GRE Info & Strategies Presentation
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Information on the GRE and some test taking strategies presented by The Princeton Review
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GRE Info & Strategies Presentation
- 1. While You Are Waiting - Solve » Complete the Pattern: O T T F F S S E N _ » Rearrange three baseballs so that the triangular pattern points down instead of up.
- 2. While You Are Waiting - Solve » Complete the Pattern: O T T F F S S E N T » Rearrange three baseballs so that the triangular pattern points down instead of up.
- 3. How To Achieve The Best GRE Score Presented By: Jayson J. Green, Senior Territory Manager/Instructor/Tutor The Princeton Review Jayson.Green@Review.com (202) 599-0452
- 4. Your Presenter • Jayson J. Green • Senior Territory Manager • Instructor/Tutor (PSAT, SAT, ACT, SSAT/ISEE, GRE & MCAT) • (202) 599-0452 • Jayson.Green@Review.com • 11+ years with The Princeton Review 4 Helping people fill in PSAT, ACT, SAT,Helping people fill in PSAT, ACT, SAT, SSAT, ISEE, GRE, and MCAT bubblesSSAT, ISEE, GRE, and MCAT bubbles since 1994.since 1994.
- 5. Thinking about Grad School? LSAT MCAT GMAT GRE Law School Medical School Business School Everything Else Psychiatry/Psychology Nursing Engineering Architecture Humanities Public Policy
- 6. Thinking about Grad School? » Each year, nearly 500,000 students apply to graduate schools. » A great test score on a standardized admissions test (GRE) can significantly enhance your chances of getting into your top choice program. » The Princeton Review can help you create a plan to enhance your test scores.
- 7. The Pros & Cons of Grad School • Reasons to Go » Compete on a level playing field » Career advancement » Maximize earning potential » Want to change your life » Opportunities » Isn’t necessarily obvious • Reasons Not to Go » You have a job people would kill for » Current loans » Giving up multiple year’s salary » Put your current career on hold » Assume substantial debt » Personal sacrifices (time, family, etc…)
- 8. The Value of a Degree More Education = More Money •Average lifetime earnings (during the entirety of one's working life, working full-time, year-round) – High school education - $1.2 million – Four-year college degree - $2.1 million – Professional degrees - $4.4 million
- 9. Grad School: First Steps • Talk to an expert and friends • Search the web • Consult rankings – US News and World Report Rankings or www.PrincetonReview.com (list of schools that match your needs and preferences) – Graduate School Recruiter – The Tuition Cost Calculator • Research recent graduating class stats (GPA and scores) • Call schools/admissions staff • Talk to current students & alum • Go to fairs and conferences • Consider your criteria: Specialize in? How competitive? Location- urban/suburban/rural Hands-on experience? Financial support? Career support services? Types of positions graduates secure? Other logistical requirements- spouse, day care, etc Social atmosphere Family factor Alumni influence/network Size Dr. Who? Research facilities School curriculum
- 10. = Brand Name Hype You need perfect grades and perfect test scores to get into a good school today. Truth: Find the place that is right for you! Choosing a Grad School – 3 Factors • Academic quality • Chances of getting in • Practical considerations The Academic Fit • Well-suited • Specializations Misconception
- 11. Entrance Exam Myths » These exams test your IQ » High GPA = high test score » Score determines your admissions chances » High scores are everywhere
- 12. Factors of Admission Objective Factors: 1. GPA 2. Test Scores – GRE •The Numbers » Students focus on the numbers first » The numbers don’t get you in but ________ » Get a ticket
- 13. Factors of Admission Subjective Factors: 1. Recommendations 2. Personal statement 3. Activities/experience 4. Interview 5. Resume/CV 6. Personal background/miscellaneous Stand out from the rest of the crowd.
- 14. The Application Process When you apply: Remember your audience! Normally a 3-4 person committee of faculty members Most applications are similar, but there may be some special materials required, and varying weights of certain areas How will you enrich the environment that they work in every day? Application forms ask for a lot of data Usually some short answer questions – an opportunity to distinguish yourself from others Be thorough but succinct
- 15. Essays Essays Range from broad to specific questions Put yourself in the place of your audience Familiarize yourself with work of faculty members to make sure interest match up, then will be easier to write essay Research vs. Professional programs
- 16. Letters of Recommendation Letters of Recommendation Requires great awareness of audience reviewing your application Good if at least 2 of letters of recommendation are from academics in field Input of a professional from work context will be good for practice-oriented careers Contact programs to find out what they’re looking for in applicant’s recommendation letters
- 17. Work Samples and Interviews Visual arts - usually require a portfolio Performing arts - recorded or live audition Some programs may require an interview If a live or phone interview is required, be prepared with questions to ask your interviewer (that means……do your research on the program!) Give yourself plenty of time to assemble material that represents your best work
- 18. Graduate School: FAQ Question Answer Should I get a Master’s before pursuing a PhD? Depends. If you had a low undergrad GPA, it may make you a more competitive applicant. Otherwise, some PhD programs will grant you a Master’s while earning your doctorate. Can I go to Grad School for free, AND get paid? Research oriented programs- possible. Other programs may have assistantships, but rarely covers cost of tuition. I want to pursue a second graduate degree in a different field, will this look poor in my application? Not necessarily. Explain clearly in personal statement the “why” and the “how”. I’m concerned about my low GPA, how does that factor into my application? GPA in your field of interest is most important. Also consider doing some advanced coursework (and ACING them!) before applying.
- 19. Online Tools www.PrincetonReview.com Search schools by rankings or programs in our Advanced Grad School Search Expert advice about Master’s vs. PhD programs, teaching assistantships, and strengthening your application Scholarship search and FAFSA timeline Get more information about our classroom, small group instruction, private tutoring, and online test prep options Free online practice test at www.PrincetonReview.com/Demo Schedule of FREE events in your area: www.PrincetonReview.com/Events
- 20. Graduate School: Timing Start planning applications at least a year in advance Work independently to deadlines, and work throughout the year on separate parts of your applications The care and time invested in application preparation can pay off in a lifelong, satisfying career
- 21. Putting It All Together • Choosing Targets 1. Start your list of universities that offer the program you're interested in. 2. Eliminate - not academically strong enough or unacceptable due to practical considerations. • FAQs » How many schools should I apply to? » Should I apply to schools that I think are out of my league (my GPA or test score might be too low)? 3. Divide the remaining schools into three groups: 1-2-1 Ratio o 100% sure/shoe-ins o Good “match” o Schools you'll get into only if touched by the hand of God
- 22. Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
- 23. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) The GRE is usually required for non-business graduate programs The GRE is now accepted by many business schools too! Consider scores within the context of the rest of the application Different disciplines weight sections differently, but don’t take the risk of slacking off on one “not counted” $175
- 24. GRE Testing Timeline Offered year round on most days of the week Late summer and fall are most popular test dates Take it no later than October or November (earlier the better) before you plan to enter grad school Try to take the GRE at least 6 months before earliest deadline, in case you need to take test again Can take once every 30 days, but no more than five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period Register early to guarantee a seat in the nearest testing center Takes 10-15 days for official scores to arrive at schools
- 25. • Multi-Stage Test (MST) • 3 ¾ hours of testing • Allows testers to navigate entire sections, skipping and returning to questions and/or changing responses as they see fit GRE Format
- 26. GRE Sections Sections Questions Time Analytical Writing Assessment 1 2 Essays •Analysis of an Issue •Analysis of an Argument 30 min each No Breaks between Essays Quantitative 2 20 35 min each Verbal 2 20 30 min each Experimental 1 20 30 or 35 min (can be Quant or Verbal)
- 27. GRE Quantitative Quantitative GRE Format Multiple choice Select all that apply Numeric entry Content Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data interpretation Question Types Problem Solving Quantitative Comparison Numeric Entry Select All That Apply Calculators Yes -but don’t get too excited…
- 28. GRE Verbal Verbal GRE Question Format Multiple choice Select all that apply Select-in passage responses Question Types Reading Comprehension Text Completion Sentence Equivalence
- 29. GRE Scoring Section GRE Scoring Analytic Writing Assessment 0-6, half-point increments Each Essay scored by a person & checked by a computer Quantitative 130-170 (1-point increments) Verbal 130-170 (1-point increments)
- 30. GRE Scoring 151/152 170130 The 50th Percentile for Verbal is about a 151 The 50th Percentile for Quantitative is about a 152
- 31. How “Adaptive by Section” works GRE: Adaptive by Section 1 20 1 20 1 20 1 20 Do OK Do Poorly Do Well Mostly Hard Q’s Mostly Medium Q’s Mostly Easy Q’s Student A: Does well in the 1st section, does poorly in the 2nd section Student B: Does poorly in the 1st section, does well in the 2nd section Who gets the higher score? 170 150 160 140 150 130
- 33. GRE Test Tips POE like a maniac Take the easy test first Skip and come back Scratch paper Know your math formulas…ahead of time Know directions ahead of time (don’t waste time on test day while the clock is ticking)
- 34. GRE Subject Tests 8 GRE Subject Tests: Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Computer Science Literature in English Mathematics Physics Psychology These tests are given in paper–and–pencil format three times per year (October, November, and April) $150
- 35. FAQs • When should I take the test? • Times I can retake? Downside? • What is the best way to prepare? • How can I see how my score compares? • How important is it to prepare?
- 36. About The Princeton Review For 30 years, The Princeton Review has helped students, parents, and educators deal responsibly with the increasingly competitive and complex process of admissions to colleges and graduate school. The Princeton Review courses and tutors are the most personal and effective ways to prepare for standardized tests including the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, and GMAT. • More than 1,000 classroom locations throughout the United States. • Convenient Online schedules also available! • An outstanding track record with guaranteed score improvement. 4 out of 5 Princeton Review graduates get into their top choice school.
- 37. Elements of The Princeton Review GRE Course Course Features: 24 hours of live instruction 8 full-length, adaptive practice tests 184 hours of online questions, practice tests and lessons Score higher or get your money back
- 38. Score Improvements The Princeton Review GRE Course
- 39. GRE Results Come in Stages
- 40. GRE Results Come in Stages
- 41. GRE Techniques
- 42. GRE Techniques
- 43. GRE Techniques
- 44. GRE Techniques #2 Verbal Scratch Paper
- 45. GRE Results Come in Stages
- 46. GRE Results Come in Stages
- 47. GRE Results Come in Stages
- 48. GRE Results Come in Stages
- 49. GRE Results Come in Stages
- 50. GRE Sample Math Question
- 51. GRE Sample Math Question
- 52. GRE Sample Math Question 1st shirt costs 21. 2nd shirt is 9 $21 + $9 = $30 2 Shirts @ Original Price = $42 (2 x $21) $42 - $30 = $12 Whew Done Right? No RTFQ!!! Answer: customer saves $6 per shirt buying 2
- 53. GRE Sentence Equivalence 53 Sentence Equivalence questions have sentences with one blank and six answer choices and your job is to find the TWO words that give the sentence “equivalent” meanings. Sentence Equivalences Basic Technique 1.Find the story 2.Come up with your own word or phrase for the blank 3.Check each answer choice and use your scratch paper 4.Use Process of Elimination
- 54. GRE Reasoning Argument Essay 54 Critical Reasoning problems require you to identify flaws in a given argument. To get started you must be comfortable identifying the 3 parts of an argument: 1. Conclusion 2. Premise 3. Assumptions
- 55. GRE Reasoning Argument Essay 55 Basic Strategy • Assumption/flaw • Weaken/strengthen • Inference • Resolve/explain • Identify the reasoning • Evaluate the argument Main Question Types
- 56. GRE Reading Comp. 56 • How long is the passage? • How well do I read? • How far along am I on the test? Decide how much to read: Basis Strategy
- 57. GRE Reading Comp. 57 Process of Elimination (POE) Notes POE answers that are too specific (for main idea Q’s) POE answers that are not stated in the passage POE answers that are too extreme POE answers that don’t answer the question or come from the wrong part of the passage POE answers that go against what the passage says
- 58. On your own? In a class or with a tutor? Now What? How will you prep? 58
- 59. Wrap-Up & Take-Aways THE PRINCETON REVIEW is happy to help! AAUW15 15%off In-Person / LiveOnline Grad Course
- 60. Who to contact: Debbie Rubio Territory Manager 202.500.0903 Debbie.Rubio@Review.com www.PrincetonReview.com 800-2-Review The Princeton Review – DC/MD/NoVA 1776 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20036
Hinweis der Redaktion
- Does anybody know why I would do some problems like these? Are you going to see these types of questions on your test? That’s kind of a rhetorical question. [Give them time to solve on their own] Complete the pattern. Has any one solved the first one? Each letter is the first letter of counting numbers – one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, and then eight as the blank. The correct answer, then, is E. Now connect the dots for the second problem. where you come across here, go all the way up, and you actually have to think outside the box here. From the upper-left dot, draw diagonally down to the bottom-right dot, From the bottom-right dot, draw up in a straight line past the upper-right dot From above the upper-right dot, draw diagonally down through the upper-center dot past the mid-left dot Finally, from left of the bottom-left dot, draw straight across the bottom so that you pass both the bottom-left dot and the remaining bottom-center dot. Final question. To use only one line to change IX to six doesn’t mean a straight line, but a curved line (an S that spells out six) The reason I had you do these problems is because it got you in the mentality of problem solving. The reason I introduce this is because there is a different way to think with these standardized and administered tests. To try to get you to think about that is going to help you shape your mind into the way we approach these tests.
- Does anybody know why I would do some problems like these? Are you going to see these types of questions on your test? That’s kind of a rhetorical question. [Give them time to solve on their own] Complete the pattern. Has any one solved the first one? Each letter is the first letter of counting numbers – one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, and then eight as the blank. The correct answer, then, is E. Now connect the dots for the second problem. where you come across here, go all the way up, and you actually have to think outside the box here. From the upper-left dot, draw diagonally down to the bottom-right dot, From the bottom-right dot, draw up in a straight line past the upper-right dot From above the upper-right dot, draw diagonally down through the upper-center dot past the mid-left dot Finally, from left of the bottom-left dot, draw straight across the bottom so that you pass both the bottom-left dot and the remaining bottom-center dot. Final question. To use only one line to change IX to six doesn’t mean a straight line, but a curved line (an S that spells out six) The reason I had you do these problems is because it got you in the mentality of problem solving. The reason I introduce this is because there is a different way to think with these standardized and administered tests. To try to get you to think about that is going to help you shape your mind into the way we approach these tests.
- Welcome to your strategy session. My name is XX and I’ve been teaching for The Princeton Review for XX years. In addition to the GRE, I also teach X, Y, and Z.
- I’d like to poll everyone what test you plan to take. There is a polling button, and you can pick A, B, C, or D. Pick any button - choose what test you plan on taking. If you don’t know, please choose “other.” Again, this is not a specific strategy session, but I will be talking about items that apply to any test you take. Fill out a consultation card
- So many people are applying to graduate school every year, and a great test score can really enhance your chances of getting in. The Princeton Review can help you create a plan to help increase your test scores to get you into grad school. It is really important to know that, while it is one piece of the puzzle, it is an important piece. Does everyone need The Princeton Review or need test prep? No, that’s not the case, but I want you to think about it. That’s what this session is about - understanding and getting into that mindset.
- I want to get you to start thinking about grad school and to be more introspective with the process. There’s a lot of reasons to go to grad school and a lot of reasons not to go. Take the time to look at the pros and cons for you.
- Undergrad Degree + Masters Degree = More Money The more education a person has, the higher his/her salary is likely to be. A recently released report from the Census Bureau Report came out with some pretty staggering numbers. Average lifetime earnings (during the entirety of one's working life, working full-time, year-round) High school education - $1.2 million Four-year college degree - $2.1 million Professional degrees - $4.4 million. Add to this the fact that economic downturns tend to hit lower-income people the hardest as lower-paying jobs are typically cut at a faster rate than management positions
- Some of the first steps that I try to drive students to are right here. Talk to experts and friends - people who have been down your particular grad school path before. Consulting, researching, calling the schools, talking to alumni, going to conferences that might deal with the topics you’re talking about can be helpful. Then consider your criteria. What do you want to specialize in? How competitive is it? Where is it located? Don’t waste your time applying to somewhere that doesn’t fit your criteria. Get introspective and think about your criteria. Do you need hands on experience? What kind of financial support is provided? Any logistical factors or family factors? How are the school size, research facilities, etc? You can look at princetonreview.com for rankings, but make sure you talk to people as well.
- Students fall for the idea that there is link between where you go to school and how much money you make so they need to attend a Big Name School Find the place that is right for you, and you will be happier. Plus, it will be easier to get in! What are your preferences – small classes, close to home, tuition, major - pre-med, business? If you’re a “B” or even a “C” student, you can still go to a good school if you want to. Remember that it’s never too late to improve. If you feel that your GPA isn’t a good representation of how well you can really do, start improving now. It’s almost certainly not too late. They’ll also pay attention to your trend of improvement. Don’t give up. Show them that you’re getting better with age. Even if you’ve only got one semester left to show colleges what you’re capable of doing, show them! Start now. Be a savvy shopper. Don’t lament the fact that you won’t necessarily be competitive for the same twenty schools everyone else wants to attend. Instead, embrace just how many options you really have.
- Here are 4 entrance exam myths that I talk about a lot to people. Applicants say that these exams test what their IQ is or how smart they are, but that is really not the case. You have to be careful because people get anxious and nervous about these exams because they think they have to do well on the tests. You have to remember that how well you do on these exams has nothing to do with how creative or smart you are, how well you’re going to do in college or in grad school, or anything like that. It is JUST a measure of how well you can do on that particular test. Don’t let the test affect you the way it affects other applicants. Another myth is that a high GPA equates to a high test score. Just because you have a high GPA, doesn’t mean you’re going to get a high test score. This is really important to know, because if you’re getting straight As in your bio class or your calculus class, that doesn’t mean you’re going to succeed on this test. I know I was this same way. I did great in high school, but my SAT/ACT score wasn’t that great, and it led me to believe that maybe I’m wasn’t as smart as I thought I was. Your test score has more to do with how well you do on the GRE, the GMAT, or the SAT. The third myth often mentioned is that your score determines your admissions chances. That is not the case. There are other factors that they look at. For example, the LSAT can a higher value for law school than your GRE score for certain grad school programs. Again, there are other factors, and your score is not the sole factor. Finally, put your score into perspective. High scores seem like they’re everywhere. You probably hear about your friends who did well. What you don’t hear about are all the test-takers who did poorly. There’s only a handful of people who score in the 700s on the GMAT. Don’t think that THAT many people are scoring well.
- The role of a standardized test compares you to other applicants (besides GPA) – basically, another hoop you have to jump through How important are the entrance exams in the graduate school admissions process? The importance of standardized test scores varies widely, depending on the type of graduate program you’re investigating. For example, Psychology Ph.D. programs typically require very high GRE scores, while other programs view the GRE as little more than a formality. Law schools place a great deal of importance on the LSAT score (the most easily quantifiable as 50-60% of the process is usually LSAT score - varies from application to application and school to school), but still are primarily concerned with your ability to handle the rigorous workload – evidenced by your undergraduate performance. Not only do medical schools look at your MCAT score, but they also stress your GPA. Each can account for 35% - 40% of your admissions package. And although many top business schools won’t admit this, the GMAT has taken on unbelievable importance in admissions – much of which is due to internal institutional pressure to make sure their numbers are in line with other top b-schools. Generally speaking, the more competitive schools place a greater importance on the entrance exams. Most students focus on the numbers first because it is easy…”If I don’t the numbers then I don’t get in, if I do, then I am in.” It is not all about the numbers - The numbers don’t get you in but can keep you out of the more competitive schools. The numbers are more like a starting point – it just gets you a ticket to the show. Business School Admissions and the GMAT While it is really the whole package that determines how competitive a candidate is, the GMAT is very important given today’s competitive environment. The number of GMAT testers is near an all-time high, and GMAT scores are a major factor used to differentiate between applicants. With that being said, there is a whole basket of components that comprises an application, consisting of “objective factors” (GPA, GMAT) and “subjective factors” (essays, work experience, letters of recommendation, interviews, transcripts, and resumes). Let’s talk about the objective factors first. We’ve already determined that the objective factors are the “numbers”--your GPA and GMAT score. They are used as success indicators to see how you measure up against other candidates. For example, your GPA tells admissions committees whether you can handle the math and the other academic work. It is also used to compare applicants against the larger pool. Now keep in mind that while the GPA is more important for younger candidates with less work experience, admissions committees still look at it no matter at what stage in your life you’re applying. The second objective factor is your GMAT score. When considering a school, you should look at its average score as well as its score range. As a rule of thumb, if your score is more than 50 points below a school’s average, your chances for admissions are relatively slim. The writing portion of the exam (AWA) is usually not important. OK, we’ll get back to the GMAT later.
- Other Important Factors in Admissions As we mentioned, there are also subjective factors involved in the admissions process. Schools use these components to look at “fit” and to answer the all-important questions, “Why do you need an MBA? Why do you need it here? Why do you need it now?” Given all the candidates who could be admitted based on numbers alone, how you’ll “fit” with the rest of the class takes on tremendous importance. B-Schools are all about teamwork and networking, so schools need to know what kind of teammate you’ll make, and how you’ll add to their network. You must be prepared to answer their questions, “Why an MBA? Why here? Why now?” You need to demonstrate that you know the value of this degree and what it will do for you. Even if you don’t know exactly what you want to be when you grow up, you must demonstrate direction. Otherwise, they’ll admit someone else. OK, so what are the subjective factors we’ve been referring to?
- Graduate schools’ rounds of admission Many grad school programs structure their admissions around a series of dates, known as “rounds.” It’s not uncommon for a school to offer 3 rounds of acceptance, all for the same incoming class. Different schools post their own specific dates, but generally speaking, the rounds coincide with the following months: Round One Admissions: application deadline in October or November Round Two Admissions: application deadline in early January Round Three Admissions: application deadline in March or April
- When you’re creating your lists and choosing your targets, get rid of schools that are not academically strong enough for you, are not practical, or where your chances of getting in are few and far between. When I advise students to apply to schools, I have a one-two-one ratio. This means you have your shoe-ins - schools you think you’re going to get into based on all the numbers and all the other factors. Then you have your good matches, which is the two part. The last one is your dream school, where you’re probably not going to get in. A one-to-one ratio is always a good plan.
- The GRE has three kinds of sections: Math, Verbal, and Essay First section is the Essay, where you’ll have to write 2 essays: one where you take a position and defend it and another where you critique someone else’s essay. Then you’ll see two scored Math sections, two scored Verbal sections, and one Experimental section. The Experimental section could be either Math or Verbal and you won’t know where it is, but it’s not scored so it won’t affect your score. Wait, what’s an Experimental section mean? Well, you know how when Coke wants to try out its new artichoke soda, it brings in a bunch of college students, pays them $20 and has them try it? Well, ETS is doing the same with you, but YOU get to pay it for the privilege of doing its research for it. Since you won’t know which section is experimental, don’t worry about it. If it seems really easy or really hard, don’t waste time second-guessing yourself, just say “hey it was probably the experimental section!” In other words, don’t let the way you perform on one section affect the rest of your test. Any of the five could be experimental.
- So, as you may have heard the GRE is “adaptive by section.” This means that the first section you’ll see for either math or verbal will be pretty average. If you do really well, the second section for that subject will be pretty hard. If you do really poorly, the second section will be pretty easy. If you do so-so, the second section will be pretty medium. The test is about 4 hours long. What happens when do anything for 4 hours? Think about driving for 4 hours. You drift off, you lose focus. Same thing happens on the test.
- When should the tests be taken? It depends on when the student plans to apply to graduate school but a good rule of thumb is to finish before working seriously on applications. Schools do not have a formula for how many students they admit during the first round of admissions, the second round of admissions, etc. But apply early because schools don’t know until midway through the admissions process what the quality of the people applying will be. Your chances are better the earlier you apply. For many graduate schools, it's best to try to take your exam by the end of Junior year or summer before Senior year/Fall). The GRE, GMAT and MCAT are all on computer and offered many times throughout the year so it should be easier to fit the exam within your time frame. The LSAT is only offered 4 times per year. How many times can students retake the tests, and is there a downside to retaking them? Students can take these exams multiple times --but, why would they want to? Ideally, students should take these exams once. But, in reality, most students will want to take these exams more frequently in order to improve their score but it is extremely important to find out how the school vies multiple scores. Every time a student takes the exam, each score shows up on his or her testing record, meaning schools see every score. Schools will either average the scores or take the highest score. Students really don't want to have a lot of test scores on their record, especially if the student's scores don't change. Nearly 50% of all MCAT testers take the exam a second time, and most of the time it’s because they did not prepare properly the first time. How can students evaluate their test scores and see how they measure up in comparison to other test-takers? There are averages posted for the exams. Students should also research on the internet the average scores of freshman accepted to the schools they want to attend. It’s a great benchmark, since the only reason to take entrance exams is to get into the grad school of your choice. How important is it to prepare for these tests? It depends on the type of school to which students apply, what their current score is, as well as other factors, such as recommendations, extra curriculars, and experience. Students should certainly do some level of preparation – know your starting score and determine your best method of prep. Prep be taking a free practice test, buying (and reading!) a preparation book, or taking a preparation program (private tutoring, small group tutoring, courses, or online programs). If a student does badly on these tests the first time around, by how many points can he/she hope to raise their score? It really depends on where the student is starting (and if they prepped) and which test he is taking. For the LSAT, an improvement of 7 points is not uncommon, and can make a tremendous difference on what school you can get into.