Medical School Entrance

GRE Exam Preparation

What is GRE?

The Educational Testing Service produces and administers the Graduate Record Examination generally known as GRE. Applicants to graduate schools are screened using this standard test. It consists of a general exam and subject tests. Subject test depends on the graduate program one opts for. The computer based test is administered round the year in the US at selected testing centers.

Registration for the test can be done online on the ETS website or by calling 1-800-GRE-CALL or by mail by downloading the application found in the ETS website. As the proposed change in GRE this year (2007), the ETS has been cancelled and hence the applicant can take a breath of relief. There are excellent sites available for the latest information regarding GRE. A general guideline for GRE preparation is the aim of this write up.

Preparing for the various areas of testing

The three different content areas of testing are:

- Verbal reasoning, - Quantitative reasoning - Analytical writing

Verbal Reasoning

To score well in the verbal reasoning section it is important to improve the analytic and synthetic abilities and sharpen the mind in order to see the relationship between words concepts and sentences. An overview of the given passage before going to the questions, getting to know the 'mind of the author' and a clear comprehension of the central theme are of vital importance. Finding the key words and phrases and making proper inference of the content in the context and applying the ideas for generalization are required. The verbal section is in a multiple choice format and timed at 30 minutes.

Quantitative Reasoning

For the area of quantitative reasoning one must brush up his/her knowledge of algebra, geometry, arithmetic, divisibility, multiplication, addition, subtraction, even and odds, percents, square of a number, exponents, roots, averages and data analysis. This section is in a multiple choice format and timed at 45 minutes.

Analytical Writing

The analytical writing section consists of:

1. Issue task (30 minutes) 2. Argument task (45 minutes.)

Analytical writing test requires one to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively in a logical manner with proper reasons evidences and examples. One need to sustain a well focused, coherent flow using the elements of standard written English. Planning, brainstorming and sketching an outline with end, in view before actually starting to write is important. Reason over passionate statements would be appreciated.

Unlike the school exams which are knowledge and memory based, GRE is purely skill and an application based on knowledge. Thorough, quick and strategic thinking blended with accuracy, logic and wisdom must be the objective of GRE preparation. Practice is the key word here. Online test materials, study guides preparatory courses and the expectations of the graduate school one wishes to apply will help one to become exam-ready. Systematic and consistent preparation while staying cool helps in better performance.

Medical School Entrance