The GRE and the Ivy League

The Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is a test taken by students who plan to apply to graduate school. Not surprisingly, students must achieve high scores on this test if they want to be accepted into a graduate program at an Ivy League school. GRE scores earned by students in Ivy League schools differ depending on the study program and school, but for most study programs at Ivy League schools, admitted students have GRE scores that rank in the 95th percentile or above.

In short, students who want to attend graduate school in the Ivy League must have high GRE scores to be considered. Let’s talk a little more about the GRE and what you can do to achieve high scores to help get into a graduate program at an Ivy League school.

The Sections of the GRE

The GRE is divided into three scored sections: the Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Analytical Writing sections. 

The Verbal Reasoning section asks students to evaluate written material. This section tests reading comprehension skills as well as the ability to identify words and concepts. 

The Quantitative Reasoning section tests students’ problem-solving skills – basic arithmetic, algebra, ratios, number properties, geometry, and data analysis problems are all included in this section of the GRE. 

A student’s critical thinking skills are further put to the test in the Analytical Writing section. Students must create an organized written piece with plenty of evidence to support their ideas.

Scoring on the GRE

Students taking the GRE should know that there is a separate score assigned to each of the three sections of the test. For the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal sections, that score range goes from 130 to 170. The score range is 0 to 6 for the Analytical Writing section of the test. Points for the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections are awarded in one-point increments. The Analytical Writing section, on the other hand, is scored in half-point increments.

Study Tips for the GRE

Learning vocabulary words is an important part of the GRE prep process. Of course, it’s a good idea to practice new vocabulary with flashcards. Flashcards are excellent for memorizing words and their definitions. However, it also helps if you can see vocabulary words used in context. This can be accomplished by reading magazines and newspapers, whether in hardcopy or accessed from the internet. Seeing an unfamiliar word in context is an effective way to absorb a new word’s definition.

Another tip is to take several practice tests . Taking practice tests is an excellent way for a student to determine which skills need the most improvement. Plus, you can gain confidence as you see progress with each set of practice test results.

In addition, you should make a point of starting to prepare as soon as possible for the GRE. Studying material for the GRE should be done in a gradual way over a period of months, not crammed into a few hours here or there – it’s a good idea to study daily for the GRE. Some students think of studying for the GRE as a part-time job. This helps them to incorporate GRE study time into their daily lives. Students who feel rushed or try to cram on information just days before the test are not likely to perform at their best on the GRE.

Studying With the Experts

At Varsity Tutors, we offer a variety of options that can help students prepare for the GRE . Our talented instructors have all achieved great success on the GRE, so students who study with Varsity Tutors are learning test-taking strategies from individuals with hands-on experience! We provide students with both in-person and online tutoring options, making it easy for students to find the option that best fits into their busy schedule. Our instructors also offer students the encouragement they need to boost their confidence in the days before the test.

Want to jump-start your GRE preparation? Check out our variety of GRE Course and Private Tutoring options.