
- These practice tests help build confidence, since scores inevitably improve as the student prepares. 

 

If you're interested,we have a free 9-minute video summary of what the GRE is about. It's video #1 at http://www.greenlighttestprep.com/module/general-gre-info-and-strategies 

 

You also asked how one gets started preparing for the GRE. Many test prep companies have Study Guides that direct your studies from Day 1 to test day. We have one such Guide here: http://www.greenlighttestprep.com/study-guide/overview  

 

This ensures that you cover everything that the GRE tests. 

 

I hope that helps. 

 

Cheers,

Brent - Greenlight Test Prep

[Mystic_Fog]

Hello, I'm currently going to be a sophomore, and I'm pretty much freaking out about the GRE right now. I just ordered a book, Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions, to hopefully brush up on my math skills for the next few weeks, then move on to the other books/test prep. I hope to be able to go to grad school straight after my undergrad years, but don't really know how it works (but that's for another thread I suppose).

 

Back to the topic, I'm not the best at standardized tests. I was just wondering, when did you guys start studying? I know I should have probably started last year, but couldn't find the time.

 

I always hear how the GRE compares to the SAT, but how does it compare to the ACT?

If you want to go straight out of your undergrad years, when exactly do you need to take it by (when in your junior year did you take it)?

How much do colleges look at the score? Like I said, I'm not the best at standardized tests, but I do have quite a bit of experience.

Right now, I'm considering schools such as the Unversity of Montana, University of Idaho, University of Washington, Southern Illinois University, University of Colorado Boulder, Northern Arizona University, etc. What score do you think will be needed for a Forestry/Wildlife Biology masters?

Do you have any tips for taking the GRE?

(Kind of unrelated) When do you start visiting labs/emailing professors that you're interested in?

 

Since I'm still freaking out a bit, I can't really think of anything else, so I guess this will be it for now. I really appreciate any help/input, I know that some of you were in my place, I hope haha.

Okay.so. 

1. You can take it even in the fall of your senior year, but it's recommended you take it no later than 6 weeks before your program deadline.

2. Depends on the field, school, and number of applications they receive. Really, most schools do a very holistic overview. If your application materials are on point and your scores are respectable, you have as good a shot as anyone. 

3. Go to those schools websites, find their grad school page, find the degrees they offer and go to that departments web page to answer that. It really varies on the school, the program, how many apps they receive, and how stiff the competition is that year.

4. Study lots, but don't let it take over your life. Burn out is a real problem and after so much studying in a day, you just stop absorbing stuff. You have plenty of time - breathe. The GRE is a big mind game, so the best thing you can do is learn to play it. Learn what they look for, how they ask questions, and what they expect of you.

5. You usually do those emails in the early fall of your senior year.

 

Also, you're wayyyy ahead of yourself here, so it's okay to slow down and be thoughtful about what you're studying. If you can work it in, take a math class to formally brush up on stuff. Some good prep stuff may also help. Take the time to identify your weaknesses and work on those - you have time. Most people don't start studying until Spring/summer before their senior year - you're gonna be ok.

 

As for applying to grad school in undergrad, it's very simple - you apply in the fall of your senior year. Just like high school (just more involved).

Edited July 30, 2015 by Mystic_Fog

[Eigen]

Honestly, I'd suggest getting and taking a full-length practice test. 

 

See how you do. 

 

There's no reason to worry too much about studying if you get a score you're happy with the first time- most of my peers didn't study at all/studied a bit for a couple of weeks to familiarize themselves with the test. 

 

An ultra-high GRE score won't get you into a good school, really, it's just low scores that can potentially keep you out. Accordingly, if you can get a "good" score, be happy with it and spend the extra time on the other parts of your application.