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The one-stop resource for everything GRE
Citation preview
BenchPrep’s
GRE Playbook 2014The one-stop resource for everything GRE.
Table of Contents
Ch. 1: IntroductionIntroduction to BenchPrep’s GRE Test Prep
Program • BenchPrep Games, Flashcards,
Adaptive Nature and Other Features • How
BenchPrep Can Improve Your Score
Ch. 2: GRE 101Overview of the GRE • Why You Should Take
the GRE • What the GRE Measures • What
Programs Accept the GRE • Infographics
Comparing GMAT, MAT, and GRE • How the
GRE is Scored • What the “Adaptive” GRE
Means • What is a Good GRE Score?
Ch. 3: Taking the GREWhen Shoud You Take the GRE Infographic •
How to Register for the GRE • What’s the Dif-
ference Between the Paper-Based and Com-
puter-Based GRE? • About the GRE Subject
Tests • Should You Take the Subject Tests?
Ch. 4: Quantitative SectionGRE Quantitative Basics • Multiple Choice
Questions • Quantitative Comparison Ques-
tions • Numeric Entry Questions • 25 Things
to Know for the Quantitative Section • Quan-
titative Section General Strategies and Tips •
A Special Note on the Quantitative Section
Ch. 5: Verbal SectionGRE Verbal Basics • Sentence Equivalence
Questions • Reading Comprehension Ques-
tions • Text Completion Questions • A Special
Note about Vocabulary • 25 Things to Know
for the Verbal Section • Verbal Section Gen-
eral Strategies and Tips
Ch. 6: Analytical Writing SectionGRE Writing Basics • “Analyze an Issue” Task
• “Analyze an Argument” Task • Sample Essay
Prompts • 25 Tips for Analytical Writing • What
the GRE Graders are Looking For • How to Get a
6 • Writing Section General Strategies and Tips
Ch. 7: GRE Test DayHow to Manage Stress Before the GRE • Why
Staying Relaxed Will Help You Score Well on the
GRE • Things to Bring on GRE Test Day • The 10
GRE Commandments
Ch. 8: GRE ResourcesGRE Resources Overview • Online Self-Based
Learning • Group Classes and In-Person Tutor-
ing • Free ETS Resources • GRE Apps • Physical
GRE Books and Flashcards • GRE Prep Books •
GRE Prep Book Reviews and Recommendations
Ch. 9: After the GREUnderstanding Your GRE Score Report • How
Do Schools Look a Multiple GRE Scores
Ch. 10: ConclusionSpecial $50 Off Benchprep Promo Code
4
14
31
42
54
66
79
88
96
101
GMATGMAT GREGREvs
Which test is right for you?Which test is right for you?
All MBAPrograms
Over +1000 MBAPrograms
Grad SchoolPrograms
business schoolbusiness school Show business schools that you
are serious about getting an MBA
GRAD School& MBA
GRAD School& MBA
Investment banks and recruiters review scores for employment
Generally easier for most students than the GMAT
Time Section30 min.
30 min.
75 min.
75 min.
Analytical + 1 essay
Integrated Reasoning
Quantitative
Verbal
Time Section30 min. × 2
30 min. × 2
35 min. × 2
30 min.
Analytical Writing
Verbal
Quantitative
Experimental (math or verbal)
$250$250 $185$185
0 . =
+
-
×÷±c
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9
! Excruciatingly di�cult math
! More emphasis on grammar ! Greater emphasis on writing
! Harder verbal and vocabulary
It is common to spend hundreds of hours preparing
The grading curve is easier
EconomicsPrograms
Computer adaptive tests
Scores are both valid for yrs
www.800score.com/gmat-and-gre.htmlwww.princetonreview.com/gmatvsgre.aspxwww.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/mba/programs/ http://benchprep.com
GMATGRE
If you are applying to MBA and/or graduate school programs.
3 HRS.45 MIN.3 HRS.45 MIN.
3 HRS.30 MIN.3 HRS.
30 MIN.
BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 27
Chapter 2 – GRE 101
∞ 168.7 is 2 standard deviations above average, corresponds to the 97th or
98th percentile
Verbal worldwide average as provided by ETS. ∞ 150.8, with standard deviation 8.5
∞ 159.3 is 1 standard deviation above average, corresponds to approximately
the 80th percentile
∞ 167.8 is 2 standard deviations above average, corresponds to the 97th or
98th percentile.
Worldwide Averages By Field of Study as provided by ETS:
Analysis
As you can see, anything at least one standard deviation above the average is a solid
score, and anything at least two standard deviations above the average is an excep-
tional score. Also note that students pursuing graduate degrees in Physical sciences
and Engineering might look more favorable with a higher Quantitative Score than a
Verbal score as shown by the results. A score that is one or two standard deviation
above the average could be considered a good score, depending on your own indi-
Intended Grraduate Major
Verbal Score
(Mean)
Verbal(sd)
Quantitative Score
(Mean)
Quantitative(sd)
Analytical Writing (Mean)
Analytical Writing
(sd)
Life Sciences 151 7 151 7 3.8 0.7
Physical Sciences 153 9 158 7 3.8 0.8
Engineering 150 9 159 6 3.6 0.8
Social Sciences 153 7 150 8 4.0 0.7
Humanities & Arts 157 7 149 7 4.2 0.8
Education 157 7 149 7 4.2 0.8
Business 150 7 152 8 3.7 0.8
212121
When Should I Take The GRE?When Should I Take The GRE?
Sources
2013
Have you started studying?
Are you feelingready for the test?
Download the BenchPrep app
& start studying
Are you ready now?
YES NO
YES
NOTYET
AugustApril
2 2Take in
February
Take inFebruary
June
4 4Take in
April
Take inApril
6 6Take inJune
Take inJune
October
8 8Take inAugust
Take inAugust
BusinessEducationEngineeringLawMedical
ScienceLibrary & Information sciencesSocial SciencesHealthPublic A�airs
BenchPrepPresents
Facts to ConsiderFacts to Consider
When do you want toapply to graduate school?
http://ets.org/grehttp://gradschool.about.com/cs/aboutthegre/a/gre.htmhttp://www.igrad.com/articles/taking-the-grehttp://www.happyschoolsblog.com/average-revised-gre-scores-universities/
TOP GRADSCHOOL PROGRAMS
In August 2011, the GRE was updated
to a new format
PERFECT SCORE
TH
EGREyour score is good for five years
The GRE is3 hrs. 40 min.long
There are3 sections.
Verbal, Writing,& Quantitative
EVERYUPTO YEARDAYS
RETAKE THEYOU CAN
IN A
Receive your GRE results
10–15 days after you take the exam
185
Unlike other standardized tests
where you need to know specialized content which you might only learn in the later years of college, you
already learned most of the content on the GRE in high
school (hopefully!).”
BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 43
Chapter 4 – Quantitative Section
GRE Quantitative Section
The GRE Quantitative section (the “math” section) is designed to test your ability to
reason mathematically, to understand basic math terminology, and to recall basic
mathematical formulas and principles. You should be able to solve problems and ap-
ply relevant mathematics concepts in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data anal-
ysis. Keep in mind, though, that the GRE is primarily a critical thinking test, so your
ability to apply reason and logic to solving the quantitative questions is more import-
ant than your ability to recall mathematical formulas and principles.
The GRE Quantitative question types include:
∞ Two kinds of Multiple-choice questions, each with several answer choices
from which to choose,
∞ Quantitative Comparison questions, each with four possible answers (A−D),
and
∞ Numeric Entry questions, for which you must come up with an answer on
your own. Some of the Multiple-choice and Numeric Entry questions are part
of question sets based on the data in charts or graphs.
In this section, we will discuss the format of each question type and provide you with
specific strategies for successfully answering the GRE quantitative questions.
A. Quantitative- Multiple Choice QuestionsThe GRE includes two kinds of multiple-choice questions: (1) Multiple-choice— Se-
lect One Answer and (2) Multiple-choice—Select One or More Answers.
∞ Multiple-choice—Select One Answer questions each have five answer
choices. Your task is to select the one correct choice.
∞ Multiple-choice—Select One or More Answers questions can have fewer
than five answer choices or more than five answer choices. Your task is to se-
lect all the choices that answer the question correctly. The directions may tell
you how many choices to select. If you are told how many, you should select
exactly that number of choices.
BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 44
Chapter 4 – Quantitative Section
Some GRE multiple-choice questions involve straightforward calculations, while others
require you to evaluate a word-problem in a real-life setting. Still others may be part of
question sets called Data Interpretation sets. All of the questions in a Data Interpreta-
tion set are based on the same data presented in tables, graphs, charts, or figures.
To solve GRE Multiple-choice questions, you typically will not be required to perform
complex calculations. However, you will be given scratch paper for whatever figuring
you wish to do, and you will also be provided with a calculator to assist you when
necessary. (In the computer-based test, the calculator will appear on screen.)
Example:
B. Quantitative ComparisonQuantitative Comparison questions ask you to compare two quantities and deter-
mine whether: (1) one is larger than the other, (2) the quantities are equal, or (3) there
is not enough information to determine a relationship between the two quantities.
Some questions include additional information that is centered above the two quan-
tities that concerns one or both of the quantities. Quantitative Comparison questions
generally require more logic skills than math skills.
Q. If 5x - 6 = 14, then 8x =
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
4
20
32
85
645
Q. The ratio of two quantities is 4 to 5. If each of the quantities is increased by 3, which of the following could be the fraction of theses two new quantities?
Indicate all answer choices that apply.
A.
B.
C.
78
2328
1113
On the Quantitative section, your ability to
apply reason and logic to solving the quantitative
questions is more import-ant than your ability to
recall mathematical for-mulas and principles.”
BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 56
Chapter 5 – Verbal Section
phrases. Some of the answer choices might be very similar to one another. Your job
is to select the two best choices from among the six options. Keep in mind that a
complete sentence is clear and concise, conveys a logical meaning, and is uniform in
grammar and style.
Example:
Reading Comprehension QuestionsGRE Reading Comprehension questions are designed to measure your ability to read,
understand, and analyze a written passage. Correctly answering a question requires
you to recognize both what is stated and what is implied within the passage, and to
establish the relationships and ideas expressed in the passage.
The GRE includes a balance of reading passages across different subject matter areas,
such as humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Each passage will be ap-
proximately 150 words in length and will be followed by one to three questions. You
should select the best possible answer, or combination of answers, for each question.
In the revised GRE, Reading Comprehension questions have three formats:
1. Multiple-choice Questions—Select One Answer Choice
Question Stem: It comes as no surprise that different cultures have certain behavioral norms; however, to an outsider, the specifics of these behaviors can often be .
Answer Choices:A.B.C.D.E.F.
explicitstartlingpredictableunexpectedderisiveadmirable
BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 60
Chapter 5 – Verbal Section
25 Things to Know: Verbal
12
3
4
56
Use roots, prefixes, and suffixes to determine
the meaning of words you don’t know.
Vocabulary is essential. When it comes to the GRE
Verbal section, that’s the bottom line. Be proactive:
look up words you don’t know!
On definition questions, guess quickly! Many questions re-
quire you to know the definition, and because it’s likely that you
can’t use much logic to get to a better answer, select one and
move on. You can always come back if you have time.
Find your personal reading passage strategy. If you read the
questions first, when you read the passages, you can focus on find-
ing the right answers most quickly. However, some students find
that reading the passage first helps them understand the argument
more generally first, before delving into the specific questions.
Pay special attention to the first and last sentences. They provide important clues to
the meaning of each passage.
Questions with Roman numeral answers are often confus-ing and difficult. They ask you choose one more more or to
find an exception. If you’re running low on time, mark down
a guess and move to the next question.
BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 85
Chapter 7 – GRE Test Day
The 10 GRE Commandments
Test day. It’s here. It’s all too easy to lose your composure and get caught up on one
question. The test-makers throw in all sorts of convoluted wording and unnecessary
information to make you get confused, take up time, and throw you off.
Don’t get caught in this trap! Heed the following 10 GRE Commandments to stay
focused during the exam.
COMMANDMENT
22
COMMANDMENT
11 Thou shalt remember that every question is equal.All questions are weighted equally. So you know that really tough ques-
tion you’ve been staring at blankly for three minutes? Worth the same as
the “2x=6” question. So, get your points on the easy stuff, and remem-
ber that every question is weighted the same. This above all else is your
most important piece of instruction.
Thou shalt use process of elimination.Pssst! Guess what? You don’t really have to know the correct answer on the
GRE; all you have to do is select the right answer. Process of elimination is
your friend; use it! Usually only two attractive answer-choices are offered, out
of five total. One is correct; the other is either intentionally misleading or only
partially correct. The other three answer-choices are usually fluff. This makes
educated guessing on the GRE very effective. If you can dismiss the three fluff
choices, your probability of answering the question successfully will increase
from 20% to 50%.
COMMANDMENT
33 Thou shalt not get flustered.The GRE is definitely too short to lose focus after getting
flustered. Train yourself to keep your composure and stay on
track through taking practice tests and monitoring how you
react to the time pressure.
BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 90
Chapter 8 – GRE Resources
Kaplan Princeton Review BenchPrep
GRE® Advantage: The New GRE − On Demand
GRE Self-Paced Study GRE Prep Program
Price $524 $499 $499
Access 3 months 6 months 12 months
Score Improvement Promise
Higher score guarantee or your money back
Satisfaction guarantee 16% score improvement
Custom Study Plan
Integrated Mobile Apps
Game Center
Ability to discuss with other students
Ability to ask an expert
Reporting dashboard
Includes official GRE material from ETS
Lessons 8 video sessions and study materials,
including workbooks
24 hours of recorded sessions and a com-plete set of printed
materials including The Princeton Review On-line Student Workbook
for the GRE
900+ lessons including videos
Practice Questions 5,000 N/A 4,100+
Exams 7 Full-length 8 Full-length 7 Full-length
Flashcards
BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 98
Chapter 9 – After the GRE
Official score reports are the reports that are sent to the schools you designate, will
only include the score(s) which you have selected to send to these organizations.
They will include your:
∞ Contact information
∞ Intended graduate major
∞ GRE test score(s) of only SELECTED tests and the associated percentile ranks
Score reports sent to institutions will not include any information concerning the
other score recipients you have chosen (so if you’re sending your scores to Universi-
ty A and University B, University A won’t know about B and B won’t know about A).
How do Schools Look at Multiple GRE Scores?
It might happen that you have to take the GRE two or more times to get the score
you want. Luckily, with the new ScoreSelect option, you have more freedom than
ever to select which of these scores you send on to the programs you’re applying to.
With ScoreSelect, you can send any single score, or any combination of scores, that
you want.
When selecting which scores to send to which universities,
it’s helpful to know how the admissions committee consider
scores from multiple GRE tests. Most programs and Grad
Schools provide details on their website about how they
look at multiple GRE scores. Practices vary widely, and a
school can use one of many approaches:
Approach #1 “All scores considered”Some schools may simply consider all of your
scores, with no further
details provided.