Student Life Archives (2001-2008)

GRE test to be revised in October

Students who plan to take the graduate records examination but feel it has been a while since English 1001 may now want to brush up on their writing skills.

Chrissy Sphar, a elementary education senior, wanted to take the GRE at the end of this semester until hearing the test will be updated in October.

According to the Center for Assessment and Evaluation, the analytical portion of the test will change from an objective problem solving section to two separate analytical essays.

Beginning Oct. 1, the GRE will include writing assessment in the general test. Though students have been taking the writing assessment as a stand- alone since October 1999, it will become one of the tests’ three main sections.

The verbal and quantitative sections should remain unchanged. Sphar has decided to take the GRE this September so she still can use the resources and publications she already purchased and avoid the new essay portion.

“It’s not that I’m a slacker,” Sphar said. “I just want to be able to use the study guides for the current test. It also gave me a reason not to procrastinate.”

Robert Melson, Center for Assessment and Evaluation manager said the changes have caused many students like Sphar to take the GRE early in the semester.

“September is usually our slowest month for the GRE,” Melson said. “Right now, every spot for the last day in September is full.” Melson said he thinks many students are trying to avoid writing the essay in general because most schools, including the University, weigh the analytical portion of the test less than the other sections. However, some students such as Rachel Brown, a marketing junior, say they are not afraid.

“I would still take the test,” Brown said. “Essays give you a chance to express yourself more freely.”

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