FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GRE COURSE

1. Can your class really help me score my best?

Yes! We have been helping students from southeast Michigan achieve their testing potential for over 20 years. Our highly qualified and experienced teachers will:

• Familiarize you with test content and format.
• Guide you through in-depth reviews of the necessary math, verbal and writing skills.
• Give you plenty of practice, and
• Teach you to analyze your errors and improve your performance.

In addition, class meetings—which are spread over several weeks—will help you structure your preparation time and stay motivated as you approach your test date.

2. What can I do to get the most out of the class?

You can do a great deal to reap the fullest benefits from your test preparation experience! Here are some suggestions:

• Attend all class sessions if possible.
• Join the classroom conversation. You will learn the material better if you discuss it with others.
• Ask questions. Let the instructor know if you’re puzzled. We are happy to take your questions both during and after class.
• Keep an open mind and be willing to try new test-taking strategies.
• Schedule consistent at-home study sessions.
• Use the PowerPrep software, which can be downloaded from mba.com.

3. How much time should I plan to spend studying?

That depends on your schedule and your needs. Many of our students work or attend school full-time, and many have busy family lives. Yet even the busiest students can benefit greatly from several short (e.g., half-hour) sessions per week. Of course, if you have more time, or if you are especially weak in a certain subject, you will benefit from longer sessions.

The most important thing is to study frequently and consistently, rather than cramming for hours now and then.

4. How much time should I allow between the end of the class and my test date?

Again, this varies depending on your schedule and needs. However, we recommend allowing at least two weeks so that you will have time to study and practice the material presented on the last day of the class.

5. What does the GRE test?

The GRE tests a variety of mathematical, verbal and writing skills. You will be required to:

• Solve arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis problems
• Identify antonyms
• Complete word analogies
• Complete sentences by filling blanks with the most appropriate words
• Answer questions about reading passages
• Write two essays (in one you will present your perspective on a topic; in the other you will analyze a brief argument)

A detailed description of the test’s content can be found at www.gre.org

6. What score do I need to pass?

There is no single “passing” score that applies to all students. Your passing score is the score you need to get into the graduate program of your choice. Keep in mind that different fields value the math, verbal and writing scores differently.

For example, a graduate English or history program may be primarily concerned with an applicant’s verbal and writing scores, while a graduate engineering or math program may pay more attention to an applicant’s quantitative score. To learn the minimum or average GRE score of students accepted into your desired program, contact the admissions office.
For more information on the scoring of the test, go to www.gre.org.

7. How will graduate schools use my score?

Graduate schools use your score on this standardized test to compare you more reliably to other students from around the world. Along with your undergraduate GPA, it is one of the most important factors in the admission process. Some schools use a minimum score as a strict cutoff. Some use formulas that allow a strong GRE score to counteract a weak GPA, and vice versa. Others report that they consider all applications in their entirety. Although your GRE score and undergraduate GPA are of utmost importance, other factors, such as admissions essays, also play a role.

If you have questions about how a specific school uses GRE scores, contact its admission office.

8. What if I don’t get the score I need the first time I take the test?

You are welcome to take the class again—at no charge! (If the books have been updated since you took the class, you will need to purchase new materials.)

Some students with particular difficulties in the quantitative section may also want to refresh their skills by taking a math class before returning to the GRE preparation course.

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