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PowerScore Helps Students Prepare for the New Revised GRE Coming in August 2011

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PowerScore Test Preparation // June 6th, 2011

Beginning August 1st, 2011, a new, revised version of the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) General Test will be administered, replacing the current version of the GRE. The new GRE is a drastic departure from the current test—everything from the scoring scale to the computerized layout to the question types is changing—and PowerScore has a broad range of course options to help students at all levels get ready for the updated exam.

CHARLESTON, SC – June 6, 2011 - Beginning August 1st, 2011, a new, revised version of the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) General Test will be administered, replacing the current version of the GRE. “The new GRE is a drastic departure from the current test—everything from the scoring scale to the computerized layout to the question types is changing—so for students taking the GRE after August 1st it is crucial that they fully understand what to expect following this revision,” says Jon Denning, a senior course developer at PowerScore Test Preparation.

One of the most notable changes is that the computerized version of the new test allows for navigation within a section, so test takers can skip questions and return to them later, instead of having to complete each question before being allowed to move on. Students will also be allowed to use a calculator for the two math sections, so the days of tedious scratch-paper calculations are largely over!

Both the Verbal and the Math sections have been redesigned, with adjusted timing/pacing, and a whole host of new question types: an expansion of Sentence Completion, and the removal of Antonyms and Analogies in Verbal; and new question formats like Numeric Entry and Multiple-choice with several correct answers in Math. The revised GRE also drops the current 200 to 800 scoring scales, replacing them with Math and Verbal scores that range from 130 to 170. 

Scores for the new test won’t be released until mid-November, so students who need their scores prior to November MUST take the GRE before the end of July. Registration for the new test has already begun, and test takers registered for an August or September administration get 50% off the standard registration fee.

The test makers have released an updated Official Guide book that corresponds with the new test content, and revised PowerPrep software containing computerized practice tests is available. “This revision will create an entirely new test experience, not only in terms of test structure, but also in terms of the strategies required for success,” says Mr. Denning. “Students considering taking the revised test need to spend some time reviewing the PowerPrep software to get a better sense of the new exam format and content, and to ultimately determine which version of the test—current or revised—is right for them.”