So, it's been a few months since I've taken the GRE and it certainly has been a few months since I've last posted on here. Life got in the way of well...life? Sure. Nevertheless, I've been busy, but I still rememberenough of how I felt from the GRE.
Let's begin with, I'm just NOT a test-taker. I like learning for the sake of learning and I can't perform well on these standardized tests. Well, I'm sure I could given the time and practice but it wouldn't be as easy for me as others. So, as I'm studying and taking these tests, I'm thinking to myself is this exam really an accurate reflection of how well a person would do in a graduate program??? Really? The answer is: NO. And if anyone disagrees with me, please I ask that you state your case.
If, for the sake of argument, you say that like the MCAT and LSAT, the GRE isn't really a test on what you know but by getting the answers right it shows how you think, comprehend, analyze etc., which is fine, then I beg the question: Why Math and English as the grounds for testing? Secondly, how can a person's math and english skills foretell how they would do in a program for visual or performing arts? Just saying.
Then there is the debate of age v. experience. To put a recently graduated 21-year-old Math major up against a 32 year-old social worker both applying for a program in Education where taking the GRE is a requirement of the application process. Who is going to have retained the math skills (and maybe English too) necessary to score well? But, who knows more ABOUT people and has the skills to teach?! Which would be reflected by taking the GRE? Exactly. It's almost as if to say, if you want to get into grad school, just major in math and english as an undergrad so you can do well on the exam.
And to be fair, yes, I believe that more programs are realizing that the GRE is nonsensical and they ARE putting less weight on test scores. But for the more competitive programs, it does come down to test scores at times. And I guess it just sucks for that really qualified person whose vocabulary isn't the greatest.
So, I''m griping for the sake of griping. I didn't do horribly, nor was my performance phenomenal. I learned a good bit of new words, refreshed on my triangle properties and geometric theorems and sat in a room for four hours staring at a computer screen. I was actually doing really well until the break when I forgot my key to my locker in the testing room so I couldn't get my snack. Well, hunger set in during the second half and it was a done deal. Not only were the questions harder (a result of doing well in the first half) but I was starving and no longer able concentrate.
SO, the moral of taking the GRE- learn it for the sake of learning and eat your snack during break time.
