GRE, TOEFL -- Preparation suggestions

Alright I have not posted in a while. I was a tad busy with work.

So in this post I'll be talking about the standardized tests that are needed to apply to grad school.

Lets start off with GRE:

1) What is GRE?: GRE is a computer-based-exam. It consists of three sections:
> Analytical Writing Section (commonly known as AWA)
> Verbal section
> and Math section

What is AWA about?

It presents you with one essay writing task and one argument task. The most commonly asked topics are listed on the GRE website (ETS.org(ETS is the educational body that conducts these standardized tests). Its is scored separately on a scale of 6 and is not included in the 1600 of Verbal and Math.

What is verbal about?

Well in verbal you come across analogies, antonyms, sentence completion and reading comprehension.
The verbal part is generally the most tough part coz it needs you to agree with their bizzare answers that do not strike to you as the exact answers. Many ppl say its a test of vocabulary. if your vocab is superb there are good chances you'll ace this test. Verbal generally shud be practised with a help of tutor atleast from when you are in year two of your under-grad. That way you'll be ready by the time you need to give the test.

Verbal sec is outta 800

What is Math section about?

This is the easiest part of the test. It is about basic high school maths. Well that does not mean you do an extemporaneous for this section. Remember the show are u smarter than a fifth grader? Yes the logic here is you most prolly must have forgotten by now all your high school basics. So revise well for this section too.

Math is outta 800 too

An overall(verbal + Math) score of 800 is considered pass.

1000 is average cut off needed for a few lower 1st tier and upper third tier unis.

1140 is an average score of those who get into mid 1st tiers.

1200 and above is for the upper first tier.

Well GRE and TOEFL are not the only determining scores to get into an uni. Your academic scores and research exp are more impt factors in getting you thru.

GRE and TOEFL are merely used to give you an edge over others(with same appln stats on their profiles) by admission deciding bodies so higher your GRE higher your chances.

Books you need to use:
10th edition of ETS GRE publication
Princeton review material for GRE.
vocab made easy by Norman Berg.
An adult approach to vocab by Maxwell Nurnberg & Morris Rosenblumt
Barron's wordlist and their practice exam CD

Softwares/websites:
GRE Powerprep
ets.org
Pictionary by picture-dictionary.blogspot.com


Coming to TOEFL

It contains 4 sections and is internet based
>Speaking
>Writing
>listening
>Reading
Scored on a scale of 0-30 each /total score of 120... The pass score is 80.. 100 and above is considered excellent

There is no TOEFL Powerprep.
But the rest of the material is same as GRE

This is not any sort of advertisement-- Princtonreview GRE and TOEFL coaching center prepares you well!

Goodluck!