Should you join a coaching for GRE preparation?

Whether to join a coaching for GRE preparation remains a dilemma for many. The answer to this question is actually not in black and white. It depends on a lot of factors, which people usually are unaware of.

Skill Maestro is committed to genuinely assist GRE aspirants – whether they take the coaching for GRE or not. This post is dedicated to you for an objective evaluation of whether to join a coaching for GRE or not.

We list a number of factors that will shape your decision to join coaching or not.

1.    Take a diagnostic test

The first and the foremost step in deciding whether to opt for coaching or not, is by self evaluation through a diagnostic test. Take the ETS powerprep Test 1, which is the official sample GRE test and evaluate yourself on it. If you score between the bracket of 157-170 in both verbal and quant, you probably would not require a coaching to assist you. You would just need good practice material and you are good to go.

However, if you score below this bracket on any one of the section, you might want to take a coaching class, as GRE tutors would provide you with a GRE oriented direction with handy tips, tricks and valuable advice on your weak spots. Remember, cracking the GRE is more of a skill which can be developed. GRE tests your English and basic quant skills, which any adult is capable of intrinsically, it just needs to be fine tuned in accordance with the GRE pattern.

2.    Are you self-motivated and disciplined enough?

Are you an extremely self motivated person? Or do you have just short, capricious, inconsistent bouts of self motivation? Self preparation often takes a lot of self motivation on your part. If you are one of those people who can manage to stay afloat with regularity and discipline, you may consider not taking a coaching. But if you do not fall in this category, it might be a risk to undertake self-preparation.  Joining a coaching in such a case makes your study more regular, structured, consistent and disciplined. Decide which category you fall in.

3.    Small Tricks and Hacks

Remember, the GRE is a manageable exam to crack, but it is interspersed with a lot of tricky questions. The Verbal section is not easy, even for those who have a good command over English, and often a lot of hacks and tricks can help you in dealing with different types of questions. For example, on the Reading Comprehension (RC) questions, the GRE often puts a lot of trap wrong answer choices, which you will be tempted to choose. Wrong answer choices often contain the same relevant sentence from the RC, but would just distort the sentence by changing some minor words, which completely change the meaning of the sentence. Now just because you see a similar sentence structure on the answer choice, you feel tempted to pick up that answer in a hurry, without noticing how those subtle omissions/additions in the sentence have changed the meaning of the answer choice. 

A good GRE Verbal tutor will assist you in identifying the wrong answer choices and in understanding why the choice is wrong. The same goes for the Math section. There are multiple tiny tricks and hacks which GRE experts may help you with.  This is the greatest advantage of joining a GOOD coaching with GRE experts.

4.    Are you exposed to study material that is close enough to GRE like questions?

For the GRE, it is quite important that you study from study material which is representative of the GRE questions. A lot of students, due to lack of awareness, study from sub-standard material, which often is not representative of the GRE material. In fact, a lot of coaching centres also use non representative GRE study material and often have non experts teaching the GRE aspirants. It is simply a DRAIN of your money! The best study material is the Manahttan Books, which are a very good reflection of GRE questions. Other good materials includes Princeton Review’s 1014 Question Book and of course, the ETS official guide. If the coaching centre you plan to go, does not expose you with these study materials, there is a good enough chance that you might be exposed to study material that is not close enough to GRE like questions.  

Whatever decision you take, to join or not join coaching, you MUST get your hands on GRE like material, otherwise, it is a waste of time, money and efforts.

5.    How well are you placed for the writing section?

A majority of students, including those who possess fairly good writing skills, manage to score only between 3 to 4.5  out of 6 on the writing section of the GRE. The primary reason for this is that most of the students remain unaware of what exactly is expected of them in the writing section of the GRE. The writing section measures your analytical and critical thinking skills more than just you ability to use fancy words. Using fancy words and complex sentence structures is definitely a brownie point, but remember that is not all.

If you think you can develop the skill of writing critically and analytically along with a high standard of English, you may manage to prepare on your own using good resources. But if you feel under-confident about it, or you feel you need a personal guidance, you must consider taking an expert’s help for this. Remember, even if you do take mock tests online, only a few of these give you your writing score, which is why a lot of students are unable to evaluate their writing section while preparing on their own. A lot of coaching centers personally train students on how to develop this skill of writing critically and analytically. 

The decision to join coaching for the GRE or not, depends on your capabilities, aptitude, perseverance, self motivation, access to resourceful rich practice material and the ability to write critically and analytically.   Evaluate yourself on all these parameters and take a decision accordingly. In case you decide to opt for classes, remember that a good coaching center must provide you with multiple mock tests (both paper based and computer based), periodic tests, training for tricky GRE questions, an exposure to the representative GRE questions and a personal guidance by experts for the writing section. 

We hope after this objective evaluation of whether to join coaching or not, you are good to go!

About Skill Maestro At Skill Maestro, We guide prospective students about the entire application process as well as suitable universities as per their profile/test scores. We have consulted dozens of prospective students for MIS across the globe. We have a physical presence in Indore where we also help students prepare for GRE, GMAT & SAT Follow Us  on Google+!

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TOEFL vs. IELTS

Are you confused which exam to take –the TOEFL or the IELTS? Are you wondering what are the essential differences or similarities between the two tests? If yes, then this post is for you!

Speaking very fundamentally, both the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are tests to measure English proficiency of those who come from countries where English is not the first language. Most universities worldwide while accepting students from such countries require such students to exhibit their proficiency in English, and these two tests are the most widely accepted tests for English proficiency.

But before deciding which test to take, it is wise to understand the differences and similarities between the two tests. Skill Maestro offers a comprehensive comparison between the two tests.

1.    Scope

While both the tests are widely accepted, it is important for you to know which test your intended choice of university accepts. If you are planning to head towards the US or Canada, the TOEFL should be your preference, while if you are planning to head towards Europe, Australia or New Zealand, you might want to give the IELTS. While TOEFL scores are accepted over 500 locations in the US and over 4500 locations worldwide, IELTS scores are accepted at 59 locations in the US and about 900 locations worldwide. You must check the website of the universities that you intend to apply to be sure whether they accept TOEFL or IELTS, and then take your decision accordingly.

2.    Medium

While TOEFL is a computer based test, IELTS is a real time physical test. This means in order to be able to give your TOEFL successfully, you should be comfortable with typing on the computer (for the writing section) and with answering over the microphone (for the speaking section). Similarly, it follows that for the IELTS, it is a brownie point for you if you have a legible handwriting and are more comfortable with a detailed in-person interview than speaking over the microphone.

3.    Pattern

Both the TOEFL and the IELTS measure your English proficiency on four parameters – Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. However, while the TOEFL tests only Academic subjects, the IELTS is a mixture of both, the academic writing and reading sections plus the general listening and speaking sections.

Also, in the writing section, the IETLS does not have a listening component like the TOEFL does on the integrated assignments (instead it may have a graphic or other written information source for building up an argument for your writing).

As far as the speaking section is concerned, the TOEFL mostly requires you to give your opinions and summarizing and interpreting information from various sources. On the other hand, on the IELTS, the speaking test is in person, and includes a short speech to be prepared within a small period of time and a conversation component as well.

4.    Question Types

While the TOEFL mainly has multiple choice questions in the listening and reading section, the IELTS has diverse question types including multiple choice questions, fill in the blanks, matching, flowcharts, true/false questions etc.

5.    Exam Duration

The TOEFL is a 4 hour long test, while the IELTS is a 2 hour 45 minutes test. However, the duration of the exam is not the indicator of the toughness of the exam. As far as the toughness is concerned, both the exams have an equivalent level of rigor. The extent of your comfort with the respective exam pattern is what determines which exam might appear easier to you.

6.    Score Scale

The IELTS grades you on a scale of 0 to 9, while the TOEFL is graded out of 120 points (30 marks each for its four sections).

Having read this comprehensive comparison between the TOEFL and the IELTS, you might find yourself in a better position to decide which exam is suited to your requirements. Remember, it is difficult to compare the level of hardness of the two exams, and as such both the exams are rigorous and are accepted widely. At the end of the day, it all narrows down on the requirement of your intended university.

Skill Maestro wishes you all the very best for your IELTS/TOEFL!

About Skill Maestro At Skill Maestro, We guide prospective students about the entire application process as well as suitable universities as per their profile/test scores. We have consulted dozens of prospective students for MIS across the globe. We have a physical presence in Indore where we also help students prepare for GRE, GMAT & SAT Follow Us  on Google+!

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Some Handy Hacks for the AWA section on the GRE

Analytical Writing Section is an integral part on the GRE, and as ETS cautions, ‘Everyone- even the most practiced and confident of writers- should spend some time preparing for the Analytical Writing Measure before arriving at the test center’. You might be wondering why this caution. The fact is that the AWA section on the GRE does not measure only your writing skills, but moreover, measures your ability to think imaginatively and critically on an issue or argument. 

Here are some tips for facing the AWA section more confidently.

1.    Be sure to read the question with its instructions carefully

Both the issue and the argument task often come are accompanied by varied set of instructions. For example, in the issue task, you could have an instruction like– “Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim and the reason on which that claim is based”, or you could have something like,  “Write a response in which you discuss which view more closely aligns with your own position and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should address both views presented”. 

As evident, both set of instructions expect different things from your response. Therefore, be sure to read the instructions carefully. By the way, there are fixed 6 set of instructions on the issue task, out of which one would show up. Same goes for the argument task. You can have a look at these fixed set on the ETS website.

2.    Budget your time

Since you are given, 30 mins of each task, in which you have to think , organize as well as type out your response, it is important that you budget your time. Ideally, you should adopt the following –
3 mins – Brainstorming and forming the outline
3 mins – Introduction
20 mins – Body and Examples
2 mins – Conclusion
2 mins – Review

3.    Dont waste too much thinking for that perfect introduction

More often than not, people tend to spend more than required time to think for a perfect impactful introduction, and often this leaves them lesser time for developing their body, and as a result, the body does not look quite that impactful, replete with diverse examples. Now, you need to know that your introduction and conclusion do not carry as much weight as your body does. What makes an AWA task stand out is the body. So, even if your introduction and conclusion are just of one line, it really does not matter, and you should not be wasting too much time on it.

4.    Length matters!

On the AWA, the length of your writing does count toward your score. So, try to write a lengthy essay, of course, one that does make sense. For this, you must try to provide numerous examples, as they could help you increasing the length of your essay, without being devious and senseless. Often, the essays with a score of 6 are lengthier. Of course, quality does matter, but what you should know is that even if a similar quality essay is to be graded, but it is much shorter, it is more likely that it would get a 5 or a 5.5, and not 6. So, work on the length.

5.    Always address ‘the other side’

As mentioned above, the purpose of the AWA measure is to test your critical thinking. Hence, you must always develop your position fully, implying that always address the other side of the argument as well. You could state how the other side holds true under certain circumstances, or you could state the other side and then refute it by your stance - anything! When you address the other side, it gives an impression that you are aware of the holistic picture and are able to think critically. You could address this ‘other side’ in the 3rd or 4th paragraph.

6.    Number of paragraphs

Ideally, you should have at least 4 paragraphs on your essay. The first should be the introductory paragraph, in which you state your thesis statement (indicating your stance), followed by 2/3/4 paragraphs in the body (elaborating your stance and bolstering it with examples, and also addressing the other side) and then a concluding paragraph.

Introduction – First paragraph
Body - At least 2 paragraphs
Conclusion – Last paragraph

On the argument task, you must point out at least 3 logical fallacies and elaborate on them, stating how those fallacies weaken the argument and how the argument could have been made stronger.

7.    Do check out pool of the essay topics

The topic that you would see on your test day would not be unfamiliar to you, if you once have a look at the pool of essays that ETS has published on its website. There are some 250-300 topics, out of which, one would show up on the test day. So, do check out the pool.

Tell us what you think about this post. Our team would love to hear back from you!

About Skill Maestro At Skill Maestro, We guide prospective students about the entire application process as well as suitable universities as per their profile/test scores. We have consulted dozens of prospective students for MIS across the globe. We have a physical presence in Indore where we also help students prepare for GRE, GMAT & SAT Follow Us  on Google+!

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GRE Anxiety Mantra - How to cope up with GRE Anxiety

GRE is an examination critical to shaping your future life and hence anxiety for this exam is a common phenomenon. However, letting this anxiety overtaking you completely can have a negative impact on your performance. Therefore, it is essential that you understand the causes of this anxiety and find ways to overcome it. Remember, taking an exam is not a matter of life and death; it is just about the feeling that you’ve proved your abilities! Instead of thinking that ‘you HAVE to take your GRE’, think that ‘you WANT to take the GRE’- that is the key to self motivation!

Skill Maestro suggests some ways that can help you cope up with your anxiety levels.

1.    Figure out the Root Cause

Understand the root cause of your stress. Is your anxiety arising from inadequate preparation? If it is so, you must fully prepare yourself first. It will definitely take time for getting fully equipped. Give 6-7 hours daily for your prep.  When your prep is adequate, it fuels up your confidence.

2.    Plug in the Loopholes

It is always a good idea to focus on your loopholes. Which are those areas where you are facing troubles? Plug them in. This can prove to be very effective rather than just taking a list of endless questions without evaluating your weaknesses. When you plug in your weaknesses, your confidence (and your score) drastically improves.

3.    Leave Pestering Areas 

If still weakness in certain areas persists (even after devoting adequate time), do not waste much time chasing those areas incessantly. For example, if you feel your critical reasoning questions are not gaining much improvement even after more than adequate devotion of time and practice, you may want to focus on other areas than just be bogged down with it. As it is, critical reasoning questions carry little weight on the exam. So weigh you pros and cons wisely. There is no point being alarmed by certain areas which just aren’t improving as it may have a chain effect and may negatively impact your performance on other areas of the test too, which is certainly an unnecessary cost that you are paying.

4.    Remember that ‘A little progress everyday adds up to big results’ 

It has been proven by cognitive psychology that daily practice leads to better retention of memory than a prolonged one shot study. Thus, it is important that you study bit by bit daily to add up to big results rather than attempting to do things in one shot. This is effective not only to reduce your anxiety levels, but also improving your score.

5.    Do not Compare

Stop comparing your results with your peers, it just fuels up your anxiety levels and puts you under performance pressure. Studies show that performance pressures are a deterrent to optimum performance.

6.    Stop Painting that too Big a Picture

While taking the actual/practice tests, do not take questions with the attitude ‘I want to score a really high score’, instead face the questions with the attitude ‘I need to answer this question correctly and carefully’. Take care of the small things and the big things will take care of themselves.

7.    Biological Clock 

Setting your biological clock is an effective strategy to boost your performance. Take practice tests on the time slot when your actual test is scheduled so that your mind becomes agile during those hours of the day. This strategy can be a great confidence booster.

It is not a big deal to crack GRE if you have the iron will to manage your anxiety levels. More than half the candidates on any exam are not able to score up to their abilities, just because they do not know how to manage stress levels. You are not among those people anymore. Now that you have the mantra to manage the anxiety, go ace your GRE!

About Skill Maestro At Skill Maestro, We guide prospective students about the entire application process as well as suitable universities as per their profile/test scores. We have consulted dozens of prospective students for MIS across the globe. We have a physical presence in Indore where we also help students prepare for GRE, GMAT & SAT Follow Us  on Google+!

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