Your Guide to GRE Prep in
BOSTON
Navigating the GRE in the Heart of Boston
Boston, a hub for top-tier universities and academic excellence, offers a wealth of resources for students preparing for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Whether looking for GRE prep courses, personalized tutoring, or practice materials, Boston provides everything you need to excel on this crucial exam.
About the GRE: Your Gateway to Graduate School
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a vital component of the graduate school application process. This standardized test is often required for admission to graduate programs, including business schools (MBA), and many grad schools in the United States now accept GRE scores as an alternative to the LSAT.
Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE is designed to provide schools with a common measure to evaluate applicants’ qualifications and readiness for advanced academic work. Admissions committees assess your GRE score alongside your academic records and other materials to gauge your preparedness for graduate studies.
Takeaway: Achieving a high score on the GRE can significantly enhance your graduate or business school application, increasing your chances of admission to your desired program.
What to Expect on the GRE
The GRE evaluates your skills in basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis, and your command of college-level vocabulary. More importantly, it measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, think critically, and solve complex problems.
GRE Sections Overview
The GRE consists of three main sections:
- Analytical Writing: One section that requires you to write two essays, scored from 0 to 6.
- Verbal Reasoning: There are two sections, each scored on a scale of 130 to 170, with an average score of around 152.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Two sections also scored on a scale of 130 to 170, with a mean score of approximately 156.
Additionally, you may encounter one of these sections:
- Unscored Section: This could be either Verbal Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning.
- Research Section: Used for ETS research purposes and not scored.
The Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections are scored on a scale of 130 to 170, with mean scores of 152 (Verbal) and 156 (Quantitative). The Analytical Writing Assessment is scored from 0 to 6 in half-point increments, with a mean score of 4.0.
GRE Requirements and Scoring Insights
There are no specific prerequisites for taking the GRE, making it accessible to students from various academic backgrounds. However, most graduate programs typically require a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent for admission.
The GRE is offered throughout the year, with flexible scheduling options available at numerous testing locations in Boston. Registration deadlines generally occur a few weeks before the test date.
Your GRE scores remain valid for five years, and if you retake the exam, graduate schools typically consider all scores from the last five years. Most institutions will look at your highest score, while some may average your scores or focus on your most recent attempt based on their admissions policies.
Top Graduate Programs in Boston
Boston is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities and graduate programs, including:
- Harvard University: Known for its world-class graduate programs across various fields.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Renowned for its cutting-edge research and academic excellence in engineering, business, and the sciences.
- Boston University: Offers a wide range of graduate degrees in multiple disciplines, from business to the arts.
- Northeastern University: Known for its strong graduate programs in law, business, and engineering.
- Boston College: Offers competitive graduate programs, especially in law, social work, and education.
Why Boston is the Ideal Location for GRE Prep
Boston provides an enriching environment for academic growth, featuring extensive networking opportunities and resources for students. The city’s renowned universities and vibrant intellectual culture can inspire and motivate your study efforts.
Popular Study Spots in Boston
Boston is home to several excellent study spots for focused GRE preparation. Some of the top locations include:
- Boston Public Library: A quiet, serene space with ample resources for your GRE prep.
- Harvard University Libraries: Access to a wealth of academic resources, ideal for research and study.
- The Charles River Esplanade: A beautiful and peaceful outdoor setting to study and refresh your mind.
Additionally, Boston’s cafes and coworking spaces provide great study environments for focused preparation or collaboration with peers.