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GRE Multiple Choice – Select One Answer: The Perfect Strategy

By posted May 21, 2012

Problem Solving is the classic GRE Quantitative question-type, and the “select one answer” is the one format that has not changed from the old GRE to the Revised GRE. Like any standard Quant question, you will be presented with a typical math problem, given five answer choices, and told to select only one choice. Here is the step-by-step strategy to improve your accuracy on these seemingly straightforward questions.

Step 1 – Write down what the question is asking. This is especially important for long word problems. Don’t start solving unless you know what you’re solving for. Is the question looking for the area of a circle, or just its diameter? X, or 1/X? Part of a ratio, or the entire ratio?

Need more help with GRE Test Day strategy? Contact one of Grockit’s GRE tutors to set up a private tutoring lesson!

Step 2 – Extract any given information. As you read the question, pull out any definitions (“x is an integer,” “the set contains only primes,”etc.), or numerical relationships (z < 13, y = -1/2x + 14, etc.). Write them down in shorthand.

Step 3 – Examine the answer choices. What are they? Numbers, variables, words, or some combination? What does that tell you about the question? Can you potentially pick numbers or backsolve (plug-in)? If you had to guess strategically, are there any answer choices that seem illogical based on the definitions and numerical relationships established by the question stem? Any odd “outliers,” or answer choices that are suspiciously different from the rest?

Step 4 – Select your strategy and solve. There are only 4 ways to solve: Do the Math, Backsolve, Pick Numbers, or Guess Strategically. Based on the answer choices and your overall pacing within the Quantitative section, select the strategy that feels right to you, and go for it! Don’t second-guess yourself, or spend too long considering which way is “best.” Many GRE questions can be solved in more than one way, but you don’t get extra points for knowing that.

Step 5 – Double check your answer. Are you really done? Did you find what the question was asking? Before you confirm your answer, just make sure you didn’t skip a final step. The “second-to-last” step is frequently an incorrect answer choice on GRE questions.

Now that you understand the basics of Multiple Choice – Select One strategy, practice some questions on Grockit to raise that Quantitative score!

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Top 5 tips for multiple choice success on the GRE

By posted May 17, 2012

Looking to apply to graduate school and get your masters degree to further your career?  An important piece of your application is your score on the GRE test.  Practicing for tests should always involve learning strategies to approach that specific test with.  The new GRE has some new twists to the multiple choice section that you should be aware of as you study and take the GRE test.

1. Notice which type of multiple choice question you are dealing with.

The GRE has some typical multiple-choice questions with five answer choices and one correct answer.  However, there will also be questions with more than one right answer.  The quickest way to distinguish between these two question types is to look at the letters of the answer choices.  If they are inside a circle, there is one correct answer.  If they are inside a square, there could be more than one correct answer choice.  However, still pay attention to the directions because sentence equivalence questions have exactly 2 right answers, while other squared answer choice questions could have 1 correct answer choice or up to several correct choices.  Familiarity with the different question types and directions through lots of practice is the sure-fire way to avoid missing questions because of marking the wrong number of answer choices.

Test your GRE skills with this GRE reading comprehension detail practice question.  Read more »

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GRE Text Completion: Consistent Ideas

By posted May 15, 2012

When choosing the vocabulary words or phrases to fill in a sentence or paragraph in the text completion section of the GRE, note the relationships between the clauses within a sentence and between the sentences themselves.  Often there will be a direction change signaled by a contrast word such as “but” or “yet.” Another common relationship is consistent ideas.  Some words that show consistent ideas are:

both

and

in addition

additionally

then

too

also

nor

moreover

etc.

If your blanks represent consistent ideas signaled by your key word (such as “and”), the correct choices will be similar in tone (both positive or both negative) and/or meaning.  However, be aware that while you may have consistent ideas, a negative in one clause such as “not” means your correct choices should actually be opposites.

For example:

My aunt suffered from _______ migraines, and sometimes the pain was not _________.

Because of the negative clue “suffered” in the first clause, you can predict that the first blank will be some kind of negative word such as “terrible.”  The “and” signals that the second clause will contain a similar idea as the first, but that does not mean that the second blank will also be negative since we have the word “not.”  Because of “not,” we actually want a word that means the opposite of “terrible,” so a positive word such as “bearable” would be the best choice for the second blank.

As with any text completion question, remember that there could be multiple relationships within the text.  Maybe there are consistent ideas in the first sentence, the second sentence contrast with the first, and the third sentence contains a blank that is defined within the sentence.  The more comfortable you are with spotting these clues, the more you will be able to use them to your advantage to complete the text correctly.

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GRE Text Completion: Two Blank

By posted May 10, 2012

The old GRE Verbal section included sentence completion questions with one blank.  The new revised GRE has a new section called text completion.  Some of the texts have one blank and five answer choices, but there are also two and three blank texts with three answer choices per blank.  Let’s focus on the two blank questions.

Here’s an example of a two blank text completion question from Grockit:

It’s important to know that you should select each blank’s answer independent of the other blank.  Also, be aware that if you get one of the blanks wrong and the other correct, you receive no credit.

As with any text completion question, make sure to identify key words that can provide clues to the blanks, and to note the relationships between the clauses and sentences.  Are the ideas contrasting or consistent?  Is cause and effect shown, or a definition for the blank given in the sentence?

If you come across a two blank text completion question with a long paragraph, don’t let yourself get overwhelmed.  Take it chunk by chunk and use the same vocabulary strategies you would use for a shorter text, such as predicting words for the blanks and using clues in the sentence.

If you’re looking for more GRE Verbal tips, message me on Grockit for private tutoring sessions!

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Graduate School Immediately After Undergrad

By posted May 8, 2012

We can’t all become models like Gisele Bundchen and Heidi Klum–the rest of us have to find a job in the working world, and the best route there is usually through education.  For some people, this means going beyond undergrad and going back to school to get their MBA or masters degree.  Whether you are going to law school, business school, or another type of graduate school, you will have to decide whether to glide straight from undergrad to your masters, or take some time off to work or study for the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT.  Here’s some pros and cons to consider.

Advantages

Getting ahead of the game - The sooner you go to grad school, the sooner you’ll graduate and be able to pursue a higher-paying career.  If you’re ambitious and looking to be successful at a young age, this might be the right route for you.  Or, maybe you just don’t enjoy school and see it as a stepping stone that you want to get over with, the sooner the better.

 Riding your college momentum - You have just spent four years honing your study skills and essay writing strategies.  All of this will be fresh in your mind if you jump right into grad school.  You are already in academic “mode,” so the transition could be easier.  Some people find it difficult to go back to the classroom and long nights of studying after being in the working world for a significant amount of time.

Less commitments - When you graduate from college, you’re more likely to have the freedom to move anywhere to go to your dream school than if you wait.  The longer you spend out in the real world, the more likely that you’ll have commitments that might hold you back, such as your job, a spouse, or even a family.  Even if you aren’t planning on starting a family anytime soon, life happens and you never know where you’ll be in a few years or even one.

Disadvantages

 Less time to study for entrance exams - Particularly if you have a difficult course load or thesis senior year, it can be tough to juggle your last semesters of undergrad and studying for an important test such as the LSAT or GMAT.  Many students opt to take a year off so they can study for entrance exams, work on applications, and maybe work part-time.

Less work and world experience - If you have worked for a while, you may be able to make more informed decisions about which type of grad school program you should enter.  By “doing” out in the working world, you might realize the field you always thought was perfect for you really isn’t.  You could also get more out of your grad program when you’re able to apply course content to real-life situations you have experienced.  Additionally, some grad programs, particularly business schools, are more likely to accept you if you have some experience under your belt.

Less money - If finances are an issue, you may want to take this year off to work–not just so it will look good on your application, but also to save up some money for those tuition and living costs while in grad school.  This will leave you tied down by less loans when you do graduate from your grad school program.

If you’re taking the GMAT soon, one of our expert Grockit tutors can help you reach your full potential!

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Top 10 Things to Bring to Grad School in a Cold Climate, pt 2

By posted May 4, 2012

The time and energy that you dedicated to all those GRE practice tests, including the free GRE tests, paid off with high scores.  Congratulations!  Your top choice graduate school was impressed with the obvious talent and passion you demonstrated for your chosen masters degree program.  You’re ready to bring your motivation and energy to your grad school studies!  But are you ready for the cold weather at the school you chose?

Give yourself time to plan, shop, and pack, and you’ll be as well prepared for your masters classes as you were for your GRE test.  In Part 1 of this article, we learned about the importance of adding under-layers of light, breathable fabrics and over-layers of flannel and wool; keeping your extremities warm and your laptop dry; and staying cozy with flannel pajamas.  Here are five more cold-weather things to put on your packing list:

6.  Wear a Warm and Classy Coat

You might be wearing several layers already, but when you add a winter coat, you can still look sleek and chic.  Choose a sporty, hooded jacket with a waterproof shell (which is great in wind and wet, sleety snow) and a zip-in fleece liner (which adds a warm layer under the shell and can be worn alone on balmy fall and spring days).  Then, for a dressier look, also choose a warm coat – like a wool overcoat or peacoat; a belted and quilted down-filled coat; or a gem-toned swing coat with a faux-fur collar.

7.  Put a Lid on It

Hats are essential for whole-body warmth in cold temperatures, since body heat is lost from an uncovered head.  Get several hats that are practical and suit your style – and be aware that your favorite baseball cap or fashionable fedora won’t be adequate.  Find a couple of thin, knit caps that you can wear in the library and lecture halls.  Find a fleece hat and/or a wool hat lined with fleece (since wool can be scratchy).  To really cut the cold and wind, get a bomber-style hat with ear flaps.

8.  Boot Up

Did you shuffle around in Uggs as an undergrad?  Well, it’s time trade up for a new pair of winter boots that are just as cozy, but more sturdy.  Choose boots that have some lining for warmth and some traction to keep you from falling on your bum in the middle of campus.  Waterproofing is a must – so make sure you get boots that are already waterproof, or pick up a waterproofing agent to apply yourself. Read more »

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Top 10 Things to Bring to Grad School in a Cold Climate, pt 1

By posted May 2, 2012

Congratulations!  The time and energy that you dedicated to all those GRE practice tests, including the free GRE tests, paid off with impressively high scores. Your top choice graduate school was further impressed with the obvious talent and passion you demonstrated for your chosen masters degree program.  You’re in!  And you’re ready to bring your motivation and energy to your grad school studies.  But are you ready for the cold weather at the school you chose?

Starting a new year of studies can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking – and you might be especially nervous about what to bring if you’re unfamiliar with a cold climate.  Give yourself adequate time to plan, shop, and pack – at least several weeks prior to your departure – and you’ll be as well prepared for your masters classes as you were for your GRE test.  To get you started, here are ten cold-weather things to put on your packing list:

1.  Add an Under-Layer - Don’t buy an entirely new wardrobe for the cold weather – instead, get pieces to layer beneath your other clothes.  Long underwear is no longer the bulky and baggy waffle-weave of your grandfather’s day!  Cold-weather outfitters carry comfortable and thin leggings and long-sleeve t-shirts in great colors and patterns.  This layer next to your body should be made of breathable fabrics, so be sure to choose long underwear in silk, cotton, hemp, and other natural fibers.

2.  Add an Outer-Layer - Children growing up in northern states from Montana to Maine hear the refrain: “If you’re cold, put on a sweater!”  So in addition to the layer you’ll wear under the shirts, skirts, and pants you already have, you’ll want to get several pullover sweaters, vests, cardigans, and flannel or wool shirts to further winterize your wardrobe.  Remember that you’ll want both casual and dressier pieces.

Studying for the GRE? Find out how you can get a personalized study plan on Grockit. Read more »

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Top Ten Ways for Better Scores on GRE Reading Passages

By posted April 30, 2012

Like figuring out the privacy settings on Facebook, or explaining the anti-aging abilities of Madonna, better scores on the Reading Comprehension questions on the Revised GRE can sometimes feel elusive. There are no “formulas” for GRE RC, but luckily there are some quick tips to better GRE scores on Reading Comprehension. These ten tips will help you turn a bad GRE score into a good GRE score; unlike doing your taxes for the IRS, the GRE doesn’t have to be painful.

1. Find the Main Idea at the bottom of the first paragraph. Just like most 5-paragraph essays, the author of a reading passage on the GRE will often put the thesis at the bottom of the introductory paragraph. If you see any questions that use keywords like “main idea” or “purpose,” look here first.

2. Use your scratch pad! It’s there for a reason. You can’t possible remember every piece of information from the passage, so take short notes to help you focus.

3. Avoid skimming. Try to find the “big picture” of the passage, but if you skim, you’ll be going back through the passage inch-by-inch later on, searching for the answers to the more specific questions! Read thoroughly the first time.

Get more help with RC by setting up a private 1 hour lesson with one of Grockit’s GRE tutors.

4. Come up with your own answer. For each question write down a Prediction based on your notes and your understanding of the passage. Process of elimination is a much more effective method than simply going straight to the answer choices as written.

5. Remember that Details support Functions. If a question asks you why the author includes a specific detail from the passage, consider that all the details within a paragraph are generally used to support the function of that paragraph. Read more »

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Top Ten Highest Money-Making Graduate School Majors

By posted April 26, 2012

Although applying to graduate school is a huge expense (paying to take the GRE or the GMAT, graduate school admissions fees, etc.) in and of itself, that’s nothing compared to the thousands of dollars in debt most students take on to pay for two-three years at a top program. The best graduate schools and the best business schools are not cheap, and in this economy, prospective students are questing whether taking on more than $100,000 worth of debt makes sense. Here are ten majors in graduate school that often lead to graduate-degree jobs that pay more than $100K – even in this tough economy, your career can be creatively-fulfilling and lucrative!

  1. Medicine. It’s a cliché, but doctors still pull in on average more than any other field. On average, they make over $150K annually, ranging from general practitioners on the low-end to more specialized surgeons on the high-end.
  2. Dentistry. Like medicine, the more specialized the career, the higher the income. According to the Labor Department, demand in this field is growing, meaning four years of dental school may be worth it for some who are looking for a less competitive field.
  3. Law. The legal profession is best entered by those with a real passion for it, and while a young lawyer’s early years may not be quite as lucrative, the average salary for those with a law degree is still over $100K.
  4. Business Consulting. Planning to get an MBA, but not sure exactly what you’d like to focus on? Management consultants with MBA’s frequently make six figures. The work is often more flexible and can provide a more exciting challenge to someone who wants to be self-employed but with some more financial stability.
  5. Pharmacy. Ever wonder how much your local drug store pharmacist gets paid? On average, pharmacists make just under $100K, and work in a variety of locations – health clinics, retirement communities, as well as retail businesses.
  6. Software Engineering. The “final frontier” of the engineering world, technology and the computer industry continues to steadily increase its need for capable, well-trained workers.
  7. Civil Engineering. There’s a wide range of work in this field – from mechanical engineering to electrical engineering – allowing you to specialize in the type of work that truly interest you. This can be just as lucrative as software engineering, although it may not be as fast-growing an industry.
  8. Business Administration. They call it an “MBA,” and about two-thirds of graduates with that degree work in some type of business management capacity. Even when the economy is down, capitalism requires workers with advanced business know-how. Most of the wealthiest people in business possess MBA’s.
  9. Economics. Like Business Administration, this major is always in high demand, but there is much more freedom to specialize here. Economists work in media, in government, for non-profits, though typically their salary peaks around $100K.
  10. Psychiatry. Interested in medicine, but prefer to study mental health? Psychiatrists require four years of medical training plus a residency, but are highly in demand, especially as the baby boomer generation ages. This profession typically earns around $150K, on average.

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Top Ten Ways to Handle GRE Timing on Practice Tests

By posted April 24, 2012

To ace the GRE, you need to ace timing. The best graduate schools want grad students who can pace their time well. Graduate school candidates with good GRE scores know how to organize their GRE test prep, use the best GRE resources (both free GRE practice questions like those at ETS’s website and supplemental books and online GRE practice questions), and can pace themselves effectively within each section of the GRE.  Use the free GRE practice tests offered by ETS (the Powerprep software) to practice these free pacing tips. More free GRE practice tests are offered on the websites of almost every major GRE test prep company. Your dream college is only a couple month’s hard work away!

  1. Answer every single question on your practice tests. Finishing all sections is essential to a high GRE score.  Even if you come to the end of a section, and realize you have more questions than you have time to work on, make sure to click an answer for each one before the time runs out. This discipline on your GRE practice tests will set the right habit for Test Day, even if it’s painful at first to answer questions you can’t solve quickly.
  2. Write down what the question is really asking. For GRE multiple choice Quant questions, there is often an extra step required to solve. For example, it may ask for “the smallest prime factor of y” rather than just “y.” Answer choices that look “obviously” right for easy questions are likely correct. Answer choices that look “obviously” right for difficult questions are likely incorrect.
  3. For Verbal, save time for Reading.  For each Verbal section, you will have approx. 20 questions to answer in 30 minutes. This is approx. 1.5 minutes per question. But remember, that you’ll need a few extra minutes for Reading, so try to do the Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions in less than that time. Try to do pacing drills where you work on doing them in 1 minute each. Don’t rush and lose accuracy, but remember the importance of finishing the entire section.
  4. Create benchmarks for Quantitative. The Quant sections of the GRE will each contain approx. 20 questions and you will have 35 minutes to answer them. That works out to 1.75 minutes a question. Divide the section into 4. Around 9 minutes, you should be on question #5. Around 18 minutes, you should be on question #10. Around 26 minutes you should be on question #15, and around 34 minutes, you should be around question #20. Read more »

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