Quantitative Comparisons? What’s that mean?
Let’s just put it right out there: the Quantitative Comparison (QC) question type is bizarre. If you’re just starting out, you’re probably thinking, What is this thing? Even if you’ve been studying for a while, unless you really like math, you likely feel a little uncomfortable whenever a QC question pops up on the screen.
Why? Because we all realize that we could completely mess up a QC question and still get to one of the 4 answer choices, clueless that we’ve messed up. It’s not like the questions with the 5 regular answers, where at least I know when I mess up because my answer isn’t in the answer choices!
What is QC?
The GRE isn’t really a math test. These kinds of tests are actually trying to test us on our executive reasoning skills—that is, how well we make decisions and prioritize when faced with too many things to do in too short a length of time.
Quantitative Comparison questions test our ability to (quickly) analyze some information and figure out how two quantities compare to each other. Imagine your boss dumping a bunch of stuff on you and saying, “Hey, our client wants to know whether Product A or Product B is better liked in the marketplace. Can you answer that question from this data? If so, which is it: A is better, B is better, or people think they’re about the same?”
We do, of course, have to do some math—and sometimes that math is quite annoying. We usually don’t, however, have to do as much as is necessary on the more normal quant questions.
How does QC work?
What’s a Good GRE Score?
Any answer to the “what’s a good GRE score?” question should come with a disclaimer. Do you want a good GRE score for a PhD program in medieval history, or for an EMBA at your state university? Do you have weak college grades but ten years of work experience, or are you a current student with a 4.0 GPA? The real question to ask is “what’s a good GRE score for me?”—and the simple answer is, a good score is whatever score will impress the programs you’re applying to! Read more
The GRE is Changing—What You Need to Know
This post was written by GRE Instructor Tyler Johnson. Big news in the GRE world as ETS announces the first format changes since 2011! Details are still being released; we’ll update this post whenever new information becomes available.
Your GRE Study Calendar
Studying for the GRE on your own? Load up your GRE study calendar right now—it’s time to get organized. Read more
Most Common GRE Vocabulary Words
The most common GRE vocabulary words are rare but reasonable. The vocab questions don’t test the simplest GRE Vocabulary words, like cat or go. They also don’t test the hardest GRE Vocabulary words, like conodont or acnestis. The words tested on the GRE fall between these two extremes. They aren’t words that you see every day, but you’ll eventually run into them if you read plenty of high-quality writing—which is one thing the GRE is testing for! Read more
We Took The GRE At Home. Here’s What We Learned.
You’re in luck—everything you’ve wondered about the GRE at home is here. Not only are we going to cover technical requirements, such as what to do before test day, and what to expect on test day, but we’re also going to cover the experience taking the GRE at home from the perspective of a single person (“Stuart”)—during 2020, that is. Stuart told me about his experience and so I just want to make sure you know that this isn’t necessarily what your experience will be like. Still, in case it might be helpful, we decided to report how it went down for one of our teachers. (Stuart isn’t his real name.)
To get started, what happens first?
How to Form an Online GRE Study Group
In this time of social distancing, studying for the GRE in some ways should be easier for many of us—we no longer have to fight FOMO, because we don’t get to go out, anyway. But in other ways it can be harder. Being alone and/or indoors for extended periods of time can feel isolating, and the situation that has given rise to the social distancing causes anxiety for many of us.
My plan this week was to write a post on how to create an in-person study group, but since that’s not possible (nor a good idea) at the present date, I’ve decided to share ideas for how you can create an online GRE study group.
What is the GRE?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test administered by testmaker ETS and used by graduate programs (including some business and law schools) to evaluate applicants. Taking the GRE is a standard step in the application process for most programs, and your score can hold considerable weight in your application. Admissions committees consider your GRE score, GPA, extracurriculars, and application materials to determine whether you qualify for graduate programs and whether you would be a good fit.
My GRE Was Canceled. Now What?
If your test was postponed due to COVID-19, you may find yourself anxious and/or unsure about what to do from here. In this post I want to share with you your current options and address common concerns/questions.
GRE Work Problems
You can attend the first session of any of our online or in-person GRE courses absolutely free. Ready to take the plunge? Check out our upcoming courses here.
Problems involving work and rates can be a problem for many test-takers, but with a clear method to set them up and a little clever plugging in, you can learn to knock them out efficiently and accurately. Read more