8/9/2019 Tips Para Presentar El GRE

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Tips para presentar el Graduate Records Examination, GRE

Por: Antonio Ramírez R. tonotron@gmail.com

D.C.C. – C.I.C.-I.P.N, México, Octubre de 2014

Introducción. El acceso a una educación superiorde calidad, es un tema en boga en todo el Globo, tal

como lo es el de competencia profesional. Participaren esta globalización, requiere de cubrir puntualesrequisitos, uno de ellos es el examen general deconocimientos para graduados. El famoso tesGraduate Records Examination (GRE) se está

convirtiendo en un standard obligatorio para losgraduados de nivel licenciatura, que deseanintegrarse a algún programa de posgrado de calidad

en las mejores universidades del mundo. El puntajeobtenido en estas pruebas, es un referente primordial

 para la selección de las nuevas generaciones deestudiantes en muchas de estas escuelas y centros de

investigación. Sin embargo es un tanto desconocidala manera de aplicar a ello así como su alcance. Laintensión de esta columna es acercar en un formatomás ágil, un poco de información pertinente paraconocer el procedimiento y fondo de este examen.

Keywords: GRE, graduate tests, universalknowledge.

Contexto: GRE is an acronym for Graduate Records

Examination, and it consists in a series of tests ongraduate-level knowledge. Many postgraduateinstitutions require candidates to send their results in

any of the different types of this test. These examsevaluate the knowledge in specific areas, such as a

GRE Literature test.

FAQ's

1. Is it true that the early questions count more ineach section of the GRE?

YES, since this is a statistically sound test. The

computer is taking a sample of your performance onthe test. For any variable with a normal distribution

(GRE score) the bigger the sample, the smaller thestandard deviation, variance, and in this case

“possible score range.” As you answer questions, thecomputer recalculates the standard deviation and“score range”, thus zeroing in on your score.However the relation is not linear, as the standarddeviation is not a linear function. In other words, theearly questions count the most and the last ones the

least, so long as you finish the test

2. How important is it that I finish each of thesections on the GRE?

It is critical that you finish each section. Since thecomputer is “programmed” to finish taking itssample of your performance on the test, it will count

unanswered questions as if they were wrong at the beginning, in other words, where they count the

most. This is why ETS claims that the value of thequestions at the end is not less than at the beginning;it is equal when they are unanswered. So, when you

have a couple of minutes left it is not a bad idea toguess at the remaining questions, making sure thatyou finish the section in under 75 minutes.

3. In which area of the GRE will it generally beeasier to improve my score?

Because of the nature of Math, improving thequantitative score through systematic methods will

generally be easier for most test takers. Verbal seemsharder because test takers perceive more than oneanswer choice as correct, although looking for

 patterns and approaching these problems in a step- by-step fashion has been shown to produce excellent

score improvements.

4. In the quantitative section of the GRE, how many

questions are problem solving and how many arequantitative comparisons?

On most tests, the mix is 60-40%, PS  –   QC,

respectively.

5. In the quantitative section of the GRE, what is themost important skill I must develop to be proficient?

Reading, without a doubt; the most common“careless” mistake is misreading or

misunderstanding the question. On data sufficiency,translating words into math expressions can really

make a difference. In problem solving, using the

answers to eliminate predictable or non-feasibleoptions can also help to make an educated guess.

6. What are the hardest quantitative questions on theGRE?

Most test takers have difficulty with a special typeof data sufficiency problems for which the question

 posed requires a yes / no answer. When this format

is combine with number properties or inequalities,

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the questions become challenging. Sound strategy

and a systematic approach to these problems canhelp in their effective solution.

7. What is the bottom line to develop a better verbalsection for the GRE?

Learning vocabulary is the most important thing.Most of the question types in the verbal section are

 based on knowledge of vocabulary. Many lists are

available through internet and, of course, diverseGRE courses.

8. What do you recommend in order to be faster in

reading comprehension questions?

 Never read the whole passage from top to bottom

and try not to do a summary of the passage before beginning the questions. Attack each question andeach passage as it comes. However, do paraphrase

what you read.9. How can approach reading passages in order to be

faster?

You can definitely take more time in reading

comprehension questions than you do in other typequestions, but you should remember to pick up timein those other types and always beware of the clockto check for timing, so you do not spend too muchtime answering a question  –   sometimes you just

have to make an educated guess. Also, rememberthat GRE reading questions follow a rough

chronological order if they are specific.10. Can I just skip the essays so I can concentrate inthe two sections that will render my score?

Each institution is different as to how much weightit gives the essays, but it is not recommended to skipthem. A copy of your GMAT essays will be sent to

each institution that receives your scores, so a badimage could work against you. Find out whether theinstitution that you are applying to is very or littleinterested in your GMAT essays before you decide

to do something like that.

Tips

1. Review all basic geometry formulas.

2. You can answer a quantitative comparison

 problem when you have enough information todetermine if one is bigger. You should not wastetime figuring out exact values.

3. Make sure you can multiply, divide, add and

subtract quickly. Avoid using a calculator as you prepare.

4. Once you answer a question, forget about it.Concentrate on the one in front of you.

5. If the answer choices are numerical, estimate whatthe answer should be in order to eliminate non-feasible answers before guessing.

6. If you spot a predictable “easy” numerical answer,eliminate it before you guess.

7. Always work eliminating wrong answers.

8. Never pick an answer that you cannot back upcompletely from the passages included.

9. Make sure you develop your vocabulary.

10. Bring up your reading skills.

Interactive Checklist

1. I have reviewed number properties and

definitions.

Good! Remember to read carefully and make

annotations to set up problems before working onthem.

2. I know all basic geometry formulas covering lines

and angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles and

rectangular solids.Excellent! Roughly 1/5 to 1/6 of the questions in thequantitative section will deal with these topics.

3. I have spent 80% of my study time going over

wrong questions to learn what NOT to do on the testand HOW to modify my approach to questions.

Great! Good self-feedback is just as important as practice. You must identify problem areas and target

them as you study.

4. I have taken at least 5 diagnostic computeradaptive simulated GREs with a consistent score.

Practice makes perfect. Make sure you take the time between tests to go over mistakes and modify yourapproach to questions.

5. I have signed up to take the test and I am familiar

with the location of the test center.

You are ready to take the test. Do not cram the night

 before, relax instead; you have studied considerably.

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The day of the test, take your time to get to the test

center and bring a chocolate or some sugary snackfor the break. Remain as calm as you can since

concentration plays a major role on performance.

6. I have memorized all my vocabulary lists and haveused the words in diverse contexts.

Excellent! You will find most type questions on theverbal section a lot easier to approach. But

remember, it’s not all about plain vocabulary.

7. I have practiced relationships for the analogies’questions.

Good job! You will focus on finding exactly whatthe question asks and this will render a better pacing

for your verbal section.

8. I have practiced enough reading comprehension

 passages to be able to approach the questionswithout reading the complete passage from top to

 bottom.

If you have truly done so, you will most probably beable to administer your time in a most successful

way. However, remember to keep a good attitudeand disposition towards all kinds of issues that youencounter and decide intelligently which sentencesyou will read and paraphrase.

Nota, Esta columna no es una tarea escolar ni

tampoco parte de alguna investigación. Es solo unamanera diferente de presentar una información que

es posible encontrar en la fuente citada. Por lo tantoel punto de vista y la manera de abordar lainformación es creación del autor, en aquella fuente.

El lector puede profundizar en el tema del GRE y prepararse para presentarlo, apoyándose en parte, enlas demás fuentes citadas y principalmente en su

esmero, atención y dedicación que preste a estaactividad.

Conclusión: Si se desea participar de una crecientey al mismo tiempo excluyente globalización, por

contradictorio que esto parezca, es necesario

 prepararse al mismo nivel que los países que están ala vanguardia en los temas de educación ya que son

quienes establecen los estándares de evaluación a losque todos habrán de sujetarse. El conjunto de test delGRE, no debería ser un referente en cuanto a calidez,ética, creatividad, ingenio y actitud; sin embargo esel primer peldaño en el acceso a algún programa de

 posgrado de calidad internacional. Por ello esimprescindible lograr un buen puntaje.

Referencias:

[1] Fuente del texto en inglés: http://www.conacyt.gob.mx/posgrados/index.php/cursos-en-linea/gre

[2] http://www.graduateshotline.com/gre/test.html 

[3] http://www.testprepreview.com/gre_practice.htm 

[4] http://www.800score.com/gre-download4.html 

[5] http://www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail.asp?

eid=11 

[6] http://www.number2.com/exams/gre/companion/

index.cfm?s=0 

[7] http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/know 

[8] http://www.greguide.com/Free-Questions/GRE-

Practice-Tests.html. 

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