Standardized tests tend to become sensationalized, so there is no shortage of false information about the GRE. Often, this false information fosters unwarranted anxiety in test-takers. Let’s compare some of the most common GRE falsehoods to the GRE reality:

Fiction: The GRE measures how good I am at taking standardized exams. Fact: Each question on the GRE is designed to test a specific skill, concept, or piece of knowledge.

Fiction: GRE questions are based on an obscure body of information, and thus getting correct answers is predicated on my knowing the “tricks” that are needed to solve those questions. Fact: The information tested on the GRE is extremely relevant to the success of graduate students and professionals in a variety of fields, and every GRE question has a logical, methodical solution. There are no secret “tricks” to getting correct answers.

Fiction: Since the GRE is a reasoning test, it doesn’t test content. Rather, it tests how well I think, and since I can’t really improve my thinking skills, I can’t really improve my score. Fact: Yes, logical, analytical, and critical reasoning are major skills tested on the GRE. Regardless, you can learn to be a better thinker by mastering predictably tested content. There are many concrete concepts, facts, and thinking skills that you can learn, all of which will help you increase your GRE score.

Fiction: I have to correctly answer every question to earn a high score. Fact: On a section-adaptive test such as the GRE, you can answer a number of questions incorrectly and still earn a high score.

Fiction: If I don’t correctly answer the first five questions of a section, I can’t possibly earn a high score. Fact: The first five questions do not determine your score. All of the questions are important.

Fiction: If I’m not a fast worker, there is no way for me to earn a good GRE score. Fact: GRE questions are designed to be solvable by well-prepared test-takers in the time provided.

Fiction: The verbal section of the GRE is biased in favor of native English speakers. Fact: GRE verbal is equally accessible to test-takers regardless of their native language.

Fiction: When I take the GRE, I am “playing against the computer.” Fact: The computer only facilitates the test and calculates your score. You are, in reality, competing against your peers. If you’re more skilled than they are, you’ll outscore them.

Fiction: If I don’t score 330+ on the GRE, I won’t get accepted to a competitive graduate program. Fact: Although the GRE is a significant component of graduate school admissions, it’s only one facet of a student’s application. There have been many students who earned a 330 and didn’t get accepted HBS, for example. Likewise, there are many with sub-330 scores who earned a seat at HBS.

Fiction: I can’t benefit from my score report if I cancel my GRE score at the test center. Fact: You can access and learn from your score report regardless of whether you cancel your score at the test center.

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep