GRE Score: Avoid Unrealistic Expectations
Everyone wants to get perfect score in GRE Test ( Verbal – 170; Quantitative – 170; AWA 6.0). But in ideal world that is not impossible by all the GRE Test takers. Idea of getting perfect score or high score much above your skill level is going to be tough.
When you start your preparation for GRE, ideally you like to get 1600/1600 in GRE Test. But, when you take your first practice test, you will realize that your existing skill set is far from perfect GRE Exam score range.
Your ability to improve your score largely depends on
- Current Skill level
- Time Factor
- Ability to utilize time
Current Skill Level: Knowledge you have gained during schools days and college plays very important role. Students who are class toppers tend to have higher skill level (usually).
Time Factor: You will have limited time to prepare for GRE Exam. It can be few weeks to few months.
Improve Skills: during that limited time and with current skill level, how much can you improve your GRE test taking ability? Sometimes how hard you work, your score or knowledge doesn’t improve. That could be because you are not using the right tools.
On GRE Exam Day
If your practice test score is around 1200, you cannot expect miracle score of 1600 on GRE Exam day (you might get 1300). Don’t have unrealistic expectations that you will be able to improve your GRE score overnight on exam day.
If you disagree or agree to the idea of unrealistic expectation, do add your comments below.
Related : GRE Test Prep
Hi,
I scored 1450 in GRE. I am from a local engg college with 80 percent in btech. I have 1 year experience n have written 4 research papers n developed about 15 prototypes of software n hardware. Can i get into stanford/mit/cmu/ucb berkeley?
Pls reply asap.
Reply to Kavtya,
the person u told may have not written SOP and LOR really well, coz they also matter a lot . I know a person having a GRE score of 1410, Percentage of 75% in B.SC got into California Berkly coz his SOP and LOR matched the requirements of the course and American Universities………
He may b from iit.
well i know a guy who has actually got 1600
besides a cgpa of above 9
still didnt get into stanford
kavtya,
top univ.s usually admit iit ians. They don't go by scores.
Well, I do not know if 1600 is possible or not. I do not even know if somebody has ever done it. But the idea of scoring 1600 is in itself super exciting and hair raising. Just like you win a Wimbledon. Having said that, there is no glory in bringing 1600 as no ones is watching and there is no trophy to be displayed. Secondly, as the admin said the time factor is crucial, maybe assuming one does keep on improving upon the skills required by this examination. It is an interesting game to play.
For me I would be happy enough with anything above 1300 :).
hi….. i wll complete my enginnering in july 2011.. so wat is the ideal time for me to take the GRE and other tests for taking admission for MS in USA…. also if i give the test in december 2010 or early january 2011….. wen will i get admission in US……
Hello Nitish Iam in the exact same dilemma as you.. Do tell me if you find an answer.. PLZ 🙂
Yea its not possible to get 1600/1600, but if even have a test score of even 900, you can get up to 1400 plus by practicing real hard. I think all the engineers have good IQ level and if they practice for 3-4 months, they can get that score. Some of my friends who have given GRE, their test scores without practice were 800-1000 and when they were prepared for about 6 months , all of them scored above 1400.
First time i have written my Gre in January of this year,but score was very low (950). I have prepared well, but still i m unable to get a good score Because of proper direction. so,What are the right tools to prepare for Gre especially verbal section that too RC's ( i am unable to manage time for reading comprehension, taking lot of time in exam). How to Enhance my skills? I have put my exam on july21st. kindly suggest me. Thank u.
Hi HSB ,
As you said the above post is very much valid , as i can understand the preparation process , am currently undergoing .
Hi.. I have gre score of 1120 and toefl of 101. I am looking at SJSU CS dep. Should I re appear for GRE or can I go ahead with this score?
U can easily get admit with 1100 in SJSU. Go ahead.