GRE Bites

In today's episode, Orion solves a single-blank text completion question in real-time using strategies from the Stellar system. With sufficient practice, students should be able to solve vocab-based questions like this in less than a minute -- though active use of the relevant techniques may be necessary to achieve this outcome. Efficient solution of vocab-based questions is essential to bank enough time to sufficiently read the te...

The railroad system in Japan is one of the most efficient and complex in the world. It's also one of the safest, and major accidents -- let alone delays -- are almost non-existent. In today's episode, Orion shares one of Japan Railway's secrets for ensuring close attention to detail under demanding time tables: the point-and-call system. The rest of the episode is devoted to discussing the implications of this system for reducing c...

Since the GRE general test is the most commonly required standardized test for a graduate school application, many people aren't even aware that the GRE subject tests exist. In today's episode, we discuss what these tests are, how they differ from the GRE general test, and why anyone in their right mind might sit for them -- especially if they are not a required component of a grad school application. Listen to learn more.

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Davis and Orion respond to another question from a listener in today's episode of GRE Bites. The request is from a student with an arts background who is concerned about his ability to score highly on the quantitative section of the test. Apparently, math has never come easy for him, and he is worried that this time around won't be any different. Is it possible for folks who even struggle with the fundamentals of math to score high...

In today's episode, Orion and Davis respond to an email from a listener who is concerned as to whether her GRE goals are attainable, despite not being a "high-performer." While some folks tend to have an easier time of things than others, Orion reassures her that achieving a 160 on each section of the test is within the capabilities of the vast majority of students. In fact, awareness of one's own relative deficits can be an asset,...

Transfer errors are the second-most common type of careless error on the GRE. Like all forms of carelessness, these errors can be enormously frustrating, as they prevent students from receiving points they otherwise deserve. In this episode, Orion shares several actionable strategies for reducing transfer errors that require absolutely no training.

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Letters of recommendation are essential components of any grad school application. We all know they're supposed to be glowing endorsements of your ability. But isn't that true of everyone else's? So how can you get your letters to stand out from the rest? In this episode, Orion shares his counterintuitive approach to securing outstanding letters of recommendation.

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For various reasons, many students' undergraduate GPAs might be lower than they would like. Sometimes, these students approach their GRE prep from the perspective that a high score on the test will help to compensate for the "sins of their academic past." In this episode, Davis and Orion will discuss whether this is actually true, and what can practically be done.

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In today's episode, Orion demonstrates how to solve the most common question type on the quantitative section of the GRE: a plug-in problem. He walks through the second-by-second workflow for answering these types of problems in less than a minute, using simple arithmetic. He and Davis then troubleshoot common issues with the technique.

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When they begin their prep, many students struggle to answer every question within the time limit. They rush to do so, which typically increases their careless error rate on problems they "should" have gotten right. In today's episode, Orion and Davis discuss whether it's actually necessary to attempt every question on the GRE. The answer might surprise you.

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In this episode, Orion offers a real-time demonstration of how to solve a sentence equivalence problem on the GRE. He walks through the second-by-second workflow associated with solving these verbal question types quickly and accurately: from scanning the answer choices to forming synonym pairs to performing the word search technique to matching against the forced choice. If he can do it, so can you.

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Getting a study buddy to prepare for the GRE can be an excellent idea for a variety of reasons. For example, working in conjunction with a friend can improve compliance and provide accountability. It also creates teachable opportunities, if the two of you possess complementary strengths. Orion discusses methods of structuring social study time to minimize distraction and prevent idle socializing.

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This technique is as useful on the GRE writing section as it is in grad school, itself. The secret to good academic writing is to utilize the DRI rubric. This stands for: describe, report, interpret. In this way, students can write well-structured and coherent body paragraphs in a fraction of the time by leaning on a flexible and consistent structure. Orion demonstrates what this might look like on the GRE by riffing a hypothetical...

Many PhD programs offer their successful applicants a full scholarship and a living stipend in addition to their admissions. What's not to like? The reality of the situation, however, is that there's no such thing as a free lunch. Doctoral candidates who accept these offers can expect to work for the university full-time and with poor boundaries. And that full-time labor would likely be more lucratively sold on the open market. Ori...

In today's episode, Davis and Orion react to the FAQ recently released by ETS concerning the upcoming revisions to the GRE general test. Among other things, we confirm the time durations of each section of the test, as well as the question splits between the sections. Orion goes on to consider how these changes will impact the balance between accuracy and efficiency, and whether it may be a better idea to sit for the longer version...

Different test prep companies have different approaches to preparing for the GRE. However, one thing that our competitors seem to have in common is a reliance on oversaturation as a didactic principle. Whether it's asking students to read a 10-volume manual or solve an endless number of practice problems, most prep companies overshoot the mark. On the other hand, Stellar takes a more tactical approach to prep, dramatically reducing...

As we recently reported, the GRE will be changing significantly starting in September 2023. Why is this happening? Orion and Davis discuss the official line from ETS, the developers of the GRE, and conjecture as to some other potential motivating factors. As was the case when the GRE transformed into its current version some 15 years ago, there are likely economic forces in play behind the scenes that help to explain the decision t...

Many students find the time limit to be the most difficult part of the GRE. However, there are some hotshots out there who can complete problem sets with a great deal of time to spare. This episode is for those individuals. If students are completing sets with several minutes left on the clock, and if these students are not yet achieving perfect scores, they are likely missing points from careless responding as a consequence of the...

Sitting for full-length practice tests is an indispensable part of preparing for the GRE. Nothing else gives students a taste of the sustained concentration necessary to succeed on the exam, and the opportunity to practice systemic approaches to the test is invaluable. In this episode, Orion and Davis discuss how best to integrate these mock tests into your prep, including: when to do so, how to do so, and what materials are best t...