What is it? 

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that is used for admissions purposes for most graduate programs in the United States. The test aims to measure verbal reasoning, analytical writing skills, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking skills.

 

There are three sections of the GRE:

• Verbal Reasoning - Measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences and recognize relationships among words and concepts.

• Quantitative Reasoning - Measures problem-solving ability, focusing on basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis.

• Analytical Writing - Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, specifically your ability to articulate and support complex ideas clearly and effectively.

 

When do you take it?

For the purposes of veterinary school, your GRE scores need to be filed through VMCAS and submitted to all of the schools by October 2nd. Therefore it is suggested that you complete the GRE by August or at the very latest at the beginning of September. It takes 10 to 15 days to after your test date for the scores to be sent to your designated schools. You must also take into consideration that the schools need time to receive and process them. 

 

It is also a very good idea to give yourself enough time for a re-take before the VMCAS deadline. In the case that you might need to end up re-taking the test because your scores were not competitive enough, then you will need to plan carefully. You can re-take the GRE revised General test once every 21 days up to five times within any rolling 12-month period. You may take the paper-based GRE revised General Test as often as it is offered.  

 

How do you take it?

It is offered generally as a computer-based test, however there are testing centers that offer paper formats. There are over 700 testing centers in more than 160 countries, so it is very easy to find a center near you.  

 

You can follow this link to the ETS website where you can find avaliable testing centers near you. http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/register/centers_dates/

 

What to bring and know for test day?

- Dress so you can adapt to any room temperature, meaning wear layers so that if needed you can take them off. 

- You need to bring a form of ID verification and they may potentially fingerprint, thumbprint, photograph, or videotape you for identification purposes. 

- Food, drinks, tobacco, and firearms are not allowed in the testing area.

- You are not allowed to bring cell phones, smartphones, PDAs, digital watches, and other electronics into the testing center for any reason. 

- You are not allowed to go outside of the testing center unless you are using the restroom.

- You need to report to the test center at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled testing time. If you arrive late you will not be admitted and your testing fee will be forgeited.

- You need to plan on 4.5 hours for the test.

- They will provide you with a writing utensil and scratch paper for the test.

- There is an on-screen calculator that you will be able to use for the test, so personal calculators are not allowed.

 

*A comprehensive list of all the details for the test day can be found at the following link: http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/test_day?WT.ac=grehome_gretestday_130807

 

How to send your scores?

You are able to send your scores to four schools for free when taking the GRE. At the conclusion of the test, you will be prompted to designate those four schools by their ETS code. As you can not bring in any paper to the testing facility, you can either memorize the codes or manually find them through their testing system. 

 

If you need to send your scores to more than four schools, you can order additional score reports. Each of the additional reports cost $25, so make sure that you are sending your scores to only those schools you are absolutely sure you are applying to. 

 

What your scores mean?

GRE test scores are valid for five years after the testing year in which you tested. However, last year the GRE switched over the revised test and some schools will only accept the revised test scores. Make sure that you know which test your schools accept.

 

There are three different sections that you can be scored on:

- Verbal reasoning = 130 - 170, in 1 point increments

- Quantitative reasoning = 130 - 170, in 1 point increments

- Analytical writing = 0 - 6, in half point increments

 

Your GRE scores are an important part of your academic profile used by the admissions committees of the schools you are applying to. Many schools have a required minimum score ranging around the 50th percentile. However, from my research it appears that the average GRE scores for admitted students for the quantitative and verbal sections are 155 and the analytical is 4.0. You can find the comprehensive list of GRE statistics under the admissions stats section of my website. It is very advised to shoot for scores around these averages if you want to be competitive.

 

GRE Preparation

For my own personal preparation I chose to use Kaplan Test Prep. They are one of the most widely known and used preparatory service for the GRE and other tests in the United States. They have many different types and levels of test prep for the GRE. Below I will outline these preparation materials.

 

Basic:

- GRE Prep Applications = there are many different applications avaliable through apple and other providers for GRE prep. Some examples are: GRE flashcards, Complete GRE Prep, and Pocket GRE Math. 

- GRE Prep Books = there are lots of different prep books out there for a fee. ETS provides The Official Guide to the GRE revised General Test, Second Edition ($35) and GRE Success Starter: The Test Maker's Guide to Doing Your Best ($7).   

- Practice Tests = there are many different ways to take practice tests. Kaplan offers a free practice test through their website. ETS also provides free sample questions for each of the sections. Most other preparation services, such as The Princeton Review, also provide free practice tests. Multiple practice tests, both online and in paper, come with the practice books you can buy at any bookstore or online. 

- Verbal Flashcards = Kaplan sells a set of the most common words on the GRE test in a flashcard format that are very helpful for mastering the verbal section of the test ($12). 

- Analytical Practice and Grading = ETS provides a ScoreItNow Online Writing Practice program where they provide you will example questions that you can answer and then submit for a immediate, confidential score to see how well you performed ($13). 

 

Advanced Kaplan: 

- GRE Classroom Anywhere = This is live instruction by a GRE qualified teacher through an online classroom. It meets at specific times and days for 8 sessions. It also comes with more than 5,000+ practice questions, 7 full-length tests, and more than 180 hours of additional online instruction and practice ($849). 

- GRE On Demand = This is a program of online video courses that are avaliable 24/7 for a three month period. You get 8 recorded video sessions, practice questions, 7 full-length tests, and email-based support from experts ($499). 

- GRE Classroom On Site = This is a live, in-person instruction at a classroom location. You get all of the assistence as with the other options, but the difference is that you have in-person instruction. The price can vary but will be upwards of $1500 - $2000.

- GRE One-on-One = This is the most extreme and in-depth level of preparation in which you have a private tutor. This can be done in person or through the online tutoring room. They offer 15, 25, and 35 hour packages that vary in price. It also includes full access to a live Kaplan classroom course, either On-Site or Anywhere Classrooms. 

 

Kaplan is the program that I went through and I found them very helpful. I had many of the prep books and I took the online class. I highly recommending doing the practice books and if you are financial able to the online classroom can be beneficial if you need to brush-up on your basics. However, there are many other providers out there that can provide you will the skills necessary to do well on the GRE. Some examples can be found below in the links and a quick search online will pop up lots of different programs. 

 

My suggestion is to practice! You know how you learn, so plan your learning schedule around your skills and your financial abilities. Working hard with the practice tests and books can be just as valuable as if you spent the money on a tutor. You need to work hard and devote yourself to trying to do well on the test because it will help you get into veterinary school. Another point is that you should start early, which is the overall message of this entire website!!. Starting a few weeks prior will help you, but I advise you to start at least 2 to 4 months (or even earlier) prior to your test date. This test is meant to measure your base skills, which take time to develop and get good at.  

 

Helpful Links

ETS GRE = http://www.ets.org/gre

 

ETS Prep = https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare

 

Kaplan Test Prep = http://www.kaptest.com/gre

 

Princeton Review Test Prep = https://www.princetonreview.com/grad/gre-test-preparation.aspx

 

Major Test Prep = http://www.majortests.com/gre/

 

6 Tips for GRE Success = http://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/2012/04/30/test-prep-6-tips-for-gre-success