Excerpts from the GRE Playbook 2014

BenchPrep’s

GRE Playbook 2014The one-stop resource for everything GRE.

Table of Contents

Ch. 1: IntroductionIntroduction to BenchPrep’s GRE Test Prep

Program • BenchPrep Games, Flashcards,

Adaptive Nature and Other Features • How

BenchPrep Can Improve Your Score

Ch. 2: GRE 101Overview of the GRE • Why You Should Take

the GRE • What the GRE Measures • What

Programs Accept the GRE • Infographics

Comparing GMAT, MAT, and GRE • How the

GRE is Scored • What the “Adaptive” GRE

Means • What is a Good GRE Score?

Ch. 3: Taking the GREWhen Shoud You Take the GRE Infographic •

How to Register for the GRE • What’s the Dif-

ference Between the Paper-Based and Com-

puter-Based GRE? • About the GRE Subject

Tests • Should You Take the Subject Tests?

Ch. 4: Quantitative SectionGRE Quantitative Basics • Multiple Choice

Questions • Quantitative Comparison Ques-

tions • Numeric Entry Questions • 25 Things

to Know for the Quantitative Section • Quan-

titative Section General Strategies and Tips •

A Special Note on the Quantitative Section

Ch. 5: Verbal SectionGRE Verbal Basics • Sentence Equivalence

Questions • Reading Comprehension Ques-

tions • Text Completion Questions • A Special

Note about Vocabulary • 25 Things to Know

for the Verbal Section • Verbal Section Gen-

eral Strategies and Tips

Ch. 6: Analytical Writing SectionGRE Writing Basics • “Analyze an Issue” Task

• “Analyze an Argument” Task • Sample Essay

Prompts • 25 Tips for Analytical Writing • What

the GRE Graders are Looking For • How to Get a

6 • Writing Section General Strategies and Tips

Ch. 7: GRE Test DayHow to Manage Stress Before the GRE • Why

Staying Relaxed Will Help You Score Well on the

GRE • Things to Bring on GRE Test Day • The 10

GRE Commandments

Ch. 8: GRE ResourcesGRE Resources Overview • Online Self-Based

Learning • Group Classes and In-Person Tutor-

ing • Free ETS Resources • GRE Apps • Physical

GRE Books and Flashcards • GRE Prep Books •

GRE Prep Book Reviews and Recommendations

Ch. 9: After the GREUnderstanding Your GRE Score Report • How

Do Schools Look a Multiple GRE Scores

Ch. 10: ConclusionSpecial $50 Off Benchprep Promo Code

4

14

31

42

54

66

79

88

96

101

GMATGMAT GREGREvs

Which test is right for you?Which test is right for you?

All MBAPrograms

Over +1000 MBAPrograms

Grad SchoolPrograms

business schoolbusiness school Show business schools that you

are serious about getting an MBA

GRAD School& MBA

GRAD School& MBA

Investment banks and recruiters review scores for employment

Generally easier for most students than the GMAT

Time Section30 min.

30 min.

75 min.

75 min.

Analytical + 1 essay

Integrated Reasoning

Quantitative

Verbal

Time Section30 min. × 2

30 min. × 2

35 min. × 2

30 min.

Analytical Writing

Verbal

Quantitative

Experimental (math or verbal)

$250$250 $185$185

0 . =

+

-

×÷±c

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

! Excruciatingly di�cult math

! More emphasis on grammar ! Greater emphasis on writing

! Harder verbal and vocabulary

It is common to spend hundreds of hours preparing

The grading curve is easier

EconomicsPrograms

Computer adaptive tests

Scores are both valid for yrs

www.800score.com/gmat-and-gre.htmlwww.princetonreview.com/gmatvsgre.aspxwww.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/mba/programs/ http://benchprep.com

GMATGRE

If you are applying to MBA and/or graduate school programs.

3 HRS.45 MIN.3 HRS.45 MIN.

3 HRS.30 MIN.3 HRS.

30 MIN.

BenchPrep | GRE Playbook 2014 | 27

Chapter 2 – GRE 101

∞ 168.7 is 2 standard deviations above average, corresponds to the 97th or

98th percentile

Verbal worldwide average as provided by ETS. ∞ 150.8, with standard deviation 8.5

∞ 159.3 is 1 standard deviation above average, corresponds to approximately

the 80th percentile

∞ 167.8 is 2 standard deviations above average, corresponds to the 97th or

98th percentile.

Worldwide Averages By Field of Study as provided by ETS:

Analysis

As you can see, anything at least one standard deviation above the average is a solid

score, and anything at least two standard deviations above the average is an excep-

tional score. Also note that students pursuing graduate degrees in Physical sciences

and Engineering might look more favorable with a higher Quantitative Score than a

Verbal score as shown by the results. A score that is one or two standard deviation

above the average could be considered a good score, depending on your own indi-

Intended Grraduate Major

Verbal Score

(Mean)

Verbal(sd)

Quantitative Score

(Mean)

Quantitative(sd)

Analytical Writing (Mean)

Analytical Writing

(sd)

Life Sciences 151 7 151 7 3.8 0.7

Physical Sciences 153 9 158 7 3.8 0.8

Engineering 150 9 159 6 3.6 0.8

Social Sciences 153 7 150 8 4.0 0.7

Humanities & Arts 157 7 149 7 4.2 0.8

Education 157 7 149 7 4.2 0.8

Business 150 7 152 8 3.7 0.8

212121

When Should I Take The GRE?When Should I Take The GRE?

Sources

2013

Have you started studying?

Are you feelingready for the test?

Download the BenchPrep app

& start studying

Are you ready now?

YES NO

YES

NOTYET

AugustApril

2 2Take in

February

Take inFebruary

June

4 4Take in

April

Take inApril

6 6Take inJune

Take inJune

October

8 8Take inAugust

Take inAugust

BusinessEducationEngineeringLawMedical

ScienceLibrary & Information sciencesSocial SciencesHealthPublic A�airs

BenchPrepPresents

Facts to ConsiderFacts to Consider

When do you want toapply to graduate school?

http://ets.org/grehttp://gradschool.about.com/cs/aboutthegre/a/gre.htmhttp://www.igrad.com/articles/taking-the-grehttp://www.happyschoolsblog.com/average-revised-gre-scores-universities/

TOP GRADSCHOOL PROGRAMS

In August 2011, the GRE was updated

to a new format

PERFECT SCORE

TH

EGREyour score is good for five years

The GRE is3 hrs. 40 min.long

There are3 sections.

Verbal, Writing,& Quantitative

EVERYUPTO YEARDAYS

RETAKE THEYOU CAN

IN A

Receive your GRE results

10–15 days after you take the exam

185

Unlike other standardized tests

where you need to know specialized content which you might only learn in the later years of college, you

already learned most of the content on the GRE in high

school (hopefully!).”


Chapter 4 – Quantitative Section

GRE Quantitative Section

The GRE Quantitative section (the “math” section) is designed to test your ability to

reason mathematically, to understand basic math terminology, and to recall basic

mathematical formulas and principles. You should be able to solve problems and ap-

ply relevant mathematics concepts in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data anal-

ysis. Keep in mind, though, that the GRE is primarily a critical thinking test, so your

ability to apply reason and logic to solving the quantitative questions is more import-

ant than your ability to recall mathematical formulas and principles.

The GRE Quantitative question types include:

∞ Two kinds of Multiple-choice questions, each with several answer choices

from which to choose,

∞ Quantitative Comparison questions, each with four possible answers (A−D),

and

∞ Numeric Entry questions, for which you must come up with an answer on

your own. Some of the Multiple-choice and Numeric Entry questions are part

of question sets based on the data in charts or graphs.

In this section, we will discuss the format of each question type and provide you with

specific strategies for successfully answering the GRE quantitative questions.

A. Quantitative- Multiple Choice QuestionsThe GRE includes two kinds of multiple-choice questions: (1) Multiple-choice— Se-

lect One Answer and (2) Multiple-choice—Select One or More Answers.

∞ Multiple-choice—Select One Answer questions each have five answer

choices. Your task is to select the one correct choice.

∞ Multiple-choice—Select One or More Answers questions can have fewer

than five answer choices or more than five answer choices. Your task is to se-

lect all the choices that answer the question correctly. The directions may tell

you how many choices to select. If you are told how many, you should select

exactly that number of choices.


Chapter 4 – Quantitative Section

Some GRE multiple-choice questions involve straightforward calculations, while others

require you to evaluate a word-problem in a real-life setting. Still others may be part of

question sets called Data Interpretation sets. All of the questions in a Data Interpreta-

tion set are based on the same data presented in tables, graphs, charts, or figures.

To solve GRE Multiple-choice questions, you typically will not be required to perform

complex calculations. However, you will be given scratch paper for whatever figuring

you wish to do, and you will also be provided with a calculator to assist you when

necessary. (In the computer-based test, the calculator will appear on screen.)

Example:

B. Quantitative ComparisonQuantitative Comparison questions ask you to compare two quantities and deter-

mine whether: (1) one is larger than the other, (2) the quantities are equal, or (3) there

is not enough information to determine a relationship between the two quantities.

Some questions include additional information that is centered above the two quan-

tities that concerns one or both of the quantities. Quantitative Comparison questions

generally require more logic skills than math skills.

Q. If 5x - 6 = 14, then 8x =

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

4

20

32

85

645

Q. The ratio of two quantities is 4 to 5. If each of the quantities is increased by 3, which of the following could be the fraction of theses two new quantities?

Indicate all answer choices that apply.

A.

B.

C.

78

2328

1113

On the Quantitative section, your ability to

apply reason and logic to solving the quantitative

questions is more import-ant than your ability to

recall mathematical for-mulas and principles.”


Chapter 5 – Verbal Section

phrases. Some of the answer choices might be very similar to one another. Your job

is to select the two best choices from among the six options. Keep in mind that a

complete sentence is clear and concise, conveys a logical meaning, and is uniform in

grammar and style.

Example:

Reading Comprehension QuestionsGRE Reading Comprehension questions are designed to measure your ability to read,

understand, and analyze a written passage. Correctly answering a question requires

you to recognize both what is stated and what is implied within the passage, and to

establish the relationships and ideas expressed in the passage.

The GRE includes a balance of reading passages across different subject matter areas,

such as humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Each passage will be ap-

proximately 150 words in length and will be followed by one to three questions. You

should select the best possible answer, or combination of answers, for each question.

In the revised GRE, Reading Comprehension questions have three formats:

1. Multiple-choice Questions—Select One Answer Choice

Question Stem: It comes as no surprise that different cultures have certain behavioral norms; however, to an outsider, the specifics of these behaviors can often be .

Answer Choices:A.B.C.D.E.F.

explicitstartlingpredictableunexpectedderisiveadmirable


Chapter 5 – Verbal Section

25 Things to Know: Verbal

12

3

4

56

Use roots, prefixes, and suffixes to determine

the meaning of words you don’t know.

Vocabulary is essential. When it comes to the GRE

Verbal section, that’s the bottom line. Be proactive:

look up words you don’t know!

On definition questions, guess quickly! Many questions re-

quire you to know the definition, and because it’s likely that you

can’t use much logic to get to a better answer, select one and

move on. You can always come back if you have time.

Find your personal reading passage strategy. If you read the

questions first, when you read the passages, you can focus on find-

ing the right answers most quickly. However, some students find

that reading the passage first helps them understand the argument

more generally first, before delving into the specific questions.

Pay special attention to the first and last sentences. They provide important clues to

the meaning of each passage.

Questions with Roman numeral answers are often confus-ing and difficult. They ask you choose one more more or to

find an exception. If you’re running low on time, mark down

a guess and move to the next question.


Chapter 7 – GRE Test Day

The 10 GRE Commandments

Test day. It’s here. It’s all too easy to lose your composure and get caught up on one

question. The test-makers throw in all sorts of convoluted wording and unnecessary

information to make you get confused, take up time, and throw you off.

Don’t get caught in this trap! Heed the following 10 GRE Commandments to stay

focused during the exam.

COMMANDMENT

22

COMMANDMENT

11 Thou shalt remember that every question is equal.All questions are weighted equally. So you know that really tough ques-

tion you’ve been staring at blankly for three minutes? Worth the same as

the “2x=6” question. So, get your points on the easy stuff, and remem-

ber that every question is weighted the same. This above all else is your

most important piece of instruction.

Thou shalt use process of elimination.Pssst! Guess what? You don’t really have to know the correct answer on the

GRE; all you have to do is select the right answer. Process of elimination is

your friend; use it! Usually only two attractive answer-choices are offered, out

of five total. One is correct; the other is either intentionally misleading or only

partially correct. The other three answer-choices are usually fluff. This makes

educated guessing on the GRE very effective. If you can dismiss the three fluff

choices, your probability of answering the question successfully will increase

from 20% to 50%.

COMMANDMENT

33 Thou shalt not get flustered.The GRE is definitely too short to lose focus after getting

flustered. Train yourself to keep your composure and stay on

track through taking practice tests and monitoring how you

react to the time pressure.


Chapter 8 – GRE Resources

Kaplan Princeton Review BenchPrep

GRE® Advantage: The New GRE − On Demand

GRE Self-Paced Study GRE Prep Program

Price $524 $499 $499

Access 3 months 6 months 12 months

Score Improvement Promise

Higher score guarantee or your money back

Satisfaction guarantee 16% score improvement

Custom Study Plan

Integrated Mobile Apps

Game Center

Ability to discuss with other students

Ability to ask an expert

Reporting dashboard

Includes official GRE material from ETS

Lessons 8 video sessions and study materials,

including workbooks

24 hours of recorded sessions and a com-plete set of printed

materials including The Princeton Review On-line Student Workbook

for the GRE

900+ lessons including videos

Practice Questions 5,000 N/A 4,100+

Exams 7 Full-length 8 Full-length 7 Full-length

Flashcards


Chapter 9 – After the GRE

Official score reports are the reports that are sent to the schools you designate, will

only include the score(s) which you have selected to send to these organizations.

They will include your:

∞ Contact information

∞ Intended graduate major

∞ GRE test score(s) of only SELECTED tests and the associated percentile ranks

Score reports sent to institutions will not include any information concerning the

other score recipients you have chosen (so if you’re sending your scores to Universi-

ty A and University B, University A won’t know about B and B won’t know about A).

How do Schools Look at Multiple GRE Scores?

It might happen that you have to take the GRE two or more times to get the score

you want. Luckily, with the new ScoreSelect option, you have more freedom than

ever to select which of these scores you send on to the programs you’re applying to.

With ScoreSelect, you can send any single score, or any combination of scores, that

you want.

When selecting which scores to send to which universities,

it’s helpful to know how the admissions committee consider

scores from multiple GRE tests. Most programs and Grad

Schools provide details on their website about how they

look at multiple GRE scores. Practices vary widely, and a

school can use one of many approaches:

Approach #1 “All scores considered”Some schools may simply consider all of your

scores, with no further

details provided.