Stupid GREs

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GREs are like SATs.... but for gradschool

think i'm gettin in a PhD program to study autism... they want me to take my GREs over again to try and raise my math score...

i did OK on the performance... and 5.5 out of 6 on the writing!

i haven't looked at this kind of test in almost 4 yrs......

im afraid my math will be even worse than it was (granted, i didnt know i couldnt use a calc during the test... so no ownder it sucked last time)

I completely understand your situation.

The University of Houston wanted me to retake the THEA test (a state-mandated test that determined if I was capable of taking college-level courses).

Normally, students in Texas have to take the THEA test either during high school or shortly after graduation in order to determine their placement into certain college-level courses. Exemptions are available--I was exempt due to my high ACT scores.

I took many college-level courses and got an associates degree. I was in a technical program, so it was an Associate of Applied Science degree. But UH would not accept an AAS degree in determining exemption from the THEA test. Only an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science would suffice with them.

I applied to other schools in Texas, and they all said I was exempt. I ultimately decided on Midwestern State University, in Wichita Falls.

Tim

Sedaka, if I recall correctly --it has been over 10 years since I took the GRE-- the math section is mostly high school level math. The problem with this is many of us have not used that math in years, and hence have forgotten most of it. I recommend you purchase and read one of those GRE study guides (e.g., the one by "The Princeton Review"). (Try to get a cheap used copy, http://www.fetchbook.info .) Also try out the techniques on some practice problems --I believe you can purchase old GREs from ETS. Do not waste thousands of dollars on one of those prep courses.

Good luck!

I would definitely recommend getting a prep book and working on the math problems. Do be careful about getting a used one, though. I know that the GRE has changed a few times in the past few years.

I was not a fan of the GRE when I took it. I actually did better on the math than the verbal section, because I hadn't had the intensive vocabulary repetition like we did in high school. I'd spent the past four years taking mostly science classes. I think what really helped me with the math was that I tutored for the last three years in undergrad, so I was constantly reviewing the math.

Good luck with your studying!