GRE Reading Comprehension

READING COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

Reading comprehension questions measure your ability to read with understanding, insight and discrimination. This type of question explores your ability to analyze a written passage from several perspectives. These include your ability to recognize both explicitly stated elements in the passage and assumptions underlying statements or arguments in the passage as well as the implications of those statements or arguments.

Because the written passage upon which the questions are based presents a sustained discussion of a particular topic, there is ample context for analyzing a variety of relationships.

Pay attention to the following as you review the passage:

The function of a word in relation to a larger segment of the passage

The relationships among the various ideas in the passage

The relationship of the author to the topic or to the audience.

You will find six types of reading comprehension questions to answer:

1. Information explicitly stated in the passage
2. Information or ideas implied or suggested by the author
3. Possible applications of the author's ideas to other situations, including the identification of situations or processes analogous to those described in the passage
4. The author's logic, reasoning, or persuasive techniques
5. The tone of the passage or the author's attitude as it is revealed in the language used.

In each edition of the General Test, there are three or more reading comprehension passages, each providing the basis for answering two or more questions. The passages are drawn from different subject matter areas, including the humanities, the social sciences, the biological sciences, and the physical sciences.

Here are some approaches that may help you in answering reading comprehension questions:

1. Since reading passages are drawn from many different disciplines and sources, you may not be familiar with the material in every passage. Do not be discouraged if you encounter unfamiliar material. Questions are to be answered on the basis of the information provided in the passage, and you are not expected to rely on outside knowledge of a particular topic.
2. You should analyze each passage carefully before answering the accompanying questions. As with any kind of close and thoughtful reading, look for clues that will help you understand less explicit aspects of the passage. Try to separate main ideas from supporting ideas or evidence. Try also to separate the author's own ideas or attitudes from information he or she is presenting.
3. Note transitions from one idea to the next, and examine the relationships among the different ideas or parts of the passage. For example, are they contrasting? Are they complementary? Consider the points the author makes, the conclusions drawn, and how and why those points are made or conclusions are drawn.
4. Read each question carefully and be certain that you understand exactly what is being asked.
5. Always read all the answer choices before selecting the best answer.
6. The best answer is the one that most accurately and most completely answers the questions being posed. Be careful not to pick an answer choice simply because it is a true statement. Be careful also not to be misled by answer choices that are only partially true or only partially satisfy the problem posed in the question.
7. Answer the questions on the basis of the information provided in the passage. Do not rely on outside knowledge. Your own views or opinions may sometimes conflict with the views expressed or the information provided in the passage. Be sure that you work within the context of the passage. You should not expect to agree with everything you encounter in reading passages.

GRE Essay Samples

ESSAYS 1-5

1. People attend college or university for many different reasons (for example, new experiences, career preparation, increased knowledge). Why do you think people attend college or university? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

People attend colleges or universities for a lot of different reasons. I believe that the three most common reasons are to prepare for a career, to have new experiences, and to increase their knowledge of themselves and the world around them.

Career preparation is becoming more and more important to young people. For many, this is the primary reason to go to college, They know that the job market is competitive. At college, they can learn new skill for careers with a lot of opportunities. This means careers, such as information technology, that are expected to need a large workforce in the coming years.

Also, students go to colleges and universities to have new experiences. This often means having the opportunity to meet people different from those in their hometowns. For most students, going to college is the first time they’ve been away from home by themselves. In additions, this is the first time they’ve had to make decisions on their own. Making these decisions increases their knowledge of themselves.

Besides looking for self-knowledge, people also attend a university or college to expand their knowledge in subjects they find interesting. For many, this will be their last chance for a long time to learn about something that doesn’t relate to their career.

I would recommend that people not be so focused on a career. They should go to college to have new experiences and learn about themselves and the world they live in.

2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Throughout my life, I have been lucky enough to have a very good relationship with my parents. They have supported me, given me necessary criticism, and taught me a great deal about how to live my life. Parents can be very important teachers in our lives; however, they are not always the best teachers.

Parents may be too close to their children emotionally. Sometimes they can only see their children though the eyes of a protector. For example, they may limit a child's freedom in the name of safety. A teacher might see a trip to a big city as a valuable new experience. However, it might seem too dangerous to a parent.

Another problem is that parents may expect their children's interests to be similar to their own. They can't seem to separate from their children in their mind. If they love science, they may try to force their child to love science too. But what if their child's true love is art, or writing, or car repair?

Parents are usually eager to pass on their value to their children. But should children always believe what their parents do? Maybe different generations need different ways of thinking. When children are young, they believe that their parents are always rights. But when they get older, they realize there are other views. Sometimes parents, especially older ones, can't keep up with rapid social or technology changes. A student who has friends of all different races and backgrounds at school may find that her parents don't really understand or value the digital revolution. Sometimes kids have to find their own ways to what they believe in.

The most important thing to realize is that we all have many teachers in our lives. Our parents teach us, our teachers teach us, and our peers teach us. Books and newspapers and television also teach us. All of them are valuable.

3. Nowadays, food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people live? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

The twentieth century has brought with it many advances. With those advances, human lives have changed dramatically. In some ways life is worse, but mostly it is better. Changes in food preparation methods, for example, have improved our lives greatly.

The convenience of preparing food today is amazing. Even stoves have gotten too slow for us. Microwave cooking is much easier. We can press a few buttons and a meal is completely cooked in just a short time. People used to spend hours preparing an oven-cooked meal, and now they can use that time for other, better things. Plus, there are all kinds of portable, prepackaged foods we can buy. Heat them in the office microwave, and lunch at work is quick and easy.

Food preparation today allows for more variety. With refrigerators and freezers, we can preserve a lot of different foods in our homes. Since technology makes cooking so much faster, people are willing to make several dishes for even a small meal. Parents are more likely to let children be picky, now that they can easily heat them up some prepackaged macaroni and cheese on the side. Needless to say, adults living in the same house may have very different eating habits as well. If they don’t want to cook a lot of different dishes, it’s common now to eat out at restaurants several times a week.

Healthful eating is also easier than ever now. When people cook, they use new fat substitutes and cooking sprays to cut fat and calories. This reduces the risk of heart disease and high cholesterol. Additionally, we can buy fruits and vegetable fresh, frozen or canned. They are easy to prepare, so many of us eat more of those nutritious items daily. A hundred years ago, you couldn’t imagine the process of taking some frozen fruit and ice from the freezer, adding some low-fat yogurt from a plastic cup and some juice from a can in the refrigerator, and whipping up a low-fat smoothie in the blender!

Our lifestyle is fast, but people still like good food. What new food preparation technology has given us is more choices. Today, we can prepare food that is more convenient, healthier, and of greater variety than ever before in history.

4. It has been said, “Not every thing that is learned is contained in books.” Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?

“Experience is the best teacher” is an old cliché, but I agree with it. The most important, and sometimes the hardest, lessons we learn in life come from our participation in situations. You can’ learn everything from a book.

Of course, learning from books in a formal educational setting is also valuable. It’s in schools that we learn the information we need to function in our society. We learn how to speak and write and understand mathematical equations. This is all information that we need to live in our communities and earn a living.

Nevertheless, I think that the most important lessons can’t be taught; they have to be experienced. No one can teach us how to get along with others or how to have self-respect. As we grow from children into teenagers, no one can teach us how to deal with peer pressure. As we leave adolescence behind and enter adult life, no one can teach us how to fall in love and get married.

This shouldn’t stop us from looking for guidelines along the way. Teachers and parents are valuable sources of advice when we’re young. As we enter into new stages in our lives, the advice we receive from them is very helpful because they have already bad similar experiences. But experiencing our own triumphs and disasters is really the only way to learn how to deal with life.

5. A company has announced that it wishes to build a large factory near your community. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this new influence on your community. Do you support or oppose the factory? Explain your position.

New factories often bring many good things to a community, such as jobs and increased prosperity. However, in my opinion, the benefits of having a factory are outweighed by the risks. That is why I oppose the plan to build a factory near my community.

I believe that this city would be harmed by a large factory. In particular, a factory would destroy the quality of the air and water in town. Factories bring smog and pollution. In the long run, the environment will be hurt and people’s health will be affected. Having a factory is not worth that rise.

Of course, more jobs will be created by the factory. Our population will grow. To accommodate more workers, more homes and stores will be needed. Do we really want this much growth, so fast? If our town is going in growth, I would prefer slow growth with good planning. I don’t want to see rows of cheaply constructed townhouses. Our quality of life must be considered.

I believe that this growth will change our city too much. I love my hometown because it is a safe, small town. It is also easy to travel here. If we must expand to hold new citizens, the small-town feel will be gone. I mould miss that greatly.

A factory would be helpful in some ways. However, I feel that the dangers are greater than the benefits. I cannot support a plan to build a factory here, and hope that others feel the same way.

MBA PROGRAMS THAT ACCEPT THE GRE

The following is a list of MBA programs that allow candidates to submit GRE General Test scores for admissions.

Adams State College

Adelphi University

Alaska Pacific University

Alvernia University

American Jewish University

Antioch University New England

Arcadia University

Augsburg College

Azusa Pacific University

Baker College Center for Graduate Studies

Baldwin Wallace College

Bay Path College

Bellhaven College

Bob Jones University

Brenau University

California Baptist University

California State University - Chico

California State University - Stanislaus

Campbellsville University

Capitol College

Capital University

Christian Brothers University

City University of Seattle

Clark University

Clarkson University

Clemson University

Cleveland State University

College of St. Scholastica

Colorado State University

Concordia University - Portland

Cumberland University

Davenport University - Grand Rapids

DeVry University, Oakbrook Terrace

Dominican University of California

Drury University

Everglades University

Fairmont State University

Ferris State University

Fitchburg State College

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Institute of Technology

Florida International University

Florida Southern College

Frostburg State University

Geneva College

Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southwestern State University

Goldey Beacom College

Harvard Business School 2+2 Program

Hofstra University

Humboldt State University

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

International Technological University

Jacksonville University

John Brown University

Johns Hopkins University

Johnson & Wales University

Kansas Wesleyan University

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Malone College

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mercyhurst College

Mesa State College

Morehead State University

Murray State University

National University

Naval Postgraduate School

Northern Kentucky University

North Park University

Northwest Christian College

Northwood University

Nova Southeastern University

Oklahoma Christian University

Oklahoma City University

Oral Roberts University

Oregon State University - Corvallis

Our Lady of the Lake University

Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific States University

Park University

Pfeiffer University

Piedmont College - Demorest

Point Park University

Regent University - DC

Rice University (EMBA Program)

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rollins College

Rowan University - Glassboro

Rutgers University (EMBA Program)

Saint Peters College

Salve Regina University

Shenandoah University

Southern Utah University

Southern Wesleyan University

Southwestern Adventist University

St Ambrose University

St Edwards University

St Thomas University

Stanford University

Stevens Institute of Technology

Strayer Education, Inc.

Sul Ross State University

Sullivan University

SUNY at Stony Brook

Tarleton State University

Texas A&M International University

Texas A&M University - Commerce

Troy University

Troy University - Atlantic Region

Troy University - Dothan

Troy University - Montgomery

Troy University - Phenix City

University of Alabama

University of Alabama at Birmingham

University of Arkansas

University of California, Los Angeles (EMBA Program)

University of Central Florida

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

University of Dallas

University of Florida

University of Houston - Victoria

University of Memphis

University of New Hampshire

University of New Haven (EMBA Program)

University of New Mexico

University of North Alabama

University of Northern Virginia

University of North Texas

University of Oregon (EMBA Program)

University of Redlands - Burbank

University of Redlands - Orange County

University of Redlands - Rancho Cucamonga

University of Redlands - Redlands

University of Redlands - Riverside

University of Redlands - San Diego

University of Redlands - Temecula

University of Redlands - Torrance

University of Rhode Island

University of South Carolina

University of Texas at Brownsville

University of Utah

University of the Incarnate Word

University of Vermont

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

University of Wisconsin - La Cross

University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

Upper Iowa University

Utah State University

Wayland Baptist University

Webster University

Wesleyan College

Westwood College - Los Angeles

West Texas A&M University

Widener University

Willamette University

Wingate University

York College of Penn

Belgium

United International Business School - Antwerp International Business School

United International Business School - Brussels Business School

Canada

Queen's School of Business

Univ of New Brunswick, Saint John

China

China Europe International Business School

Costa Rica

INCAE Business School

Germany

Troy State University European Region

India

Aegis School of Business

Lovely Professional University & MBA

Italy

Alma Graduate School

European School of Economics

University of Trento

Japan

Sophia University

Norway

Norwegian School of Economic and Business Administration

Pakistan

National University of Computer & Engineering Science

Puerto Rico

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico

Spain

Barcelona School of Economics

Instituto De Empresa

Madrid Business School - International University of Southern Europe

United International Business Schools - Barcelona Business School

United International Business Schools - Valencia International Business School

Thailand

Asian Institute of Technology

Yonok College

Turkey

Izmir University of Economics

Sabanci University

Free GRE Practice Test,Sample GRE Questions,GRE Questions

Free GRE Practice Tests: Sample GRE Questions

•  People seem to recall the brand of an advertised product, considering most favorably the most frequently advertised product; therefore, an advertisement that is----in newspaper advertisement would be expected to be very----, but, actually, it is not. 

(A) dominant.. impressive
(B) frequent.. bad
(C) unusual.. effective
(D) new.. rare
(E) widespread.. ineffectiv

• Just as human beings who depend on each other, there are no ------- foliages. 

(A) neglectable
(B) existing
(C) conventional
(D) dependable
(E) solitary

Explanation:

 The phrase “just as" means a similar way. Since human beings depend on each other, the foliages should also depend on each other, or are not solitary. Therefore, the best answer is E.

•  The blueprints for the new automobile were ----at first glance. but the designer had been basically too conservative to ---- previous standards of beauty.

(A) striking.. flout
(B) impractical.. ignore
(C) impeccable.. dispel
(D) influential ..assess
(E) confusing.. incorporate

• Because its average annual rainfall is only about four inches, one of the major tasks faced by the country has been to find ----sources of water.

(A) discontinuous
(B) natural
(C) supplementary
(D) pervasive
(E) initial

•  Because the order in which the parts of speech appear in the sentences of a given language is decided merely by custom, it is---- to maintain that every departure from that order constitutes a ----of a natural law.

(A) traditional.. transformation
(B) conventional.. transgression
(C) necessary.. prototype
(D) unjustifiable.. violation
(E) unreasonable.. formulation

Reading Comprehension


The function of capital markets is to facilitate an exchange of funds among all participants, and yet in practice we find that certain participants are not on a par with others. Members of society have varying degrees of market strength in terms of information they bring to a transaction, as well as of purchasing power and creditworthiness, as defined by lenders.
For example, within minority communities, capital markets do not properly fulfill their functions; they do not provide access to the aggregate flow of funds in the United States. The financial system does not generate the credit or investment vehicles needed for underwriting economic development in minority areas. The problem underlying this dysfunction is found in a rationing mechanism affecting both the available alternatives for investment and the amount of financial resources. This creates a distributive mechanism penalizing members of minority groups because of their socioeconomic differences from others. The existing system expresses definite socially based investment preferences that result from the previous allocation of income and that influence the allocation of resources for the present and future. The system tends to increase the inequality of income distribution. And, in the United States economy, a greater inequality of income distribution leads to a greater concentration of capital in certain types of investment.
Most traditional financial-market analysis studies ignore financial markets" deficiencies in allocation because of analysts"  inherent preferences for the simple model of perfect competition. Conventional financial analysis pays limited attention to issues of market structure and dynamics, relative costs of information, and problems of income distribution. Market participants are viewed as acting as entirely independent and homogeneous individuals with perfect foresight about capital-market behavior. Also, it is assumed that each individual in the community at large has the same access to the market and the same opportunity to transact and to express the preference appropriate to his or her individual interest. Moreover, it is assumed that transaction costs for various types of financial instruments (stocks, bonds, etc.) are equally known and equally divided among all community members.

• The main point made by the passage is that 

(A) financial markets provide for an optimum allocation of resources among all competing participants by balancing supply and demand
(B) the allocation of financial resources takes place among separate individual participants, each of whom has access to the market
(C) the existence of certain factors adversely affecting members of minority groups shows that financial markets do not function as conventional theory says they function
(D) investments in minority communities can be made by the use of various alternative financial instruments, such as stocks and bonds
(E) since transaction costs for stocks, bonds, and other other financial instruments are not equally apportioned among all minority-group members, the financial market is subject to criticism

•  The passage states that traditional studies of the financial market overlook imbalances in the allocation of financial resources because

(A) an optimum allocation of resources is the final result of competition among participants
(B) those performing the studies choose an oversimplified description of the influences on competition
(C) such imbalances do not appear in the statistics usually compiled to measure the market’s behavior
(D) the analysts who study the market are unwilling to accept criticism of their methods as biased
(E) socioeconomic difference form the basis of a rationing mechanism that puts minority groups at a disadvantage

• The author’s main point is argued by

(A) giving examples that support a conventional generalization
(B) showing that the view opposite to the author’s is self-contradictory
(C) criticizing the presuppositions of a proposed plan
(D) showing that omissions in a theoretical description make it inapplicable in certain cases
(E) demonstrating that an alternative hypothesis more closely fits the data

•  A difference in which of the following would be an example of inequality in transaction costs as alluded to in lines 40-43?

(A) Maximum amounts of loans extended by a bank to businesses in different areas
(B) Fees charged to large and small investors for purchasing stocks
(C) Prices of similar goods offered in large and small stores in an area
(D) Stipends paid to different attorneys for preparing legal suits for damages
(E) Exchange rates in dollars for currencies of different countries
 Which of the following can be inferred about minority communities on the basis of the passage?
(A) They provide a significant portion of the funds that become available for investment in the financial market.
(B) They are penalized by the tax system, which increases the inequality of the distribution of income between investors and wage earners.
(C) They do no receive the share of the amount of funds available for investment that would be expected according to traditional financial-market analysis.
(D) They are not granted governmental subsidies to assist in underwriting the cost of economic development
(E) They provide the same access to alternative sources of credit to finance businesses as do majority communities.

•  According to the passage, a questionable assumption of the conventional theory about the operation of financial markets is that

(A) creditworthiness as determined by lenders is a factor determining market access
(B) market structure and market dynamics depend on income distribution
(C) a scarcity of alternative sources of funds would result from taking socioeconomic factors into consideration
(D) those who engage in financial-market transactions are perfectly well informed about the market
(E) inequalities in income distribution are increased by the functioning of the financial market

•  According to the passage, analysts have conventionally tended to view those who participate in financial market as

(A) judging investment preferences in terms of the good of society as a whole
(B) influencing the allocation of funds through prior ownership of certain kinds of assets
(C) varying in market power with respect to one another
(D) basing judgments about future events mainly on chance
(E) having equal opportunities to engage in transactions

(The following is based on material written in 1996.)
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, signed in 1987 by more than 150 nations, has attained its short-term goals: it has decreased the rate of increase in amounts of most ozone-depleting chemicals reaching the atmosphere and has even reduced the atmospheric levels of some of them. The projection that the ozone layer will substantially recover from ozone depletion by 2050 is based on the assumption that the protocol’s regulations will be strictly followed. Yet there is considerable evidence of violations, particularly in the form of the release of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s), which are commonly used in the refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning industries. These violation reflect industry attitudes; for example, in the United States, 48 percents of respondents in a recent survey of subscribers to Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration News, and industry trade journal, said that they did not believe that CFC’s damage the ozone layer. Moreover, some in the industry apparently do not want to pay for CFC substitutes, which can run five times the cost of CFC’s. Consequently, a black market in imported illicit CFC’s has grown. Estimates of the contraband CFC trade range from 10,000 to 22,000 tons a year, with most of the CFC’s originating in India and China, whose agreements under the Protocol still allow them to produce CFC’s. In fact, the United States Customs Service reports that CFC-12 is a contraband problem second only to illicit drugs.

•  According to the passage, which of the following best describes most ozone-depleting chemicals in 1996 as compared to those in 1987?

(A) The levels of such chemicals in the atmosphere had decreased.
(B) The number of such chemicals that reached the atmosphere had declined.
(C) The amounts of such chemicals released had increased but the amounts that reached the atmosphere had decreased.
(D) The rate of increase in amounts of such chemicals reaching the atmosphere had decreased.
(E) The rate at which such chemicals were being reduced in the atmosphere had slowed.

•  The author of the passage compares the smuggling of CFC’s to the illicit drug trade most likely for which of the following reasons?

(A) To qualify a previous claim
(B) To emphasize the extent of a problem
(C) To provide an explanation for an earlier assertion
(D) To suggest that the illicit CFC trade, likely the illicit drug trade, will continue to increase
(E) To suggest that the consequences of a relatively little-knows problem are as serious as those of a well-known one

•  The passage suggests which of the following about the illicit trade in CFC’s?

(A) It would cease if manufacturers in India and China stopped producing CFC’s.
(B) Most people who participate in such trade do not believe that CFC’s deplete the ozone layer.
(C) It will probably surpass illicit drugs as the largest contraband problem faced by the United States Custom Services.
(D) It is fostered by people who do not want to pay the price of CFC substitutes.
(E) It has grown primarily because of the expansion of the refrigeration, heating, and air-conditioning industries in foreign countries.

Analogy

•  ASSUAGE : SORROW ::

(A) retaliate : antipathy
(B) dampen : ardor
(C) entrust : reliability
(D) counsel : reluctance
(E) withhold : appreciation

•  DIE : SHAPING ::

(A) glue : attaching
(B) anchor : sailing
(C) drill : boring
(D) pedal : propelling
(E) ink : printing

•  PERFUNCTORILY : INSPIRATION ::

(A) insolently : veneration
(B) ardently : passion
(C) phlegmatically : composure
(D) surreptitiously : obsession
(E) haltingly : reluctance

• FAWN : IMPERIOUSNESS ::

(A) equivocate : directness
(B) elaborate : originality
(C) boggle : imagination
(D) manipulate : repression
(E) coddle : permissiveness

• CLOT : DISSOLVED ::

(A) enthusiast : influenced
(B) carton : distorted
(C) crowd : dispersed
(D) chain : disengaged
(E) disciple : inspired

•  STUDY : LEARN ::

(A) pervade : encompass
(B) search : find
(C) gather : win
(D) agree : keep
(E) accumulate : raise

• APPLE : FRUIT ::

(A) egg : chicken
(B) rung : chair
(C) wool : fabric
(D) fuse : dynamite
(E) wick : candle

Antonym

•  BOISTEROUS:

A. grateful
B. angry
C. clever
D. frightened
E. quiet

•  JABBER:

A. tickle
B. argue
C. stroke
D. speak slowly
E. joke inaptly

• AMALGAMATE:

A. separate
B. fixate
C. terminate
D. calibrate
E. correlate

•  ENDORSE:

A. provoke criticism
B. receive payment
C. submit unwillingly
D. oppose publicly
E. perform quickly

•  GIST:

A. artificial manner
B. trivial point
C. informal procedure
D. eccentric method
E. singular event

•  ANARCHY:

A. courtesy
B. hope
C. order
D. neutrality
E. importance

•  BREACH:

A. garner
B. solder
C. keep silent
D. move forward
E. give approval

•  EXTANT:

A. extensive
B. extraneous
C. extricable
D. extinct
E. extra

GRE Subject Test

GRE Subject Test

• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Literature in English
  
• Mathematics
  
  
  
  

GRE Tips, GRE Exam Day, GRE Peparation

GRE Tips

Every year large number of students appears for GRE to fulfill their dream of pursuing graduation from top US colleges and universities. From India alone, in 2008 approx. 75000 students appeared for GRE. This goes to show that competition is severe for getting admission in USA universities. Find below few important GRE Tips to get advantage over other GRE aspirants :

GRE Tips for GRE Preparation

Make a GRE preparation plan according to the number of days you have before the GRE Exam.

One of the easiest and high scoring option is GRE word list. Refer any GRE reference book for this and make flash cards. Every day in the morning memorize around 10-15 words and revise it at the end of the day. Also, when next morning you memorize new set of words revise all the accumulated old ones as well. Even if you forget some of them need not worry, just follow this routine for a month and you will see good result.

Refer your 10th and 12th grade Mathematics books to read GRE Math concepts and formulas and to improve your GRE reading comprehension score read, read and read a lot.

Practice lot of GRE tests online and analyze every test carefully to find your strength and weaknesses. Make a note of all the mistakes that you commit during the test and try to avoid them during next GRE practice tests.

GRE Tips for Penultimate Day

Prior to the GRE Exam day go for a movie or do something so that you feel relaxed. Last minute preparation doesn’t help, it only adds to the stress before the GRE Exam.

Take complete rest in the night before the GRE Exam day.

GRE Tips for GRE Exam Day

When the GRE Test begins, start slowly and be relaxed. Need not rush to solve the questions because you might miss out on some of the important instructions. Remember initial few questions will set the tone for your so solve first few questions CAREFULLY. Try to solve them correctly even if you are slow.

In the middle of the GRE Test if you get stuck on any one question, do not waste your time just move on. Its very important that you are able to browse through all the GRE questions because usually there is a high penalty for questions you are not able to reach during the GRE test.

GRE And GMAT Differences, Gre And GMAT

Difference Between the GRE and GMAT?

Students who are applying to a business school or another management program usually take the GMAT. Students who plan to study most other subjects in graduate school usually take the GRE.

However, some graduate schools give their prospective students the choice of which test to take. You should know the difference between the GRE and GMAT so you can choose the test that best emphasizes your strengths.

GRE: Graduate Record Examinations

The GRE is offered year-round and tests potential graduate students in four areas:

1. Verbal reasoning
2. Quantitative reasoning
3. Critical thinking
4. Analytical skills

Test-takers receive three scores: one each for verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing. It is primarily a computer-based test. It can be given on paper, however, if the computer-based test isn’t available.

The test costs $140 in the US and US territories; $175 in China, Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan; and $170 in all other places.

You also can take GRE subject tests. These are available in eight different subjects:

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology

Math

Computer Science

Literature in English

Psychology

They are offered at paper-based test centers in April, October and November. The cost is $130 in the US and US territories and $150 elsewhere in the world.

GMAT: Graduate Management Admission Test

The GMAT tests verbal, math and analytical skills in three sections:

Analytical writing assessment

Quantitative

Verbal

Test-takers receive four scores: one for each section, plus a total score. You will also receive a percentile rank for each score. Then you will know the percentage of test-takers in the past three years who received a lower score.

The cost of the test is $250 around the world.

The GRE or GMAT is required for future graduate students in most fields. Students must take a different test, however, if they plan to study one of several specialty professions, including dentistry, law and medicine.

Before you take any test, ask the graduate schools that you are considering what tests you must take or which they prefer. Knowing the difference between the GRE and GMAT allows you to pick the test that matches your abilities and prepares you to enter the field of your choice.

GRE Information,GRE Information Bulletin,GRE Test Tips

GRE- Complete information-Test tips

1. The GRE is now only available as a computer-adaptive test. This is how it works: instead of having a pre-determined mixture of easy, medium, and hard questions, the computer will select questions for you based on how well you are doing. The first question will be of medium difficulty; if you get it right, the second question will be selected from a large group of questions that are a little harder; if you get the first question wrong, the second will be a little easier. The result is that the test automatically adjusts to your skill level. The Tough questions have more credit than easier ones.
2. You can still earn a very high score even if you answer several questions incorrectly. Correct answers to Harder questions leads to large score as compared to easier questions. This means to Get large score more difficult questions has to be answered.
3. Some (Very few) Universities may demand Subject GRE.
4. After completing your exam you can send your scores (free!) to four Universities so be prepared.
5. Your GRE scores are valid for 5 years.
6. You may appear again in GRE after one month.

Total testing time is up to three hours, not including the research section. The directions at the beginning of each section specify the total number of questions in the section and the time allowed for the section.

The Analytical Writing section is always first. For the Issue task, two topics will be presented and you will choose one. The Argument task does not present a choice of topics; instead, one topic will be presented.

The Verbal and Quantitative sections may appear in any order, including an unidentified unscored section. Treat each section presented during your test as if it counts.

Section         Number of Questions    Time

Analytical Writing 1 Issue Task*             45 minutes

Analytical Writing 1 Argument Task*     30 minutes

Verbal                    30                             30 minutes

Quantitative            28                             45 minutes

Unscored**           Varies                      Varies

Research***           Varies                      Varies

* For the Issue task, two essay topics are presented and you choose one. The Argument task does not present a choice of topics; instead one topic is presented.

** An unidentified unscored section may be included and may appear in any order after the Analytical Writing section. It is not counted as part of your score.

*** An identified research section that is not scored may be included, and it is always at the end of the test.

Some Facts :

1. Maximum score for sections Verbal, Quantitative is 800. An analytical writing score will be reported on a 0-6 score scale, in half-point increments.
2. GRE is generally required by universities in North America (USA and Canada).
3. Most Universities require General GRE for admission to MS and Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences.
4. Generally for engineering Students score above 1200 (750+ 450+ 4) is considered good for admission for middle order universities ranked between 40 to 90 .There may be some deviations.
5. For all engineering Students GRE Q is most important for best results GRE Q must be well above 740 ,GRE A above 650(A>4.0/6.0), GRE V above 450.
6. GRE score can considerably improve University Ranking. TOEFL is most important. TOEFL score must be well above 213.Generally
7. Top 50 ranked Universities may require GRE>1300(770+,530+,>4/6) and TOEFL>250.For International students Verbal section is quite difficult. So they must prepare hard on vocabulary.

Test Center Procedures and Regulations for Both,Computer-based and Paper-based Tests

Test Center Procedures and Regulations for Both


Computer-based and Paper-based Tests

==>Dress so that you can adapt to any room temperature.

==> Friends or relatives who accompany you to the test center will not be permitted to wait in the test center or be in contact with you while you are taking the test. Except for ETS-authorized observers, visitors are not allowed in the testing room while testing is in progress.

==> ID verification at the test center may include thumbprinting, photographing, videotaping or other form of electronic ID confirmation. If you refuse to participate, you will not be permitted to test and you will forfeit your test fee. This is in addition to the requirement that you must present acceptable and valid identification.

==> Food, drinks and tobacco are not allowed in the testing room

==> Personal items other than identification documents are not allowed in the testing room. This includes cell phones, PDAs, BlackBerry® devices and any other electronic or photographic devices. You will not have access to your personal items during the test or during breaks. Before the test, you will receive instructions from test center staff regarding where you must deposit personal items. You will be required to follow the procedures set by the test center for storage of your cell phone or any electronic or photographic device you bring to the test center. If you take personal items into the test room, they will be collected by the test center staff. Personal items such as hats, scarves, jackets and outerwear that are taken into the test room are subject to inspection by the test center staff before being admitted to the test room. Failure to comply may result in dismissal from the test and/or cancellation of scores. If you fail to follow the directions of the test center staff, you will not be permitted to take the test. Any violation of this procedure during the test or breaks may result in cancellation of your scores, dismissal from the test center staff or banning from future testing. Test centers and ETS assume no responsibility for personal items or devices that you choose to bring into the test center.

==> The test administrator will assign you a seat.

==> On occasion, weather conditions or other circumstances beyond the test administrator's or ETS's control may require a delayed start or the rescheduling of your test appointment. In the event that it is then necessary to cancel your test session or if it is later determined that your scores could not be reported, you will be offered the opportunity to schedule another test appointment free of charge or receive a full refund of the original test fee. You may also seek reimbursement from ETS for reasonable and documented expenses associated with traveling to the test center, even though technical problems are generally not the fault of ETS. To request reimbursement, contact ETS with the following information within 30 days of your original appointment: your name, date of birth, mailing address, daytime telephone number, e-mail address, original test date and registration or CBT appointment number, and a brief description of what occurred at the test center. All reimbursements will be made in U.S. dollars.

For Computer-based Tests Only

The following procedures and regulations apply during the entire test session, which begins at sign-in, ends at sign-out and includes breaks.

==> If you requested and received an authorization voucher from ETS, you must take it with you to the test center.

==> You will be required to write (not print) and sign a confidentiality statement at the test center. If you do not complete and sign the statement, you cannot test and your test fees will be forfeited.

==> You will be required to sign the test center log before and after the test session and any time you leave or enter the testing room.

==> The test administrator will provide you with scratch paper that may be replaced after you have used all pages of the scratch paper initially given to you. You may not bring your own scratch paper to the test, nor may you remove scratch paper from the testing room at any time. Scratch paper is provided to assist test takers in working out problems and for appropriate note taking during timed sections of the test. Scratch paper should NOT be used during breaks or before the test.

==> Before your test begins, you will be given the option to register for the GRE Search Service.

==> If you need to leave your seat at any time other than the break, raise your hand; timing of the section will not stop.

==> If, at any time during the test, you have a problem with your computer or for any reason need the administrator's help, raise your hand.

==> Testing premises are subject to videotaping.

==> The GRE General Test includes an optional 10-minute break after the Analytical Writing section and one-minute breaks between the remaining sections of the test. This break time cannot be exceeded.

==> The maximum time allotted for the tutorial and/or other untimed sections prior to the test is 30 minutes. The purpose of the tutorial and/or other untimed sections prior to the test is to become familiar with the computer functions and other important information that will make your computer-based test experience as convenient as possible. The time you spend on the tutorial and/or other untimed sections should not be used for any other purpose. You may not use scratch paper during this time. Infractions will be reported to ETS, and the test administrator is authorized to dismiss you from the test administration if you fail to follow the test administrator's directions.

==> Calculators are not permitted in the testing room.

==> At the end of the test, you will be given the option to cancel your scores or view your unofficial scores. Because of the Analytical Writing essay scoring process, you will not be able to view your Analytical Writing score at this time.

For Paper-based Tests Only

The following procedures and regulations apply during the entire test session, which begins when you are admitted to the test center, ends when you leave the test center and includes breaks.

==> Test administrators will not honor requests for schedule changes.

==> Take your admission ticket and photo ID to the test center.

==> Take 3 or 4 sharpened soft-lead (No. 2 or HB) pencils and a good eraser. Pencils and erasers will not be supplied at the center. Mechanical pencils and pens are not permitted.

==>No test test taker will be admitted after test materials have been distributed.

==> Paper of any kind is not permitted in the testing room.

==> You must have the test administrator's permission to leave the room during the test. Any time lost cannot be made up.

==>You may wish to pace yourself with your own watch, but the test administrator is the official timekeeper. You will not be permitted to continue the test or any part of it beyond the established time limit. Watch alarms and clocks on cell phones are not permitted to track time.

==>You may work only on the section the test center supervisor designates and only for the time allowed. You will not be permitted to continue the test or any part of it beyond the established time limit.

==>Cell phones, PDAs and BlackBerry® devices must be turned off and are not permitted on the writing surface.

==> Answers to multiple-choice questions recorded in the test book will not be scored. You may use the test book to work out your answers, but you must mark all your answers on the separate answer sheet before time is called.

==> At the conclusion of the test you will be required to return your test book and answer sheet to the test administrator. These materials are the property of ETS.

==> The General Test includes a 10-minute break after the Analytical Writing section and one-minute breaks between the remaining sections of the test.

==> Calculators are not permitted in the testing room.

==> At the end of the test, you will be given the option to cancel your scores.

Get Scholarship Even With Low GRE Score

Get Scholarship Even With Low GRE Score

For GRE score less than 1200, there are very good chances that you will get admission, but admission with Financial aid or scholarship will be little difficult. Keep reading, I will uncover few tips that might just get what you wanted.

If the graduate schools admission committee is pleased with your performance by looking at high GRE score, papers presentation, projects, recommendation letters from high profile professors, they want such students to study in their school and they give admission with some form of Financial aid or Scholarship.

That doesn't mean students with Low GRE are less capable. There are few things that can be done to increase your chances to get college admission with scholarship.

•  Ask your professors who recommends you to high light the achievements from the project work or paper presentation
•  Include the copies of your project report along with the graduate schools application packet
• Include copies of all certificates ( Training, computer course, extra-curricular activities)
• Personally contact professors if your research interests are the same as area professors is working on and explain your achievements, chances are you will get admission and and asked to work for him after the class starts. Which is a good sign.

If any of the above doesn't help you to scholarship or some form of Financial aid, don't give up. Get your visa and head to the school where things looks good in terms of funding. Read about short listing from previous posts to understand which universities to select from list of schools you got admission.

Once, you reach university even before the classes start, start looking for college campus part time jobs. If you happen to be in school where there are more International Students, its all about being in right place at right time to get part time job.

Then get an appointment with your professors and start working for him, based on your work, you will be given scholarship or financial aid.

So, even with Low GRE score, by contacting the professors, will double your admission chances.

GRE Troubleshooting Problem Solving,GRE Problem Solving

Troubleshooting Problem Solving

When solving word problems (math problems in a real-world setting), make reasonable real-world assumptions. Don’t get stuck looking for subtle meanings, this is not the wrong section for test-makers try to trick you in this way.

Unless your question specifically involved Data Analysis interpretation of graphs or charts you should not rely on your eyes alone to measure angle sizes; the figures are not often drawn to scale. Know which questions you should (or must) visually estimate, and which ones you should not.

Look for the most intuitive way to get the right answer. Problem solving questions are designed to have faster and shorter ways to get the same answer, so if you’re doing a lot of pencil work, stop and take a moment to think. There is likely a quicker way.

Numerical value answer choices will increase in size as you read down the list. So if you estimate roughly the size of number the question asks for, then you can easily eliminate all but the most probable answers.

If you’re stuck, many questions allow you to work backward by assuming hypothetically that each answer choice in turn is the correct one, then testing it by “plugging it in.”

Never forget to double check your work. Wrong answers anticipate commonly made mistakes ir order to trick you. Use a pencil and scrap paper so you can briefly check your process and calculation before selecting your final answer.

 

GRE Problems

 

The Arithmetic part of the GRE exam consists of several multiple choice questions on various topics, including:

• Basic number properties

• Fractions, decimals and percentages

• Arithmetic word problems

• Algebra- equations and inequalities

• Averages, ratios, proportions

• A tiny bit of probability, permutations/combinations, etc.

• Geometry: lines, angles, triangles, squares, a tiny bit about circles, and coordinate geometry

Make sure you know all of these areas of math. They’re usually asked at an American high-school level, which isn’t very difficult to be honest.

There are approximately 10 distcrete-quantitative, or regular, math problems in the quantitative section of the GRE. You get about 1.5 minute per question, which means timing is crucial- you want to practice until you can solve these questions within the proper time limit.

Sample Problems:

On a coordinated grid with O(0,0), line AB goes from (0,3) to (3,0). Line CD goes from (0,4) to (4,0). What’s the area of ABCD?

Answer: In the GRE, you’ll likely be given a picture to help you, but here you should just draw it out yourself. The easiest way to solve this is to find the area of triangle AOB and subtract it from the area of triangle COD, as the remainder will constitute of area ABCD. Now, each perpendicular side of AOB is 3, so the area is . The area of COD is similarly . Therefore the remining area of ABCD is .

Question: , while . Find .

Answer: The trick here is to manipulate the equations you’re given to eliminate b. You can do this easily by adding two of the first equation to the second one: . Cool. Now, we know that , so . See, it’s pretty easy.

Is the GRE the right choice?

With a number of schools now accepting both the GRE and the GMAT, applicants can choose the exam that best suits them. But how does one make that decision? Here are some things to consider before picking which exam to write:

Which exam is accepted by your school? If your top choices don’t accept both exams, the decision is made for you. If they do, consider what the majority of students accepted have taken, it could signal a preference for one exam over the other.

Consider your demographic. Some schools are using them to expand their applicant demographics, realizing that due to it’s lower price point, as well as higher number of testing facilities the GRE is the more accessible of the two exams.

What are you post degree plans? Some employers also consider GMAT scores when hiring, particularily those in the investment banking and consulting field. If you career path lies within the fields, this should influence your decision.

When do you plan to apply? Currently, the majority of B-Schools accept only GMAT scores, so if you’re considering applying within the next year, you may want to right the GMAT to keep as many doors open as possible. However, both GRE and GMAT scores are valid for 5 years, so if an MBA is in your future, but not for a few years, this will be a less restricting consideration.

Which will you preform better on? “If… your background is in education or writing or the arts and you’re much stronger in vocabulary than in probabilty and statistics  there’s a reasonable chance you’ll do better on the GRE” said Kaplan spokesperson Carina Wong. Ultimately, your MBA application package needs to highlight you strengths, and show your ability to succeed in B-school; choose the exam that do this.