GRE Geology

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by empressj, Mar 16, 2001.

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  1. empressj

    empressj New Member

    Hey everyone!

    Wow, this site is way cool! I'm glad I found it, its so informative! My question is..has anyone taken the GRE Geology? Its a relatively unpopular test these days and the last test date for it is April 28th...there are no Princeton Review/Barrons/Arco/Petersons/Kapans/etc for it, only the ETS guide and the sample ETS guide. I know that many people have probably not taken this particular exam, but I do know that many people have taken the GRE without a background on the subject and have been successful(with studying the material, of course).

    I'm honestly intimdated by this exam...I've gotten 3 different texts on general geology, plus 5 textbooks in each of the specific topic areas as listed in the 1999-2001 Descriptive Booklet. ETS recommends that someone who hasn't majored in these subject areas not even try and attempt it-

    Right now, my schedule consists of 40-50 hours a week studying this subject. I don't work, and spend most of my time studying for this...the test is April 28th, and I just want to know what the chances of me passing this exam with a 40% is. I know you all dont know me and how much knowledge I have. But honestly, lets assume a person has absolutely zero knowledge. How long would it take for a person to soak up the 4 years of material in order to prep for the exam? Also, what techniques did you use to help you pass?(flash cards? discovery channel? just studying like a madman??)

    If anyone can help me out, I would appreciate it. I'm still debating whether I should even try and attempt this.

    Thanks again!

    Janna
     
  2. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    I'm assuming that the Geology GRE is pretty difficult, being a "hard" science subject.

    However, you literally have nothing to lose by trying. If you've booked the test date, then you've paid the fee already, so why not try? Every non-traditional program I know of doesn't penalize for failing exams for credit.

    It seems like you're doing everything right to prepare for the exam, so I say go for it.

    Best of luck,

    Bruce
     
  3. JMcAulay

    JMcAulay New Member


    Hi, Janna:

    I have never taken the GRE Geology test, but my comments are based on having taken three other GREs. I once considered taking the Geology GRE but did not (Regents required lab courses in addition for a concentration).

    Some suggestions:

    1. Don't be intimidated. Take it. The most
    you can lose is the test fee and a few
    hours of your time. That makes it a
    great bet. This is the least expensive
    college credit available anywhere!

    2. If you use the ETS practice books (which
    are old tests) along with some good texts
    on General Geology and the specific
    disciplines covered by the test, you will
    very likely do well.

    3. If you have not already registered at
    COSC, peerhaps you should wait for the
    test results. If you have scored very
    well, it may be advantageous to register
    at Excelsior instead (you may get more
    credit).

    4. Use the practice tests wisely. After you
    take one, study your results carefully,
    reviewing every question, whether you got
    the right answer or a wrong one. This is
    part of your learning experience, too.

    5. Answer every question. While deducting
    for wrong answers is a fact on the GREs,
    if you have studied the material, you
    will likely stand a good chance to get at
    least one out of every three "guesses"
    correct. Validate this for your guessing
    skill on the practice tests. If it does
    not work this way for you, then don't use
    this strategy.

    6. Use whatever test-taking skills you have
    to their utmost. While ETS strives to
    avoid it, you may well find answers to
    some questions hidden elsewhere in other
    questions. Watch for this; it may help.

    7. Make a dry-run trip to the test center
    one week before your test date. Proctors
    do not have to admit you if you are at
    all late. So check the traffic on the
    same weekday. And remember that you will
    have difficulty parking because of all
    the people showing up for the tests. So
    allow at least an extra half hour in case
    there's any problem.

    8. Rest well the night before the test, and
    follow your usual eating patterns. Make
    yourself as comfortable as possible on
    test day. Wear loose clothes, and be
    sure you are equipped for a cool or warm
    test room. Do take at least two good
    mechanical pencils with #2 or HB lead, as
    well as an excellent eraser (the Pentel
    stick is a great one). And be certain to
    carry proper valid identification that
    meets their requirements, as well as the
    proof of your registration from ETS. Do
    *not* carry in anything at all that is
    prohibited (calculator, food, et cetera).

    Good luck, and please let us know how you do!

    Regards,
    John
     

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