One of the best strategies that has consistently demonstrated a test-taking advantage for thousands of test-takers is to answer the easy questions first (the ones that you can answer with little or no difficulty). After answering the easy questions first, go back to answer the more time-consuming or challenging questions later. Here are some of the reasons why students like to approach the GRE using this strategy:

1. Saves time. Because the GRE computer-based software allows you to skip questions and return to unanswered questions later, solving the easy questions first enables you to move quickly through each section of the test. Your time will be spent more efficiently on the questions that you can answer correctly.  As you work back-and-forth within each section, the computer software allows you to digitally mark questions to skip and revisit later. The “review” feature appears on your computer screen to help you keep track of unanswered or marked questions. (Note: You must answer all questions within one section before moving on to the next section).

2. Increases your odds of scoring higher. Your final score is based on the number of questions you answer correctly. Don’t puzzle more than a few seconds over a question. If you can’t solve a question immediately, mark the question and move on. You will increase the statistical odds of improving your score if you answer all of the solvable questions first, before time runs out. There is no penalty for guessing, so after you have answered all of the easy questions, and the questions you are relatively sure of, it is in your best interest to take an educated guess on the remaining questions.

3. Improves confidence. Answering the easy questions first often gives test-takers an increased sense of accomplishment, command and confidence because the response time is accelerated. As you become test-wise and time efficient, you are engaging in a psychological confidence-building exercise that mentally improves your capacity to succeed.

4. Aids in triggering your memory. After answering the easy questions, you memory may be triggered to remember how to answer some of the challenging questions later. Memory improvement skills are based on “thought associations.” Repeated exposure to similar topics improves memory by sending a signal to a part of your brain to remember associated topics. Sometimes challenging questions are subtle variations of the easy questions. As you return to the challenging questions, you may be amazed by your ability to remember how to solve difficult questions after you have answered some of the easier questions.

As you start using this strategy in practice tests, keep in mind that what may work for some people, may not work for others.  When you are preparing for the GRE, decide in advance if answering the easy questions first is appropriate for your individual learning style and personality. You may instead prefer to methodically answer all of the questions in sequence, and take an educated guess on challenging questions as you move through each section. Whatever strategy you choose, remember to trust the nature of your instincts about what works best for you and that there is no wrong method to answering questions on the computer-based GRE. With this in mind, however, it is important to approach the exam with as much insight about strategies that have helped other test-takers like yourself. Learning new skills may give you the edge you need to reach your highest test-taking potential.

To learn more about specific test-taking strategies to help you score well on the GRE, read Cliffs Notes GRE (ISBN ##978-1118057605) available on Amazon.com for about $20. The easy-to-read study guide includes comprehensive subject reviews, a diagnostic test and four full-length practice tests (and CD-ROM).

Cliffs Notes SAT study guide illustrates a systematic approach that emphasizes “active reading skills.” This approach has helped hundreds of students raise their SAT scores. The reading strategies have been researched and developed by educators and reading experts who specialize in test preparation. Active reading is similar to being a good detective. To answer SAT reading questions, test-takers must practice using skills that paraphrase, visualize, clarify, question, predict and link mental associations to the “context” of important points in the written material.

In addition to active reading skills, it is important to learn strategies unique to the SAT. For example, the strategy listed below is one of the many strategies included in the book.

Reading is a habit that develops through time and practice. At least eight weeks before your exam, spend about 20 to 30 minutes per day, reading faster than your normal reading speed. As you read, pay special attention to key words—structural triggers and transitional words. Circle or underline these key words in your exam booklet. This process will help stimulate and build pathways to a part of your brain that strengthens cognitive reading development. Developing good reading habits is similar to going to the gym to build and strengthen a muscle in your body. You must frequently practice reading to build your brain “muscles.” You can read newspaper editorials, internet news, magazine articles, or book excerpts. Don’t get hooked into reading only interesting articles. Try to read material that you might not normally read because you have no interest in the topic. Most likely the passages on the SAT will be ones that you may not normally choose to read.

To learn more about active reading skills and specific reading strategies to help you score well on the SAT, read Cliffs Notes SAT (ISBN #978-1118057599) available on amazon.com for about $18-$20.  The easy-to-read book includes a diagnostic test with seven full-length practice tests (and a CD/ROM).

~ BTPS Testing Team
“Reach Your Potential”

• identify pre-existing knowledge in each subject area
• establish your base-line starting point
• grasp a comprehensive “big picture” of the GRE subject matter
• develop short and long-term study goals
• establish an ongoing review procedure to monitor your progress
• start self-regulating (this strengthens positive attitudes, thoughts and beliefs about the GRE)

Approach your GRE preparation with an attitude of organized curiosity, both about the test and about your current knowledge of the exam areas. Your current knowledge is based upon knowledge acquired throughout your educational history. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t remember concepts or topics from high school or college. Try to remember that you did your best based upon the many variables that life throws at you. And remember that it is never too late to learn to think critically and self-regulate your learning experience. The skills and strategies you are learning today can help you throughout your academic lifetime.

Once you have completed a diagnostic test, you can organize GRE subjects into sub-categories, and identify areas that require an in-depth, moderate or minor review. For example, topic areas in the quantitative reasoning section of the GRE include these categories: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis, word problems and data interpretation. To check your progress, you can develop a checklist for each sub-category similar to the one below. The page numbers reference Cliffs Notes GRE  Study Guide where an arithmetic diagnostic test starts on page 211. A complete diagnostic test is included in Chapter 1 starting on page 18. Note: If you are reviewing with another study guide, make sure that the book includes illustrated examples and explanations.

Continue to monitor your progress, and refer back to the checklist as often as necessary. In this quantitative example, remember that studying arithmetic is a preliminary stage of your review, and that repeated review and practice is a normal step to build interconnected associations to advanced math concepts of algebra and geometry. After you review each mathematic topic, reinforce what you have learned by taking practice tests.

For more information about preparing for the GRE, get a copy of Cliffs Notes GRE. The book has one diagnostic test and four full-length practice tests and is available at amazon.com (ISBN #978-1118057605) for about $20. It is also helpful to complete the practice problems in the Official Guide to the GRE (ISBN #978-0071791236). Look for the new edition to be published in August 2012.

~ BTPS Testing Team
“Reach Your Potential”

Question Setup:  Multi-source reasoning questions test your ability to interpret two or three sources of information and respond by answering four questions. Sources appear labeled with tabs as (1) one passage, and either (2) a second passage or (3) a short passage with a table/graph/chart. Questions appear as three statement questions that ask you to click on the correct “yes” or “no” button to answer questions related to the sources, and one multiple-choice question that is related to the same sources of information.
Number of questions in each problem set: 3 yes/no questions plus 1 multiple-choice question.

Sample Question
For three questions, decide whether the three statements are true or false. For one question (not appearing), answer a standard multiple-choice question with five answer choices. Information may include communications in the form of articles from newspapers or journals, e-mails, notes, letters, presentations, charts, and other sources.   

Question Type 2: Table Analysis

Question Type: Table with data and a passage — click on the correct “yes” or “no” answer to three statements (or math expressions)
Number of questions in each problem set: 3

Each table contains specific headings for easy reference. Based on data from a table provided, questions will ask you to determine whether statements (or math expressions) are true or false (yes or no). On the actual exam, this type of question allows you to sort columns in increasing or decreasing order by clicking on a column’s heading (and viewing a drop-down list).
Read the passage and determine if each statement can, or cannot be determined based on your analysis of the table.

Sample Question
The depth of statistical research helps advertising sponsors refine advertising campaigns based on viewing audience composition. The table below lists Nielsen Ratings with a detailed analysis of viewers for four popular primetime television series. Statistical analysis includes demographics and viewer behaviors.

Question Type 3: Graphics Interpretation

Question Type: A graph (or diagram) with a short passage are followed by two fill-in-the blank statements.
Number of questions in each problem set:  2 (sometimes one statement with two blanks).

Graphics Interpretation questions appear with a bar, line, pie scatter plot graph, or flow/organizational chart. Questions in this format require that you interpret data from a graphic figure to complete a statement. Each statement contains one or two blanks with a “drop-down” menu to help you select the correct answer choice from among three to five choices.

Graphs fall into several categories:

• Bar graph―Shows comparisons among items in a data set.
• Line graph―Shows change in data over time.
• Pie chart―Shows comparisons of data as percentages of a whole.
• Scatter plot―Shows where individual data points fall in relation to a pair of variables.
• Flow/organizational chart―Shows a visual organization of steps in a process or the structure of relationships.

Sample Question

Question Type 4: Two-Part Analysis

Question Type:  Short passage (scenario) and statement outlining the task, followed by a two-column table with five to seven choices.
Number of questions in each problem set:  2

Two-part analysis questions ask you to read a short passage (scenario) and select two choices (parts) that best complete the task.  Two columns with five to seven choices are provided from which you are to select your answers (one answer per column). The two-column headings are different, yet connected in some way. For example, “cause/effect,” “increase/decrease,” true/false,” “strengthen/weaken,” “height/width,” etc.

Sample Question                 
At 9:00, Jacob and Keith were exactly 11,100 feet apart and Jacob began walking towards Keith at a constant rate. At 9:20, Keith also began walking at a constant rate towards Jacob. They reached the same point at exactly 9:30.

Indicate in the table below the rate which each man walked. Make only one selection in each column by filling in the oval in the row that represents the correct answer. Note: on the actual exam, you will click on the two ovals that represent the correct answers.

ANSWER KEY

1A (yes), 1B (yes),  1C (no, answer 15.9%)

2A (yes), 2B (no), 2C (no, answer 17.5)

3A (6, 10), 3B (increasing)

4A (300 ft/minute), 4B (210 ft/minute)

Taking the GMAT? Here’s what the new Integrated Reasoning section is all about.

The Integrated Reasoning Section is unlike other sections found on standardized exams. Strong math and verbal skills will help with this section, but integrated reasoning requires more than a solitary focus of math and English.

We live in a technologically advanced world where decisive and accurate interpretation of data is essential. Recognizing the importance of quantifying the organizational skills necessary for the many challenges of today’s businesses, integrated reasoning reflects real-life situational problems that examine your ability to evaluate and respond to multiple sources of information under time constraints.

What skills are necessary for the Integrated Reasoning Section?

Your experience in multi-tasking, decision-making and maneuvering data in spreadsheets can be an advantage.  While formal training in business technology or computer skills is not necessary to perform well, you will be required to make sound analytical decisions and be able to extrapolate and assimilate data that is presented in short reading passages, statements, graphs, spreadsheets, and tables.

It is important to check with individual graduate programs about integrated reasoning’s weighted value of importance in the application process. Although the Quantitative and Verbal scores carry the greatest importance on the GMAT, many business schools will use the Integrated Reasoning section as an additional evaluation point in the overall application criteria.

Study Material

1.  In the near future, look for CliffsNotes GMAT with CD-ROM  study guide (ISBN #978-1118077528) to be released in the fall of 2012. This newly updated study guide reflects significant content changes with critical information about the new integrated reasoning question types, and explains what to expect in understanding the “thinking processes” required of each exam subject area. Written by the faculty of BTPS Testing, CliffsNotes GMAT contains a diagnostic test, evaluates the exam content format, and prepares you by utilizing four complete model tests (with answers and complete explanations). This up-to-date study guide is provided to all students registered in BTPS Testing workshops offered through the California State Universities.

2.  The Official Guide for the GMAT (13^th edition) includes stimulated practice problems for the new integrated reasoning section.

3.  BTPS Testing administers GMAT preparation workshops through the California State Universities. All workshops include an online integrated reasoning practice test. Click here to view sample integrated reasoning practice problems.

 Key Features of Integrated Reasoning

• Questions consist of 12 data problem sets (from 2 to 4 questions in each data problem set).
•  Multiple “parts” of each problem set must be completed correctly to receive credit. No partial credit is given.
• As you work, consider each problem set holistically and strategize to solve each one of its components.
• Do not skip questions and answer all parts. Otherwise score results will show an “incorrect” answer. Always take an educated guess.
• You have 30 minutes to complete this section, or approximately 2 ½ minutes per “problem set” to answer all of its parts.
• IR questions have an on-screen calculator available, but the calculator is NOT available for the math questions in the Quantitative Section.
• The IR section is NOT computer-adaptive (like the verbal and quantitative sections).
• Similar to the rest of the GMAT, students cannot move backwards to review previous questions.
• The score range is from 1 to 8, scored separately (like Analytical Writing).
• Some “experimental” IR questions appear on the GMAT to gauge their appropriateness for future tests.
• Just like the Analytical Writing section, IR scores are NOT available on the day of the test. Official scores are mailed separately.

 Integrated Reasoning Question Types

Written by the faculty of BTPS Testing who have presented test preparation workshops at universities and colleges for over 30 years, CliffsNotes SAT focuses on the exam’s “content” and “strategic approaches” to solving problems. The new and improved 535 page study guide highlights:

• diagnostic exam and analysis charts that point to trends in the types of student errors and specific areas of improvement.
• improved subject review chapters written by high school and college-level English, reading and math teachers who specialize in test preparation
• seven full-length practice tests include answers and complete explanations to provide clarification and instruction. Four full-length tests are included in print and three more are included on an accompanying CD-ROM
• featuring topics that are critical to help improve scores and to help students know what to expect on the SAT—

Critical Reading and Writing

• Techniques to improve reading comprehension
• Strategies to increase vocabulary and improve memory
• Common types of SAT grammar and structural errors with basic strategic approaches to question types
• Practice questions with explanations
• Essay writing tips including a step-by-step “writing process”
• Samples of exemplary essays are included in all practice tests

Mathematics

• Four comprehensive math review chapters
• Fundamental math symbols, operations and references
• Fundamental approaches to math question types: multiple-choice and “grid-in” questions
• Enhanced instruction in math concepts: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis
• Common-sense strategies, sample questions and practice exercises

To purchase the new CliffsNotes SAT with CD-ROM visit amazon.com ISBN #978-1118057599

This up-to-date study guide is provided to all students registered in BTPS Testing SAT workshops offered through the California State Universities. To enroll in one of the SAT Preparation Workshops offered at the California State Universities, visit www.btpstesting.com or call (800) 426-2769.

Written by the faculty of BTPS Testing, CliffsNotes GRE focuses on the exam’s new “look and content” — new question types, section-level adaptive scoring, computer functionality, using a calculator and test-taking strategies. This up-to-date study guide is provided to all students registered in BTPS Testing workshops offered through the California State Universities. Features include:

•  A diagnostic test to maximize test performance and establish a base-line starting point.  Diagnostic analysis charts point to trends in the types of errors and specific areas of improvement.
• Comprehensive subject chapter reviews in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing assessment. As an added feature, a comprehensive math review chapter is included to provide readers with an understanding of basic math concepts in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis, word problems and data interpretation. Chapter reviews include common-sense strategies, sample questions and practice exercises.
• Four full-length practice tests in the book include answers and complete explanations to questions to provide clarification and instruction. One full-length test is included in print and three more are included on an accompanying CD-ROM to assist in computer-simulated practice.

To purchase the new CliffsNotes GRE General Test with CD-ROM visit amazon.com (ISBN: 978-1118057605).

To enroll in one of the many GRE Preparation Workshops offered at the California State Universities, visit www.btpstesting.com or call (800) 426-2769.