GRE Prep

Prepare for the Graduate Record Examination (Hover over text for links to resources)

  • Overview Information:
    • Most graduate schools require competitive scores on the GRE General Test, which includes verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing components.
    • Some schools also recommend or require the GRE Psychology Subject Test – which is only offered 3 times per year (typically in April, September, & October).
  • GRE Fee Reduction Program:
    • Read up about the GRE Fee Reduction Program to see if you qualify, and if so, how to get a 50% discount off of the cost of taking the GRE.
  • ETS Free and Paid Study Resources: It is also a good idea to look at the free materials provided by the GRE test publisher, ETS.
  • Additional Resources: Publishers, like Barrons, Kaplan, and ETS also offer great study tools like books, practice exams, and flashcards. Search “GRE” on Amazon or another retailer to see some options.
  • Study Courses: Study courses are often very expensive. If you can be self-motivated to read good study materials and give yourself time to practice, you’re likely to get as much from cheaper materials than a formal course. If you can afford it and want the forced structure of a course, that may be a useful resource for you.
  • Preparing for the Analytical Writing Task:
    • According to ETS, “The Analytical Writing measure provides a window into skills critical for success in any graduate discipline. Applicants are asked to complete two written tasks: analyze an issue and analyze an argument.”
    • Analyze an Issue Task: According to ETS, “The Analyze an Issue Task assesses a test taker’s ability to think critically about a topic of general interest and to clearly express his or her thoughts about it in writing. Each issue statement makes a claim that test takers can discuss from various perspectives and apply to many different situations or conditions. The issue statement is followed by a set of specific instructions.”
    • Analyze an Argument Task: According to ETS, “The Analyze an Argument Task assesses a test taker’s ability to understand, analyze and evaluate arguments and to clearly convey his or her evaluation in writing. The test taker is presented with a brief passage in which the author makes a case for some course of action or interpretation of events by presenting claims backed by reasons and evidence. The test taker’s task is to discuss the logical soundness of the author’s case according to the specific instructions by critically examining the line of reasoning and the use of evidence.”
    • ETS provides more information about the Analytical Writing tasks here.
    • Interestingly, you can review the entire pool of actual writing prompts for free here:

Note. Dr. Burchett provides links to resources for informational purposes only. Listing resources does not indicate endorsement and there is no guarantee that using the resources listed or using a particular study strategy will increase GRE scores.