Anybody taken the GRE?

[4bangerfury]

How bad was it?

I'm not worried about the math section. The writing section worries me a bit though. I've never been much of an essay writer.

Any study guide recommendations for the verbal/writing sections?

[Wh33lhop]

I drove for 7 hours straight, got 2 hours of sleep, didn't study at all and got a 790 on the math section (but then again the guys who drove with me and studied did worse, it depends on how good you are at figuring out stupid useless math shit on the fly). If you are applying for engineering or something similar they don't really care about anything but your math score (and honestly I think the fact that you've taken the GRE matters more than your score as long as it isn't abysmal). What are you trying to get into?

[TheEtaUnderdog]

How bad was it?

I'm not worried about the math section. The writing section worries me a bit though. I've never been much of an essay writer.

Any study guide recommendations for the verbal/writing sections?

you apply yet? When I looked into starting my masters in computer engineering, they told me I didn't need a GRE but that it would help an application. Our college is weird like that

[kronus]

you apply yet? When I looked into starting my masters in computer engineering, they told me I didn't need a GRE but that it would help an application. Our college is weird like that

If you don't take the GRE, it looks strange on your transcript. They expect some sort of number to be there.

I know a bunch of people who've taken it, they say the regular GRE is trivial compared to subject GREs.

[Wh33lhop]

If you don't take the GRE, it looks strange on your transcript. They expect some sort of number to be there.

I know a bunch of people who've taken it, they say the regular GRE is trivial compared to subject GREs.

True. The one I took (they didn't have an EE subject GRE) was seriously a joke.

[kronus]

True. The one I took (they didn't have an EE subject GRE) was seriously a joke.

The subject tests for math and physics rape and pillage, apparently.

[Conki]

I just took it a couple weeks ago.
I just started speaking English 5 years ago, and I was happy with my language learning progress until I got to the English part of the GRE.
I did not understand a word. I got a below average score on that one, I think it was 450. But when I think about who takes the GRE: Americans, who've been speaking the language their entire lives, and not any Americans, but ones that are close to college graduation. But not any senior college students, but ones that plan on going to graduate school. So now I don't feel that bad about my awful score:)

The essay questions didn't worry me, but we'll see how I did on those once I get my official scores. I'll let you guys know.

The math part was pretty trivial, but I must've messed up a couple questions, I only got a 760. But hopefully that will be enough for some financial support in an engineering program:)

[Bimmerman325i]

I took it recently, studied, took a class, and did abysmal on the math section (which is what I wasn't worried for). I'd run through a practice test or two to figure out the areas you need to study/practice on.

[Fusion]

I just took it a couple weeks ago.
I just started speaking English 5 years ago, and I was happy with my language learning progress until I got to the English part of the GRE.
I did not understand a word. I got a below average score on that one, I think it was 450. But when I think about who takes the GRE: Americans, who've been speaking the language their entire lives, and not any Americans, but ones that are close to college graduation. But not any senior college students, but ones that plan on going to graduate school. So now I don't feel that bad about my awful score:)

The essay questions didn't worry me, but we'll see how I did on those once I get my official scores. I'll let you guys know.

The math part was pretty trivial, but I must've messed up a couple questions, I only got a 760. But hopefully that will be enough for some financial support in an engineering program:)

Your written English here on the forums is better than that of many US members.
Reminds me I couldn't get anyone to speak English or German on my visit to Budapest :neutral:

[Conki]

Your written English here on the forums is better than that of many US members.
Reminds me I couldn't get anyone to speak English or German on my visit to Budapest :neutral:

Hahaha not many people speak a foreign language there, which was my motivation to spend a year in the States. When looking for a job, it really helps if you speak English.
Did you like Hungarian girls though?:)

[Fusion]

Oh yeah. Didn't spend enough time to get to know them better though.
I'm thinking about going out to Hungaroring for a track day next year.

[TheEtaUnderdog]

If you don't take the GRE, it looks strange on your transcript. They expect some sort of number to be there.

I know a bunch of people who've taken it, they say the regular GRE is trivial compared to subject GREs.

4bangerfury and I went to the same undergrad and if he is applying there for master's they distinctly say it is not required for some majors. I'm reading the paperwork in front of me lol

That being said, its probably a good idea to take it anyway.

[4bangerfury]

I'm applying at the same school I received the BS from. Going for a masters in mechanical engineering. From what I've read, I only need the general test and not the subject tests.

I've gotten mixed answers about whether I need to take it or not. I asked a few people going for their masters now and they say I don't have to take it, but when I spoke with people from the graduate admissions office, I was told to take it before filling out the application.

I've heard enough responses that I'm not too worried about it now. Sounds like it will be the SATs all over again. I just need to choose a time to take it and pickup a test prep book. I know there's some basic stuff out there I've forgotten from a lack of use.