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NAILING THE GRE AND TOEFL

  • Anjali Viramgama
  • Apr 25, 2020
  • 5 min read

This blog addresses basic questions students have about the GRE and TOEFL exams, and includes free resources and tips to nail it!


Foreign nationals applying to graduate school (Masters & Ph.D.) here’s a list of exams you need to take:

  1. TOEFL

  2. GRE





Test of English as a Foreign Language AKA TOEFL


What is the TOEFL :

TOEFL is an English language test for universities. It is mandatory for students who are not from a primarily English speaking country.


Format:

TOEFL has four sections: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.


Breakdown

  • Reading (60–80 minutes) — You have to read different passages and then answer the questions.

  • Writing (50 minutes) — You’ll be given a prompt to write on, or you’ll have to listen to a clip and write about it.

  • Speaking (20 minutes) — You’ll be given a prompt and you’ll have to talk about it (your answer is recorded)

  • Listening (60 -90 minutes) — You’ll listen to a lecture/conversation and then answer questions about it.

  • Break (10 minutes)

The exam is 3 hours long.


How hard is it?

TOEFL is very easy, especially when compared to the SAT/ACT English. If you have studied in an English medium school, and are confident in conversing in English, TOEFL won’t be a problem. However, universities expect you to score really well, and many people struggle in the speaking section because you are expected to start talking about a random topic given to you in very few seconds.


When should I take the exam?

You are allowed to take the test multiple times, so you should try to give the exam approximately a year before you start applying to universities so that you have enough time to retake the exam if required.


What should my score be?

That depends on your target school. Here’s a link to check that out:


Free Resources:

Graduates Hotline: https://www.graduateshotline.com/sampletoefl.html


Best Practices:

  • Make a list of common speaking topics (from sample exams, etc.) and practice those. Some of the speaking questions will be personal, for example, your hobby, your passion, your failures, etc. You can always make things up, you are not required to answer honestly. So if you cannot come up with anything, make a story up.

  • Start talking in English with your peers, especially if you are not used to it.

  • Watch TV shows and Youtube in English, it’s okay if you need subtitles, the TOEFL listening passages have people enunciating every word very clearly and slowly when compared to a normal TV show.

  • Practice writing essays and doing comprehension passages, especially with timers.

  • Improve your vocabulary, this website should be helpful: https://www.vocabulary.com/


Graduate Record Examination



What is the Graduate Record Examination AKA GRE?


The GRE Test is a standardized exam used by many graduate schools and business schools in their admissions process. The GRE Test for graduate schools serves a similar purpose, like the SAT and ACT for colleges. Colleges/universities(Admission Committees) value GRE differently. For some institutions, GRE accounts for a large chunk of your admission chances, for others, your combined portfolio of GRE, GPA, volunteer & leadership activities, recommendations, and extracurricular activities have the same weight. The Admission Committee uses the GRE as a leveler. There is no way to compare candidates’ quantitative ability because they receive applications from thousands of candidates across the world. The purpose of the GRE is to provide an object comparison among candidates.


FORMAT:

The GRE test focuses on testing abstract thinking skills. The test contains mathematics (quantitative reasoning), vocabulary (verbal reasoning), and analytical writing. The GRE also has subject tests to test knowledge in specific areas. The mathematics and vocabulary sections are scored out of 170, while analytical writing is scored out of 6.


Breakdown

  • 2 Writing sections — 60 minutes

  • 2 Quantitative sections (Quant) — 75 minutes

  • 2 verbal reasoning sections (Verbal) — 75 minutes

  • Break — 15 minutes

Total = 225 minutes (3 hr 45 minutes)

NOTE: Different schools value Quant over verbal, and vice-versa. Depending on your target program, you may want to prioritize one section over the other. However, you should aim to do your best in every section.


How hard is it?

The GRE is designed to test your test-taking skills. There are strategies unique to GRE taking you can find some at


When should I take the exam?

The GRE allows for multiple attempts, so aim at the summer before your senior(fourth) year. This time is most advisable because you have more time to prepare and without the external pressures of senior project, graduate school application deadlines. It also gives you more time for retakes.


Do I need the GRE?

It is essential to know that not all institutions require the GRE, hence it is advisable to do your research to determine if your preferred choice(s) require the GRE and how much it counts towards your admission. (Even if it is NOT required, taking the GRE gives you a better chance at obtaining assistantships and funding, so it is worth it to take it).


What should my score be?

The answer to that question is dependent on your field of study as well as dream school(s). The average scores are typically between 145–170 for Quant and Verbal, while the average for the top graduate school program is in the 160s.

Here’s a link to view GRE scores


RESOURCES :

A list of links to 33 free GRE tests: https://crunchprep.com/gre/free-gre-practice-tests

Manhattan Prep (Quants)

Magoosh Flashcard (Vocabulary)

GRET {ETS Powerpack} — Used copies are available and cheaper

Prep classes — Princeton review

- Magoosh

NOTE: You have two free GRE practice tests (use them to gauge your exam readiness and familiarize your exam with the test setup)


Best Practices for Scoring your best:

  • Approach the test like you know nothing, the GRE is testing your test-taking ability.

  • What personal scores do you want? Do your dream schools have a required score? Does your field of study/ department have a required score? Write it down and work towards these goals

  • Ensure you begin your studying months before the exam, you do not want to rush, and you want to have enough time to properly understand the material, the test interface and the best test approach for YOU.

  • Creating a study plan according to your schedule can be super helpful in covering the required study material. Ensure to focus on quality study time over quantity study time.

  • Read articles (i.e., new york times) they can help significantly with your verbal

  • Focus more on understanding the concepts than practicing tests and cramming answers

  • ANALYZE your mistakes

  • Go back to basics.

  • GRE subjects are nowhere above 12th-grade math

  • Having an accountability partner is super helpful in achieving mini-goals and your overall goal. Pick a friend or someone writing the same test, similar tests (LSAT, MCAT, etc.) or people invested in your success as a study buddy.

  • Remember your driving force behind taking these exams is an approach we will always advise because when it gets tough and you feel like you want to quit, It can make all the difference you need to get inspired /motivated again.

Hope this helps! I want to mention that I and Olaseni Adeniji co-wrote this blog. You can contact either one of us if you have any specific questions :)

Thanks to Kehinde Williams and Oreoluwa Runsewe for providing personal insights.

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