May 2023

GRE Dates 2023: Planning Your Exam Schedule

GRE Dates 2023: Planning Your Exam Schedule with Deadlines and Tips

GRE Dates 2023 can differ as the test is available both online and in person. For those who want to take the test from home testing dates are available 24/7. However, if you feel more comfortable taking the GRE from the test centers there are specific dates that are available for you.

As you prepare for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) in 2023, it’s crucial to understand the exam schedule, factors to consider when choosing a test date, and how to navigate the registration process. This article will provide you with key information and tips to help you plan your GRE exam schedule effectively.

Understanding the GRE Exam Schedule for 2023: Key Dates and Deadlines to Keep in Mind

The GRE is administered throughout the year, but it’s essential to be aware of the specific test dates for 2023. The Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization responsible for the GRE, releases the official GRE test dates on its website. By consulting the ETS website or contacting their customer service, you can obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the available GRE dates 2023.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a GRE Exam Date: Tips for Finding the Right Time to Test

Understanding the GRE Exam Schedule

The official GRE dates for 2023 are released by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization that administers the GRE. These dates can be found on the ETS website or by contacting their customer service. It’s crucial to consult official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding available test dates.

When choosing a GRE exam date, it’s essential to consider factors such as your preparedness and study goals. Assess your current level of preparation and set realistic study targets to determine the best test date for you.

Balancing Study Time with Test Date

When selecting a GRE exam date, it’s crucial to find a balance between allowing yourself enough time to adequately prepare and avoiding unnecessary delays. Assess your current level of preparedness and set realistic study goals to determine the optimal test date for you. Plan your study schedule accordingly, giving yourself enough time to cover all the relevant topics and practice sample questions.

Considering Graduate School Admissions Timelines

Another factor to consider when scheduling your GRE exam is the application deadlines for the graduate schools you plan to apply to. Research and note down the admission deadlines for each institution, and work backward from those dates to determine when you should take the GRE. Keep in mind that it’s wise to complete the exam well in advance of the application deadlines to allow ample time for score reporting and application submission.

Factors Beyond Timing

While timing is an important consideration, don’t overlook other factors that may influence your test performance. Consider your personal circumstances, such as work commitments, family responsibilities, and any other significant events that could impact your study schedule. Aim to choose a test date when you can devote sufficient time and focus to your GRE preparation without undue distractions.

Registering for the GRE in 2023: What You Need to Know About the Process and Important Dates

To register for the GRE in 2023

Visit the official ETS website
Create an account
Access the registration portal
Select your preferred test date and location

It’s essential to register early to secure your desired date, as popular test centers may fill up quickly. Keep in mind that late registration fees may apply if you register after the regular registration deadline, so be mindful of the associated costs.

Preparing for the GRE: Strategies for Effective Study and Test-Taking in 2023

Preparing for the GRE requires effective study strategies and test-taking techniques. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the GRE in 2023:

Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Structure: Understand the format and sections of the GRE, including Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Review sample questions to become familiar with the types of questions you’ll encounter.
Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan that allows you to cover all the necessary topics and practice regularly. Set specific goals for each study session and track your progress to stay on track.
Utilize Official Study Materials: ETS provides official study materials, including the Official Guide to the GRE and practice tests. These resources are designed specifically for the GRE and can help you become familiar with the test content and question formats.
Take Practice Tests: Regularly take timed practice tests to simulate the actual test-taking experience. Analyze your performance, identify areas of weakness, and focus on improving those areas.
Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your strengths and weaknesses and allocate more time to areas where you need improvement. Practice questions and review concepts related to the sections you find challenging.
Use Online Resources: Take advantage of online resources such as educational websites, forums, and interactive study tools that offer additional practice questions, explanations, and study guides.
Develop Time Management Skills: The GRE is a timed exam, so it’s crucial to practice managing your time effectively. During practice sessions, simulate the test conditions and aim to complete sections within the allocated time. Here are 5 key tips from Apex that will help you.
Join Study Groups or Seek Support: Consider joining study groups or finding study partners who are also preparing for the GRE. Collaborating with others can provide additional motivation, support, and different perspectives.
Take Care of Yourself: Ensure you maintain a healthy lifestyle during your preparation. Get enough rest, exercise regularly, eat well, and manage stress effectively. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being will contribute to your overall performance on test day.

By implementing these strategies and maintaining a consistent study routine, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the GRE in 2023 and increase your chances of achieving your desired scores.

Adjusting Your GRE Exam Schedule: How to Reschedule or Cancel Your Test Date if Necessary

In certain situations, you may need to reschedule or cancel your GRE test date. If you find that you’re unable to take the exam on your originally scheduled date, you can log in to your ETS account and make the necessary changes. However, be aware that rescheduling fees may apply, and the availability of alternative test dates will depend on the test center’s capacity.

FAQs About The GRE Dates

Are there any important deadlines I should be aware of when registering for the GRE in 2023, such as late registration or rescheduling fees?

When registering for the GRE in 2023, it’s crucial to be aware of important deadlines.

Late registration fees may apply if you register after the regular registration deadline, so it’s advisable to register early to avoid additional costs.
As for rescheduling fees, the amount may vary, so consult the ETS website or contact their customer service for the most accurate information.

How far in advance should I register for the GRE in 2023?

Regarding how far in advance you should register for the GRE in 2023, it’s recommended to register as early as possible to secure your preferred test date and location. Since popular test centers tend to fill up quickly, registering well in advance will increase the likelihood of securing your desired exam slot.

Conclusion

By understanding the GRE exam schedule, considering various factors when choosing a test date, and familiarizing yourself with the registration process and important deadlines, you can effectively plan your GRE exam schedule for 2023. With proper preparation and strategic scheduling, you’ll be on your way to achieving your desired GRE scores and pursuing your graduate school aspirations.

Are you looking for personalized GRE preparation and individual tutoring? Our expert tutors are ready to guide you through the GRE journey, helping you achieve your best scores. With our customized study plans and tailored approach, we ensure you receive the support you need to succeed. Plus, we offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation call to discuss your goals and how we can assist you.

Contributor: Anna Martirosyan

May 2023

Aiming for a Perfect Score on the GRE: Tips and Strategies

Understanding the GRE Scoring System and What a Perfect Score Entails

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test used by many graduate programs to assess the readiness of applicants. The test is divided into three main sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The perfect score on the GRE is 340, with 170 points for Verbal Reasoning and 170 points for Quantitative Reasoning. Additionally, the Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, with 6 being the highest score.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Striving for a Perfect GRE Score

Aiming for a perfect GRE score comes with both advantages and disadvantages that you should carefully consider during your preparation.

Benefits:

Impressive credentials: A perfect GRE score can set you apart from other applicants in highly competitive graduate programs, demonstrating your exceptional critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Increased confidence: Achieving a perfect score can boost your self-confidence, making you feel more capable and ready to tackle the challenges of graduate school.
Scholarship opportunities: A perfect GRE score may qualify you for prestigious scholarships or fellowships, reducing the financial burden of pursuing higher education.

Drawbacks:

Increased pressure: Striving for a perfect score can add significant stress to an already demanding preparation process. It’s essential to balance your ambition with self-care to avoid burnout.
Diminishing returns: For some programs, the difference between an excellent score and a perfect score may not significantly impact your chances of admission. In such cases, investing additional time and energy into achieving a perfect score might not be the most effective use of your resources.
Neglecting other application components: Focusing too heavily on obtaining a perfect GRE score can detract from other crucial aspects of your graduate school application, such as your personal statement, letters of recommendation, and research experience.

Ultimately, it’s important to carefully evaluate your target programs’ requirements and expectations and to strike a balance between aiming for a perfect score and maintaining a well-rounded application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing for the GRE

Lack of Planning

Failing to create a structured study plan can lead to unproductive study sessions and missed opportunities for improvement. Develop a realistic study schedule that includes ample time for practice tests, review, and content mastery.

Underestimating the Difficulty

The GRE is a challenging exam that requires rigorous preparation. Don’t assume that your existing knowledge and skills will be sufficient. Dedicate the necessary time and effort to prepare thoroughly.

Focusing on Memorization

While memorizing vocabulary and formulas can be helpful, it’s crucial to focus on understanding underlying concepts and developing problem-solving strategies.

Neglecting Test-Taking Strategies

Effective test-taking strategies, such as time management, pacing, and educated guessing, can make a significant difference in your overall score. Incorporate these strategies into your practice sessions.

Strategies for Achieving a Perfect Score on Each Section of the GRE

Developing Strong Analytical Writing Skills

To excel in the Analytical Writing section, practice organizing and articulating complex ideas, and develop a strong command of grammar and punctuation.

Mastering Verbal Reasoning

Boost your Verbal Reasoning score by expanding your vocabulary, honing your reading comprehension skills, and practicing critical reasoning exercises.

Conquering Quantitative Reasoning

For Quantitative Reasoning, focus on mastering essential math concepts, improving your problem-solving abilities, and familiarizing yourself with common question types.

Preparing With An Experienced Tutor

Working with an experienced GRE tutor can provide personalized guidance, feedback, and strategies tailored to your strengths and weaknesses.

Tips for Maintaining Motivation and Managing Test Anxiety During GRE Preparation

Staying motivated and managing test anxiety are essential for successful GRE preparation. Here are our top suggestions to keep you on track and feeling confident:

Set achievable goals: Break down your preparation into smaller milestones to track your progress and celebrate achievements along the way.
Develop a study routine: Consistent study sessions create a sense of predictability, reducing stress and helping you stay focused.
Seek support: Connect with friends, family, or fellow test-takers who can provide encouragement, share experiences, and keep you accountable.
Stay active and well-rested: Regular exercise and quality sleep contribute to improved well-being, boosting your mood and lowering stress levels.
Practice self-compassion: Remember that setbacks are a normal part of the learning process—treat yourself with kindness and patience.

We understand that test anxiety can be a significant obstacle for many students. That’s why we offer support from our test anxiety coach, who holds a Ph.D. and has extensive experience in helping students manage stress and boost their confidence. With her expert guidance and personalized strategies, you can overcome anxiety and thrive throughout your GRE preparation journey.

FAQs About GRE Prep

What is a perfect score on the GRE, and how is it calculated?

A perfect GRE score is 340, with 170 points in Verbal Reasoning and 170 points in Quantitative Reasoning. Additionally, the Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6.

Is it realistic to aim for a perfect score on the GRE, or should I focus on achieving a specific minimum score?

Aiming for a perfect score can be beneficial for competitive programs but may not be necessary for every applicant. Focus on understanding the requirements and expectations of the programs you’re applying to and balance your efforts accordingly.

How important are time management and pacing when aiming for a perfect score on the GRE?

Time management and pacing are critical for achieving a high score on the GRE. Efficiently allocating your time allows you to answer more questions accurately and minimizes the negative impact of stress and fatigue during the exam. Develop and practice time management strategies during your preparation to optimize your performance on test day.

Final Thoughts

Aiming for a perfect score on the GRE can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. By understanding the scoring system, avoiding common mistakes, and implementing effective strategies for each section, you can maximize your chances of success. Remember to stay motivated, manage test anxiety, and seek support when necessary.

Don’t embark on your GRE journey alone. Apex is here to help you reach your full potential with personalized tutoring and expert guidance. Take the first step toward achieving your dream score by signing up for a 30-minute complimentary consultation call with one of our experienced GRE tutors.

Apr 2023

How Long is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that measures the skills and knowledge required for success in graduate programs, including business, law, and other fields. The test is offered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and has two types: the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test.

The GRE and GMAT are comparable; for more on how they differ, check our GRE vs. GMAT comparison article.

The GRE General Test is composed of three sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Let’s understand how long is the GRE test by each section and analyze each one individually.

How Long Is Each Section of The GRE?

Analytical Writing Section

The GRE General Test consists of three sections, one of which is Analytical Writing. This test is meant to assess how well you can understand arguments and successfully communicate difficult ideas. There are two writing assignments in this part, each of which has a time limit of 30 minutes. The Analytical Writing section measures the test-takers ability to articulate complex ideas effectively and clearly,

Verbal Reasoning Section

The Verbal Reasoning section is the second part of the GRE Test. It measures how well you can understand what you read and analyze it. You will be given two 30-minute sections, each with 20 multiple-choice questions. The questions are based on different types of reading material, and you will need to understand the meaning of words, sentences, and passages to answer them.

To do well in this section, you need to have a good vocabulary, understand how sentences are structured, and be able to understand complex ideas. Practicing and getting familiar with the questions can help you do well on the Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE General Test. You can check this out to review sample questions.

Quantitative Reasoning Section

Another part of the GRE General Test is the Quantitative Reasoning Section. This section evaluates your ability for problem-solving as well as your comprehension and explanation of mathematical ideas. Two 35-minute portions with 20 multiple-choice questions each will be provided to you. Your proficiency in mathematics, algebra, geometry, and data analysis will be put to the test by the questions.

Additionally, you might be required to interpret and analyze data from tables, graphs, and charts. You must have a solid understanding of math principles and be able to apply them in a variety of situations in order to perform well on this subject. You can perform well on the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE General Test by practicing and being familiar with the questions that will be on the test.

By looking at the chart below, we can see that the GRE test lasts roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes. There are six sections, and the third section is followed by a 10-minute break.

Experimental Section

The GRE General Test includes a component called the Experimental component that is only utilized for research and is not scored. It is intended to evaluate the efficacy and complexity of new questions for upcoming exams. You won’t be able to identify this GRE section because it could come up at any time during the exam. It might be a segment on verbal reasoning or a portion on quantitative reasoning, but it won’t be a section on analytical writing.

You won’t know which section this is, but even though it’s not graded, you should take it seriously and give it your best effort because it might affect how well you do on the other scored sections. The questions in the Experimental Section will be the same as those in the scored portions, and it is not timed separately. Even if you think a question is from the Experimental Section, you must remain concentrated and give each one your best effort.

Ways to Manage Time on the GRE Test

One of the essential skills tested on the GRE is time management as it is an almost 4 hours long exam you need to practice time management skills in order not to stress yourself. Therefore, it is crucial to develop effective strategies for managing time during the test.

Here are some ways how you can manage time during the exam:

Keep Calm: It is essential to stay calm and composed during the exam. Panicking or feeling overwhelmed can lead to poor performance and poor time management.
Read the entire exam: Before answering any questions, read the entire exam to get an idea of what’s ahead. This can help you plan your time accordingly.
Start with the easiest questions: Begin with the easiest questions to gain momentum and build confidence. This can help you save time and make you feel more in control.
Spend less time on simple questions: Don’t spend too much time on simple questions. If you know the answer, choose it and move on.
Don’t leave questions unanswered: Don’t leave any questions unanswered, as there is no penalty for guessing. If you’re not sure about an answer, make an educated guess and move on.
Use a good calculator: A good calculator can save you time on the quantitative reasoning section of the test. Make sure you’re comfortable with the calculator you’re using and know how to use it efficiently.
Skip to another question if you are stuck: If you’re stuck on a question, don’t waste too much time on it. Skip to another question and come back to it later if you have time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing how long is the GRE and how much time you have for each section can help you plan your approach and improve your performance. Remember to stay calm, read the entire exam, start with the easiest questions, and don’t waste too much time on simple questions. By following these tips and seeking help from a private tutor if necessary, you can maximize your chances of success on the GRE and achieve your academic and career goals

If you are feeling overwhelmed about managing your time during the GRE test, consider seeking help from a private tutor. They can provide you with personalized guidance on how to effectively manage your time and improve your overall test-taking strategies.

At Apex, we offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation call for anyone interested in our services. Additionally, you can read success stories from our past clients who have achieved a cumulative score of 325 or higher with our help. Don’t let time management stress you out, reach out to us today!

Mar 2023

GMAT vs GRE: Question Types and Content Comparison

If you’re considering business school, one of the first decisions to make is whether to prepare for the GRE or the GMAT. While the preferences of the admissions offices at your target schools should take precedence, there are many test-specific considerations as well. The tests vary substantially in terms of content, and this article will overview each test to help you make an informed decision for GMAT or GRE preparation.

GMAT vs GRE: Quantitative Sections Head-to-Head

The GRE and the GMAT take different approaches to measure candidates’ quantitative reasoning skills. The GMAT does not allow the use of a calculator on the quant section, but the GRE provides a built-in calculator for its quant sections. Some standard mental math proficiency is helpful on either test (you don’t want to have to use the GRE calculator every time you need to perform basic arithmetic operations), but if developing non-calculator proficiency is a big hurdle for you, put one check in the GRE column.

The GMAT and GRE quant sections cover almost the exact same content, but the balance of topics is different between the tests. The GMAT is heavily focused on algebra (whether pure notational algebra or word problems) and features more work/rate and speed/distance problems than the GRE, while the GRE mixes in more geometry and statistics. The GRE also requires knowledge of certain statistics topics that are lacking from the GMAT, like quartiles and normal distributions, but these topics can be learned easily and shouldn’t impact your decision.

Both tests have unique question types in their quantitative sections. On the GMAT, it’s data sufficiency; on the GRE, it’s quantitative comparisons. These questions represent a departure from the standard multiple choice model employed across virtually all standardized tests and usually require some extra practice from test-takers, but neither is necessarily more difficult or prep-time-consuming than the other.

Overall, most people who take both the GMAT and the GRE report that the GMAT has the harder quant section. And it is true that the GMAT problems tend to be a bit more complex than their GRE counterparts. Still, diligent preparation (especially with the help of an expert tutor) makes either quant section conquerable.

GMAT vs GRE: Verbal Sections Head-to Head

Here the GMAT and the GRE part ways. Both tests have reading comprehension in their verbal sections, with the passages and accompanying questions being largely the same in character and difficulty, but that is where the similarities end.

On GMAT verbal, reading comprehension questions account for only about ⅓ of the total, with critical reasoning and sentence correction making up the balance.

Critical reasoning questions are about recognizing the structure of an argument, especially its assumptions, and knowing how to strengthen, weaken, or complete it.

Sentence correction questions are a choice among five versions of the same sentence, only one of which is grammatically, idiomatically, and stylistically correct. In general, out of the 36 sections on the GMAT verbal reasoning section, about 10 are critical reasoning, about 12 are reading comprehension, and about 14 are sentence correction.

On each of the GRE’s two scored verbal reasoning sections, 10 of the 20 questions are reading comprehension, 6 are text completion, and 4 are sentence equivalence.

Text completion and sentence equivalence questions involve reading sentences and using context clues to fill in their blanks with the most appropriate words from the answer choice set. Where the GMAT requires English grammar knowledge for sentence correction, the GRE requires English vocabulary knowledge for text completion and sentence equivalence.

Generally, the learning of vocabulary for the GRE takes more prep time than the learning of grammar for GMAT sentence correction. Most English speakers with grammatical proficiency for GMAT sentence correction still need to liven up their vocabularies to get to the GRE level.

People who excel at memorizing lots of information – like the definitions of a few hundred words – will be well-suited to GRE verbal prep. People who struggle with memorization but like to think conceptually might be better suited to prepare for critical reasoning and sentence correction on the GMAT.

There is no verdict on which test has an easier or harder verbal section. The sections are too different for any such comparison to make sense. It all depends on your own personal strengths and weaknesses – both in terms of content knowledge and in terms of thinking/learning style.

GMAT vs GRE: Writing Sections Head-to-Head

The GRE writing portion, called Analytical Writing, comprises two thirty-minute tasks: analyze an issue and analyze an argument. The “analyze an issue” task requires you to take a position on a brief statement and to construct your own argument in support of your position. The “analyze an argument” task provides you with a short paragraph in which an author supports their own position on an issue.

For this task, you will not construct your own argument but critique the argument in the prompt, identifying the assumptions and facts upon which it relies for strength and validity.

The GMAT has only one thirty-minute writing portion, called the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), which is functionally identical to the GRE’s “analyze an argument” task.

Here the main difference is in the amount of time you have to spend writing. The GRE writing portion takes an hour and always comes before your quant and verbal sections, which can leave you feeling worn out while you still have almost three hours to go.

The GMAT writing portion is only half an hour and can be done after all other sections of your test. Still, the writing portion, while not altogether meaningless, is not mainly what these tests are about, so the difference in the “stamina factor” on this portion shouldn’t weigh heavily in your decision for one test or another.

GMAT vs GRE: Integrated Reasoning on the GMAT

The GMAT includes one section for which the GRE has no parallel: integrated reasoning. This thirty-minute, separately-scored section involves processing information from paragraphs, tables, and graphs in order to answer questions on the data.

The idea is for the section to integrate the quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning skills showcased independently on the other sections. If you develop these skills in the course of preparing for those sections, you’ll probably handle the integrated reasoning section without much difficulty.

It doesn’t require you to learn any additional content and essentially comes down to processing information fast enough, which comes with a bit of practice. Don’t let this scare you away from the GMAT.

Final Analysis

Let’s review some key points in a helpful table:

Unique GMAT prep challenges	Unique GRE prep challenges
learn non-calculator skills	master geometry and statistics
learn grammar for sentence correction	learn 100-500 vocab words
learn critical reasoning	build extra stamina (longer test)

In the end, the choice may come down to (1) your current strengths and weaknesses and (2) the differences in your aptitude for learning the content/building the skills for each test. The aim of this article is not to steer you toward one test or the other, but to provide you with the information to help you take the right first step in choosing the right test for you.

If you are interested in speaking with one of our GRE private tutors, you can sign-up for a complimentary, 30-minute consultation call. You can also learn more from our past clients who were able to achieve their cumulative 325+ score with us!

Contributor: Elijah Mize (Apex GRE Instructor)

$What Kind of Math is on the GRE? A breakdown of the quant section$

Jan 2023

What Kind of Math is on the GRE?

Unless you’re a math major, chances are that when you start preparing for the GRE, it’s been a while since you took a math class. Your algebra skills, once sharp and shiny, are rusty. Formulas you once knew are getting mixed up and mixed around. Your times tables have been tabled indefinitely. If you are to regain your mathematical form, you must begin by surveying the range of content to be (re)learned.

Thankfully, the GRE quantitative sections are built entirely from concepts and topics that you probably learned in high school at some point, even if your exposure to them was brief. Very few, if any, of the concepts will be completely new.

Below is a categorized list of topics you should expect to encounter. Think of this as the table of contents to a rather thorough GRE math syllabus.

GRE Math Topics

Arithmetic

Basic operations/order of operations

Exponents and radicals/powers and roots

Units digit cycles

Fractions, decimals, percents, ratios

Absolute Value

Place value

Estimation/approximation

Number Properties

Even and odd properties

Integers

Factors/Divisors

Divisibility

Least Common Multiple (LCM) and Greatest Common Factor (GCF)

Remainders

Prime numbers/prime factors/prime factorization

Arithmetic series properties

Algebra

Linear (first-degree) equations

Quadratic (second-degree) equations

Foiling and factoring quadratics

Inequalities

Functions

Sequences and series

Applied Problems

Probability

Combinatorics (combinations and permutations)

Percentage change and profit/loss

Interest

Age problems

Averages/mixtures

Rate/work /time

Speed/distance/time

Geometry

Polygons and sum of interior angles: 180(n – 2)

Quadrilateral types (parallelogram, trapezoid, rectangle, square) and area formulas

Triangles types (equilateral, isosceles, scalene, right) and area formulas

Pythagorean theorem

Special right triangles and Pythagorean triples

Circles and formulas for area and circumference

Arcs and sectors

Cylinders

Rectangular prisms

Area and perimeter

Volume and surface area

Similarity and congruence

Angles at intersections of lines

Coordinate Geometry

Slope

X and Y intercepts

Line equations and slope-intercept form (y = mx + b)

Graphs of functions

Midpoint and distance between points

Statistics

Mean, median, and mode

Standard deviation

Range

Quartiles and interquartile range

Normal distributions

You can use this list as a starting point to gauge how much learning (and relearning) you’ll have to do on the quantitative side of your GRE preparation. If any of these topics are only half-remembered or only vaguely familiar, you’ll have to do a fair bit of studying. If you are still well-versed in the majority of these topics, you may have a good head start on GRE quant. But note that this is simply a list of topics, not an exhaustive list of terms and formulas you must know.

A cheat sheet of formulas – without accompanying explanations – is actually less helpful than you might think, and the explanations of all the formulas you should know for GRE quant are too lengthy for these articles. We provide you with a handy glossary of terms to know as you begin your preparation for the GRE quantitative sections.

If you are interested in speaking with one of our GRE private tutors, you can sign-up for a complimentary, 30-minute free consultation call. You can also learn more from our past clients who were able to achieve their cumulative 325+ score with us!

Contributor: Elijah Mize (Apex GRE Instructor)

Nov 2022

GRE Structure, Scoring, and Strategy Tips

If you are at the beginning of your GRE prep journey, it’s important to understand the structure of the test and to be equipped with the right strategies for navigating each section. In this article, we’ll overview the delivery structure of the exam and provide powerful GRE tips to help you earn your best possible score on test day.

GRE Structure and Scoring

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) comprises six sections.

Analytical Writing

The first section, the Analytical Writing measure, has two tasks timed at thirty minutes each. The first task asks you to “analyze and issue” by taking a position on a brief statement. For this task, you will have to construct your own argument in support of your position. The second task asks you to “analyze an argument,” providing you with a short paragraph in which an author supports their own position on an issue. For this task, you will not construct your own argument but critique the argument in the prompt, identifying the assumptions and facts upon which it relies for strength and validity.

Each writing task will be scored on a range from 0 to 6 in half-point increments, both by a person and by a program, with the two scores being averaged. If the scores given by the person and by the program are significantly different, another person will take the place of the program, and the two human-generated scores will be averaged. (This person/program scoring approach is the same as on the GMAT). Once each of the two tasks has its averaged score, those two scores are in turn averaged into your final Analytical Writing score.

Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning

Sections two through six are the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning measures. Each section has twenty questions, but the Quant sections are timed at thirty-five minutes each, while the Verbal sections are timed at just thirty minutes each.

While ETS (Educational Testing Service, the administrators of the GRE) maintains that the sections can appear in any order, the official practice tests on their website and the experience of thousands of test-takers indicate that these sections will always alternate types (Q-V-Q-V-Q or V-Q-V-Q-V). Only two sections of each type (two Quant and two Verbal) count towards your score.

For whichever type has three sections, one of those sections is experimental and unscored. This section exists for ETS to check the validity of new content for future administrations of the GRE. There is no safe way to recognize or distinguish the experimental section from its scored counterparts; you need to treat every section as if it counts.

Like the GMAT, the GRE is adaptive, but on a much lower-resolution scale. While the GMAT adapts on a question-by-question basis, the GRE only adapts the difficulty of the second (scored) section of each type (Quant and Verbal) based on your performance on the first (scored) section of that type, which is always of medium difficulty. ETS has not released information on how many different degrees of difficulty exist for the second sections, but the official practice tests provided on the ETS website have three possibilities for each second section: an easier one, a medium one, and a harder one.

Both the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning measures are scored on a scale from 130 to 170. Unlike the GMAT, the GRE does not combine the Quant and Verbal scores into some overall score or report percentiles for test-takers’ combined scores out of 340 (the sum of the scores for the Quant and Verbal sections). Percentiles are only provided for the independent Quant and Verbal scores out of 170, as well as for the Analytical Writing measure.

GRE scoring percentiles:

Here are up-to-date GRE scoring percentiles:

GRE Score Percentiles for Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning

Scaled Score	Verbal Reasoning	Quantitative Reasoning
170	99	96
169	99	93
168	98	90
167	98	87
166	97	84
165	95	81
164	94	78
163	92	76
162	90	73
161	87	70
160	85	67
159	81	64
158	78	61
157	74	57
156	66	54
155	67	51
154	58	47
153	58	43
152	52	40
151	48	37
150	43	33
149	38	30
148	34	27
147	30	23
146	27	20
145	24	17

GRE Score Percentiles for Analytical Writing

Score	Percentile Rank
6.0	99
5.5	97
5.0	91
4.5	79
4.0	54
3.5	37
3.0	13
2.5	6
2.0	2
1.5	1
1.0	–
0.5	–
0.0	–

GRE Strategy Tips

A main structural difference between the GMAT and the GRE is the GRE’s feature of section navigation. While the GMAT does not allow test-takers to navigate a section or return to any previously-encountered questions on the section, the GRE has a navigation screen for each Quant and Verbal section, accessible via a “review” button in the top-right corner of the test.

This screen shows you the status of each question in the section. If you haven’t seen a question yet, it will be labeled “not encountered.” If you have seen a question but not answered it, it will be labeled “not answered.” As you can see on question 4 of this section (highlighted above), a question may also be labeled “incomplete” if it has multiple parts and only some of these parts are completed (this is possible on most of the vocabulary-based questions on Verbal sections).

You should never actually leave a question “incomplete” or altogether “unanswered” before moving on, even if you mark it for review. When you toggle the “mark” button (right next to the “review” button in the top right), always fully answer the question before moving on. Even a random answer is better than no answer at all.

[Note: the label “Section 2 of 5” indicates a total of five sections rather than six because the practice tests do not include an experimental section. Also, you can toggle between showing and hiding the time remaining for the section. This feature is on the real GRE as well.]

The navigation feature represents an exploitable opportunity for GRE-takers. Since both the Quant and Verbal sections have consistent internal structures, you can choose which questions to work through first and which questions to leave until the end. For more info on these “internal structures,” stay tuned for upcoming articles.

On the Verbal sections, you can choose whether to do reading comprehension questions or vocabulary questions first. In the Quant sections, you can begin with all the quantitative comparison questions or leave them until the end. You can also specifically target the data interpretation questions early on if that suits you.

Some test-takers will benefit from getting their least favorite questions out of the way and then speeding through the easy stuff. Other test-takers might like to knock out the easy questions first in order to know exactly how much time they’ll have to complete the harder ones. You can figure out what’s best for you personally on your way through the GRE prep process, and the insights of a private GRE tutor can be of great value here.

Thanks for reading our GRE tips regarding structure, scoring, and strategy. As this series of articles continues, we’ll break down the Quant and Verbal sections independently to help you understand the structure and content of each section type.

If you are interested in speaking with one of our GRE tutors, you can sign-up for a complimentary, 30-minute, consultation call. You can also learn more from our past clients who were able to achieve their cumulative 325+ score with us!

Contributor: Elijah Mize (Apex GRE Instructor)

Oct 2022

GRE Test Dates 2022-2023

If you’re thinking about taking the GRE, it’s important to know when the test is offered. The GRE is offered throughout the year, so there are plenty of test dates to choose from.

GRE Test Dates: How often is the GRE offered?

The GRE has two testing options – at home or in a test center.

if you decide to take the GRE at home, 24/7 with testing dates available around the clock.

Things to consider:

The GRE at-home test option is not available in China and Iran.
You can take the GRE every 21 days if you need to. If you’re not happy with your GRE score, you can always retake the test.
The GRE at-home exam is identical to an exam that you would sit for at a testing center.

if you decide to take the GRE at a testing center, you can choose to take a paper-based exam or a computer-based one, which most people do. For computer-based exams, testing dates are widely available at your convenience, except on national holidays and weekends.

For a paper-based exam, there are select testing dates for 2022-2023. The registration started on July 1, 2022. All the dates are listed below.

Keep in mind that paper-based exam is not available in all test centers.

All dates shown are (MM/DD/YYYY).

For Paper-Based Testing in the United States and Puerto Rico:

Test Date	Regular Deadline	Late Deadline *
09/17/2022	08/12/2022	08/19/2022
10/29/2022	09/23/2022	09/30/2022
04/08/2023	03/03/2023	03/10/2023

*Late registration is available for online registration only for a fee of US$25.

For Paper-Based Testing in All Other Locations, Including U.S. Territories:

Test Date	Regular Deadline	Late Deadline *
09/17/2022	08/05/2022	08/12/2022
10/29/2022	09/16/2022	09/23/2022
04/08/2023	02/24/2023	03/03/2023

*Late registration is available for online registration only for a fee of US$25.

To register for the GRE you need to create an ETS account, and you need to provide a method of payment and a passport or an ID. You can choose to request ETS disability services.

Contributor: Cynthia Addoumieh

Jun 2022

How Does GRE Scoring Work?

You’ve booked to take your GRE or you have already taken it, you have quite the number of questions that you would like to get the answer to. More specifically, you’re probably concerned about how GRE scoring works.

If that is the case, then this article is just the one for you.

We will touch bases on the following topics:

-The GRE Exam
-The GRE Scores
-The GRE Score Calculation
-The GRE Percentiles
-Top MBA Universities and their Average GRE Scores

1. What is the GRE

The GRE, also known as the Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test created and is still administered by the Educational Testing Service (the ETS). Just like any exam needed for graduate school admissions, the GRE is there to test and assess the level of readiness, academically and intellectually, for grad school.

Along with undergraduate transcripts, recommendation letters, and other requirements, the admissions will be able to estimate whether or not you will be capable of doing well in the program you applied to. Your GRE score is used as a common tool to compare your application to the other applicants’ applying as well.

Some of the GRE test takers are worldwide applicants that are looking to pursue a master’s in business, MBA JD, or doctoral degree. Your GRE test score is required in thousands of schools. Schools like

- Business Schools
- Law Schools
- Institutions and fellowship sponsors.

The GRE takes exactly three hours and 45 minutes to finalize. These three hours and 45 minutes are divided between 3 main sections. Between these different sections, you are given a 10-minute break. The different sections in your exam will appear in the following order:

Section	Number of Questions	Time Needed
Analytical Writing	“Analyze an Issue” task, and “Analyze an Argument” task.	30 Minutes/task
Verbal Reasoning	20 questions per section	30 minutes/section
Quantitative Reasoning	20 questions per section	35 minutes/section

2. GRE Score

The GRE total score ranges between a minimum of 260, a maximum of 340, and a midpoint score of 150. Let’s break it down even further. Each of these three different sections has a certain minimum and maximum score, which is as follows:

Section	Score Scale
Verbal Section	130-170, 1-point increments*
Quantitative Section	130- 170, 1 point increments
Analytical Writing	0-6, in half-point increments**

* In one-point increments: This means that there are 41 possible scores. In other words, you are receiving one point for each question you get right in both the Verbal or Quant sections. These points will be added up to get your raw score (0-40) for each section.

** In half-point increments: Suppose you got a 4/6 on the Issues essay and a 5/9 on your Argument essay. This then means that your total GRE Analytical Writing score would be 4.5.

After 10-15 days from your test date, your GRE test scores should be available. These same test scores will still be reportable after five years following your test date. You have the choice to pick which test scores you want to send out to your desired institution(s). For that, you have two options:

- On Test Day: You can either send your Most Recent GRE score or All your GRE scores. (For four FREE GRE score reports
- After Test Day: In that case, you have three choices you can pick from
  - Most Recent GRE score
  - All GRE Scores
  - Any GRE Score. (For a FEE of US$27 per score recipient)

3. GRE Score Calculation

Now that the basics are covered, it’s time to look into the different sections of the GRE and their grading system.

- GRE Verbal and Quant Score System: The more questions you get right, the higher your raw score is. You will not be penalized for the questions you got wrong. This raw score you ended up getting will, later on, be converted into a scale score. This means that GRE uses equating. What is meant by this term is that the GRE ensures that the different versions of the exam and their difficulty level do not affect your score. The process of equating makes sure that your score isn’t lower than that of previous GRE test takers.
- Analytical Writing Score System: Upon the quality of your writing, a trained reader and an e-rater (which is defined by ETS as a “computerized program developed by ETS that is capable of identifying essay features related to writing proficiency”) will be able to score your essays. You will have to focus on bettering your critical thinking and analytical writing skills to ensure a higher score in your AW Section.

In other words, your Total GRE Score is not the summation of all the scores you got on its three sections. Each section in the exam is scored separately.

4. GRE Percentile

The percentile is there to give you an overview of how well you’ve done. Through your percentile, you will be able to see the percentage of test-takers that scored lower or higher than you. The higher your total GRE score is, the higher your percentile is, which means the more impressive your score is. In the GRE however, there are different percentile ranks. Unlike the GMAT, the GRE is ranked upon its sections, and not its overall score. The percentiles are distributed on its three sections.

For example, if your scaled score was that of a 152, then that means that you’re ranked at a 54 percentile on your verbal section and a 45 percentile on your quant section. In other words, this shows that your verbal section score was 54% higher than the other test-takers, and your quant section score was 45% higher than the other test-takers.

Here is a list of officially published GRE Percentiles 2022:

Scaled Score	Verbal Reasoning Percentile Ranks	Quantitative Reasoning Percentile Ranks
170	99	96
165	96	84
160	85	70
155	67	54
150	44	35
149	39	35

Here is a list of officially published GRE Percentiles 2018:

Score	Analytical Writing Percentile Ranking
6.0	99
5.0	93
4.0	60
3.0	18
2.0	2

5. Top MBA Universities and their average GRE Scores

The following table includes a list of Top MBA universities and the average GRE scores of their applicants. Get a glimpse of how the GRE scores range from one university to the other.

Business School	Verbal Score	Quant Score	Writing Score
Yale SOM	165	164	4.7
Stanford GSB	165	164	4.9
Harvard	164	164	NA
UCLA (Anderson)	164	164	4.5
UC-Berkeley (Haas)	164	161	5.0
NYU (Stern)	162	161	4.4

To Conclude

To ensure a groundbreaking GRE score, take your prep journey one day at a time. Make time to know what your strengths and weaknesses are, and prepare the perfect study schedule tailored just for your needs. Once everything is set and ready, your prep journey starts with confidence and hard work and ends with victory and rejoice.

ApexGMAT offers private one-on-one GRE tutoring with one of the top instructors. Reach out and book your complimentary 30 minutes assessment session, now!

Contributor: Lilas Al-Sammak

May 2022

How a Private Tutor Can Boost Your GRE Quant Confidence

The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE can be overwhelming for many. Say you are trying to get into Grad School, but you studied History – you may not have taken a math class in years. In cases like this, the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE can seem like foreign territory. At the same time, even if you have studied math for years, testing may just be the bane of your existence, or you just may not know the quirks of the GRE. A Private Tutor is a great way to boost your GRE Quant confidence. Follow below to see some of the best reasons as to why getting a private tutor is your best course of action when approaching the GRE and its quantitative section.

A Tutor is a Guide

A private GRE tutor is someone who will support you throughout the preparation process. Not only through giving tips but by being a resource to reach out to when you have questions about either specific problems or strategies for GRE test day. Remember, these tutors have taken the test as well. They know what it feels like to be nervous or even to feel lost. You may find them more helpful than you intended, they are people too, and their job is to help you. Don’t be afraid to reach out.

An Easily Accessible Resource

A private GRE tutor will give you their undivided attention. Instead of being in a class with dozens of other students or scrolling through impersonal forums and blogs for advice, they are right there in front of you, and they are knowledgeable. Any question you may have, they can answer. It is a quick resource at the end of the day. While pricey, a proper private GRE tutor will be by your side during the entire study process. Your tutor’s job is to give you all the help you need, and here at Apex, our tutors are available online and in-person, giving you more options and flexibility. Especially if it has been a while since you have encountered math, a private tutor can really uplift your GRE quant confidence.

Time Management with Quantitative Reasoning

A private tutor will help you develop particular strategies and skills for each section. The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE is the longest portion of the exam, with two sections lasting 35 minutes. It may not be as long as some other notorious exams, but it is still a long time to stay focused. If you know what the exam is going to throw at you, navigating this portion of the exam is much easier. That is where a private GRE tutor comes in. They help you fine-tune your internal clock while giving you strategies for handling the quirks of the test.

Helpful in Breaking your Quant Plateau

Even if you are a math major, or you feel very confident with the exam, but you could score just a bit higher to stand out amongst the crowd. A private tutor can help you break your scoring plateau on the quant portion of the GRE. Especially since the GRE’s sections are adaptive. This means that if you do better on the first section of the quantitative portion then the second section becomes harder. So even if you are doing practice tests, these aren’t fully representative of the difficulty of the test. A private GRE tutor can help you prepare for this.

What You Will Be Missing

It may seem like a better option to not get a private tutor, but a lot will be missing.

You will have to come up with your own study plan and method, unlike the carefully procured study plan created by a tutoring professional.

It will be harder to know the ins and outs of not only the quantitative reasoning section, but the GRE as a whole.

You will be on this journey alone.

At the end of the day having a helping hand is never a bad thing. With a private tutor you will have a guide to help you not face the GRE quant section alone and give you the structure to have solid GRE quant confidence.

To Review

The quantitative reasoning section of the GRE may be harder than you anticipated, or it could be completely overwhelming. It is more common than you may think for many taking the GRE to be a bit rusty with their math skills. Feeling intimidated is normal and a private GRE tutor is a great resource to help you get over the hump. At Apex we offer top-notch professional tutors who will be excellent guides on your journey to build GRE quant confidence.

Contributor: Lukas Duncan

Apr 2022

GRE As A Returning Student – How to study for the GRE?

Been a while since you attended university? Even in the best of circumstances, the GRE can be a daunting undertaking. But the thought of taking the GRE as a returning student – a decade or two after university – can be downright frightening. The tutors here at Apex often work with clients who have spent years in the professional world and outside of an academic setting. Our tutoring experts have compiled tips and tricks for returning students who want to make sure they are on the studying path of ‘least resistance’. Browse our 5 suggestions to make your return to high-caliber preparation as easy and productive as possible.

1. Take a GRE practice test

This may sound like a no-brainer, but we cannot stress enough how vitally important it is that you take a practice test even before cracking open your first GRE prep book. This test gives you a baseline of where your strengths and weaknesses lie and where you need to grow your skills. Though you may use math skills on a daily basis, your quantitative knowledge – as it pertains to test taking – is of a different vain. By taking a practice test before you begin studying, you can be certain you are assessing your current skills level and knowledge as accurately as possible. From there, you can build your GRE study schedule and timeline and establish out which parts of the GRE deserve the majority of your dedication.

2. Find the school and score that suits you

What are your goals, both professionally and personally? It may sound like a simple question, and one that you get asked a lot, but interpreting the answer could take time. It is important that you are honest with yourself when it comes to what your goals are and if they are achievable. Achievable is the key term here.

A mere desire to attend a top graduate school and earn a GRE score in the top 95% is a difficult challenge, especially if your time out of school has been full of non-graduate school-level opportunities and tasks. Perhaps your goal is simply to earn a graduate degree so that you can climb the professional ladder at your current place of employment. In this case, your dream isn’t to attend Harvard or Yale. Decide on which schools you want to attend and the GRE score needed for admission. Our advice is to find the average GRE score of the most recently accepted class in the program of your choice and aim for a score a few points higher than the average.

3. Get a consistent schedule

As a professional, you are no doubt busy. Most likely, working full-time, raising a family, and living a 9-5 life for a decade or so make even the best of students forget the rigors of school. Wanting to earn a graduate degree will put you right back into the world of late-night and early morning study sessions. The GRE is your first step into that world. So be sure to create a study schedule that will work with your personal and professional life. We have created a 3-month timeline template which you can adjust to fit your own needs.

Once you have created a schedule, be sure to Stick. To. It. Of course, make adjustments where you deem necessary. This may sound obvious, but we find our clients have a difficult time sticking to a study schedule. We get it, your personal life is your priority and we know it is always changing. But keep in mind that as intense as your GRE journey is, it is quite short compared to your graduate school journey. If your goal is to earn a graduate degree, the GRE is a necessary stepping stone on that journey.

4. Learn the GRE basics

Let us assume that you have already done your due diligence. You have taken a practice test, have chosen the school(s) you wish to attend, and have come up with a consistent schedule which works for you. The next step is to unwrap the basics of the GRE. Understand and become comfortable with the layout of the test, and the many different types of questions you encounter.

But learning the ‘basics’ goes beyond a simple understanding of the test and its structure. You also need to get comfortable with the many skills you learned during high school, yes, that’s right…HIGHSCHOOL. The quantitative, qualitative, and analytical skills you learned during high school play a large role in your success on the GRE. While this may sound like an exaggeration, remember how much you have grown intellectually and professionally since your time in high school. The skills you gained during those years have helped you develop and grow.

5. Utilize the proper resources and Find Help!

Not all GRE prep books are made the same – nor are all GRE tutors. You need to browse the market and find the books which are best structured for you. With so many different types of books on the market, it might be difficult to find which ones are best for you. We suggest looking for books which offer various solution paths to the same question. This gives you the best chance to find the strategies which work for you and your skill sets.

Additionally, working with private GRE tutors can set you down the right path. A private tutor is ideal for someone who is taking the GRE as a returning student. Our Apex tutors are professionals in working with our clients’ strengths and weaknesses. We also have a unique way of teaching the exam where we show our clients how to consider testing questions from a tester-maker’s point of view, not a test-taker.

6. Bonus Tip: Be proud of yourself!

Your decision to return to school and earn a graduate degree after years out of academia is an incredible choice. You should be very proud of yourself. Such a decision is not an easy one to make, and yet your decision to broaden your horizons and achieve your goals is inspiring. During your GRE journey, remember to stick with a structured schedule and find help if you need it. Most people don’t go down the GRE journey alone, and neither should you!

If you are considering taking the GRE as a returning student and are interested in getting help on the GRE, we offer 30-minute complimentary consultation calls with one of our top GRE scoring instructors.

Contributor: Dana Coggio