Getting Into Graduate School

The GRE General Test is the most widely acceptedMany of the more competitive programs within a
college admission exam for graduate school. This testparticular school will require GRE Subject Test scores.
strives to measure the knowledge that test takersAll graduate programs will require your undergraduate
have gained over long periods of time (like throughtranscripts along with letters of recommendation. Many
their undergraduate programs).schools also desire a personal essay.
The GRE currently consists of three sections; VerbalIf you are planning on pursuing a graduate degree, it is
Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analyticalrecommended that you apply to a few schools. Many
Writing. The Quantitative and Verbal Reasoninggraduate programs are highly competitive; therefore
sections are made up of multiple choice questions. Theyou increase your chances of getting into at least one
Analytical Writing section is composed of two essayprogram with more applications. You never know how
questions.your application will be perceived by the admissions
You will receive three different scores for your GREcounselors. If you only send in one or two applications
test; one for each of the three sections. The scoresand are not accepted by either school, you will likely
for the two multiple choice sections, the Quantitativeneed to wait another full school year to apply again.
and Verbal Reasoning sections, range from 200 toDepending on your area of study, your background,
800 (with 800 being the highest). The score for theand the schools you apply to, you may qualify for an
Analytical Writing section ranges from 0-6 (6 is theassistance ship. This can virtually pay your way
highest).through graduate school. Most assistance ships will pay
The average GRE General Test score is about a 500full tuition along with a monthly stipend throughout the
for the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sectionsschool year in exchange for teaching labs or
and about a 4 for the Analytical Writing section.undergraduate courses. In addition to the money this
Obviously, the better your score, the better chancewill save you, you may also add this as experience to
you have of being accepted into more competitiveyour resume once you graduate.
graduate programs.Competitive assistance ships are usually granted
In addition to your GRE General Test scores, somebased on GRE scores and undergraduate GPA's in
graduate programs also require scores for the GREaddition to an individual's experience. The most qualified
Subject Tests. You will need to determine what thestudents in a graduate program will usually secure the
schools you are applying to require for admissions.assistance ships.