University undergraduate students planning to continue their education may need to prepare for some changes to their test prep regimen.
The Graduate Records Examination - an admissions requirement for many graduate education programs - is about to undergo several changes, as administrators at Educational Testing Services have been working on revising the test to enhance the content and allow students to navigate the exam more easily.
The GRE revised General Test's launch is set for August 2011.
Once amended, the test will include more questions featuring "real-life scenarios that better reflect the kind of thinking students will do in today's demanding graduate and business school programs," according to a statement from Mark McNutt, manager of public relations for ETS.
Test-takers will have access to new navigation features, including the ability to review questions and change answers. The exam also will feature an on-screen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning section.
The exam also will allow students to demonstrate knowledge in new ways, for example by filling in a number or providing more than one answer.
Second-year College student Rachel Sullivan said it seems the new format will benefit applicants because the changes - such as being able to return to previously unanswered questions and to check one's work - could provide "a relief for stress while taking the test."
Moreover, Fourth-year College student Miles Berg said the new test's emphasis on reasoning will benefit students by allowing them to display their analytical skills.\nAdministrators also looked favorably upon the changes.
"I think any changes are positive in the sense that applicants have greater flexibility," said Dave Wolcott, assistant vice president for graduate studies, noting that the new format will cater to students' individual test-taking styles.
Regardless, Wolcott noted that University graduate programs do not rely solely on an applicant's GRE scores when considering acceptance. Factors such as the undergraduate record, experience in relevant undergraduate research and public service also contribute to a successful application.
Likewise, the Darden School, which accepts a GRE score in place of the Graduate Management Admission Test typically required by business schools, looks for students who can demonstrate high intellect through quantitative and analytical skills, Assistant Dean for Admissions Sara Neher stated in an e-mail. The Darden School considers a high score on the GRE as evidence of the applicant's ability to commit to a difficult task and complete it with success, she added.
Overall, though, Wolcott said the main focus for graduate programs is finding students who are "a good fit for the University."
Representatives from ETS will be on Grounds Oct. 20 to brief faculty and students on the test's changes. The meeting will be held in the Newcomb Hall Commonwealth Room from 9 to 11 a.m. Representatives will provide free materials for students to prepare for the changing format, including online software and practice booklets.
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