PRECAUTIONS AGAINST OBTAINING AVERAGE GRE SCORES

IMPORTANCE OF GRE

The GRE test is a competitive test that is required for admission to graduation, post graduation, and fellowship
programs in U.S. universities. It is so renowned that the scores are considered valid for admission to leading
universities in U.S., Canada, Australia and other countries abroad. It is tough to obtain high scores in this
test. Students find it tough to surpass others in this test. It is necessary to know how the scores are calculated
and what scores students achieve on an average. Once you know about this, it will be easy for you to plan to
get high scores. This article will, hopefully, guide you to get a good result in GRE.

GRE consists of the General test and subject tests. Taking up the General test is compulsory and opting to take
up the subject tests depends on the requirement of the universities that you are planning to get admitted to.
Some universities need you to take the Subject tests, while some may not. The General test comprises of mainly
three sections, which are Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.

The scores consist of 4 different scores: the total score, the Analytical Writing score, the Verbal
Reasoning and the Quantitative Reasoning score. Based on these scores, management authorities find it very easy to
grant admission. Your scores are determined by your performance and the number of questions answered in the
test. A total score is calculated and this is converted to a scaled score by equating. This takes into account
tests taken at different times. The scaled scores reflect the performance of the candidates irrespective of
when the test was given or which section was given.

HOW GRE SCORE IS DETERMINED?

In the Analytical Writing section, you need to write 2 essays, the topics of which will be given to you. Both
the essays are scored by 2 examiners on a scale of 0 to 6 with half-point increments. If the scores determined
by the examiners differ by more than a point, then a third examiner will be called in to decide the scores.
He determines the final score. The final score on the two essays are averaged and rounded up to the nearest
half-point and a score is reported for this section. If you do not write an essay, then the score will be reported
as a no score.

The Verbal Reasoning section determines your Reading Comprehension skills, your ability to analyze and critically
evaluate the given content in the test. You will be tested for your vocabulary and grammar usage. This section
is scored on a scale of 130-170 with 1-point increments.

The Quantitative Reasoning tests your basic math skills and data interpretation in the form of graphs, tables,
charts, etc. In this section, the score scale ranges between 130 and 170 with 1-point increments.

WHAT IS AVERAGE GRE SCORE?

Your results hold good for a period of 5 years. Along with your scores, the percentile is also given. The percentile
is an excellent indicator of how well you have performed; it compares your score with that of the other test-takers
who have taken the exam. The 50th percentile
score means that 50 percent of the test-takers have scored below
this score. If you score well in the exam, then you can definitely gain admission easily into the university that
you want to. You might have to take the test a few times to get the desired scores. Most universities have cutoffs
determined for enrolling candidates to grauuate programs.

Universities that have a cutoff above 1400 are University of California, University of Illinois, and Purdue
University.

Universities that have a cutoff score of 133-1400 are University of Florida, University of Michigan, and Boston
University.

Universities that have a cutoff score above 1250 are University of California, Iowa State University, Virginia
Tech.

Universities that consider a cutoff of 1200-1250 are Arizona State University, Ohio State University, and Oregon
State University.

Universities that have a cutoff between 1150-1200 are NJIT, Colorado State University, and Indiana State University.

Some Universities that have a cutoff ranging from 1100-1150 are New Mexico State University, California State
University, and Washington State University.

The University of North Dakota has a GRE cutoff below 1100.

MEASURES TO AVOID GETTING LOW GRE SCORE

Given below is a list of steps that you need to do to get beyond the average scores.

  • Prep Test: First of all, take up a diagnostic test to
    evaluate your weak areas. Which section of the GRE test are you good
    at? How would you rate yourself in the Analytical Writing section? If
    you evaluate yourself, you will have an idea of which area you need to
    concentrate on.
  • Study Plan: Practice as much as you can and make a specific study plan. You need to stick strictly
    to the plan and be strictly disciplined in following it up. Decide how, when, and what you are going to study
    to be effective in your preparation.
  • GRE Vocab: Working on your vocabulary is the best thing that you can do to score well in the Verbal
    Section. You can take up different modes of study such as learning through flashcards, making your own word
    lists, online study, read publications, etc.
  • Reading: Make reading a part of your daily routine. Try to reason and question yourself whatever you
    are reading. Try not to blindly accept what you are reading. This will help you in developing your critical
    reasoning skills.
  • Math Problems: Practicing the quant problems will help you a lot. When checking the wrong answers,
    try to find the solution to it and just do not go to the next problem. Try to analyze until you get the right
    one. This will help you to learn constructively.
  • Essay Writing: When you start practicing to write, first make a checklist of the points that you are
    going to include. It makes the writing much easier and you will have an easy flow of ideas.
  • Mock Tests: Take up as many mock tests as you can. You can evaluate yourself and you will get a fair
    idea of your abilities and your performance, and how you can improvise on your weak points.
  • Study Material: The study material available on websites relating to preparation including the GRE
    official website, www.ets.org/gre provides you with enough
    practice tests, score analysis, tips to improve yourself. The POWERPREP II software is a very powerful tool
    that helps you with your Arithmetic problems, Verbal section, etc. ScoreItNow Online Writing Practice provides
    you with sample essays and acts as a platform for you to practice your writing.
  • GRE Books: The Official Guide to the GRE revised General Test acts as a guide and helps you with your
    preparation. Books like Barron’s GRE, and Kaplan’s GRE, Princeton Review math book offer you
    enough practice sessions. With effort and practice, you can easily solve the quantitative problems.
  • Target score: Having a particular target helps you to score beyond the average scores. You definitely
    need to score high to study for your graduate program.

RISK OF AVERAGE GRE SCORES

As this test is a standardized test for
various English-speaking countries and universities globally, there is
no common average score as such. Some universities might have average
scores as cutoff, though top universities will require candidates with
high scores. A GRE score is the most important factor in determining
your
admission to a graduate program. It is most important to get a high
score to be admitted to graduate programs and fellowships.