GRE changes (posted 3/28/2011)

Prior to August 1, 2011– old format, same price, scores available 10-15 days later

Starting Aug 1, 2011 – new format, old version no longer available

Registration  for new version starts March 15, 2011

Benefit to taking new test between Aug 1 and Sept 30 – 50% off registration cost

 Scores available:

*See ETS website for exact reporting dates.

Changes in format

New overall format

-          Easier navigation: ability to skip questions, go back to previous questions within a section

-          on-screen calculator for quantitative section

Changes to verbal:

-          no more antonyms/synonyms or other out-of context vocabulary

-          greater emphasis on reading comprehension/analysis and higher level cognitive skills, sentence completion, identifying arguments or authors’ assumptions/perspectives, etc

-          more “real-life”  verbal reasoning

Changes to quantitative

-          same basic math skills assessed, but

-          according to ETS website, greater emphasis on real-life scenarios

-          some questions with multiple choice/multiple answer format

-          some questions that require typing an actual numerical answer

Writing section remains more or less the same – two essays required – make an argument and take apart an argument. Questions might be a bit more focused than before.

How to prepare for new version:

ETS website has practice/sample questions and students can request/download study materials and practice tests

http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare

What do other offices tell students?

UW-L Career Services:

No recommendations on whether to take old or new version – they simply inform students of the changes and pros and cons of each version.

McNair:

Current McNair cohort is encouraged/required to take new version and GRE prep classes are geared towards the new version as most grad programs don’t need scores prior to December.

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