Question of the Week

GRE aspirants, it’s time to rack your brain and crack this question of the week! Our expert GRE faculty will drop in interesting questions for you every week to help you think logically and get closer to acing the GRE! Type your answer in the comments section below!

We will publish the correct answers and explanations in the comments section every Friday! STAY TUNED!

Question of the Week

GRE aspirants, it’s time to rack your brain and crack this question of the week! Our expert GRE faculty will drop in interesting questions for you every week to help you think logically and get closer to acing the GRE! Type your answers in the comments section below!

We will publish the correct answers and explanations in the comments section every Friday! STAY TUNED!

Question of the Week

GRE aspirants, it’s time to rack your brain and crack this question of the week! Our expert GRE faculty will drop in interesting questions for you every week to help you think logically and get closer to acing the GRE! Type your answers in the comments section below!

We will publish the correct answers and explanations in the comments section every Friday! STAY TUNED!

Question of the Week

GRE aspirants, it’s time to rack your brain and crack this question of the week! Our expert GRE faculty will drop in interesting questions for you every week to help you think logically and get closer to acing the GRE! Type your answers in the comments section below!

We will publish the correct answers and explanations in the comments section every Friday! STAY TUNED!

Start your GRE Prep with us! New batches starting 27th & 28th March! Enroll here: https://www.dilipoakacademy.com/gre-coaching

Question of the Week

GRE aspirants, it’s time to rack your brain and crack this question of the week! Our expert GRE faculty will drop in interesting questions for you every week to help you think logically and get closer to acing the GRE! Type your answers in the comments section below!

We will publish the correct answers and explanations in the comments section every Friday! STAY TUNED!

Start your GRE Prep with us! New batches starting 27th & 28th March! Enroll here: https://www.dilipoakacademy.com/gre-coaching

Question of the Week

GRE aspirants, it’s time to rack your brain and crack this question of the week! Our expert GRE faculty will drop in interesting questions for you every week to help you think logically and get closer to acing the GRE! Solve and post your answers in the comments section!

We will publish the correct answers and explanations in the comments section every Friday! STAY TUNED!

Struggling with GRE Vocabulary? Here are 5 tips from our expert faculty

If you are a GRE aspirant and you have just begun your prep, the GRE Vocabulary section might seem to be an impossible task, mainly because you are expected to master words which you barely use in your everyday conversations. It is certainly a daunting challenge. But if you start systematically, you can learn over a 1000 GRE words comfortably! How? By keeping in mind the following five tips:

1) Start from Day 1 of your prep
If you are planning to take the GRE after three months, start your prep today! Keeping the vocabulary section for the last few days before the exam is a grave mistake that many students make. It becomes cumbersome to learn and retain so many words in a short span and you end up making silly mistakes. So start learning at least 5 new words right from day one of your prep so that you get ample time to practice and master them. 

2) Don’t learn too many words at once 
Start slow, be steady. Instead of learning 20 words in a day, learn only five words and gradually increase the count once you gain confidence and are able to retain the words. 

3) Learn through discussions and associations 
Instead of just mugging up, try to associate the words with images, references and situations, create stories around words, and discuss them with your peers or friends. Practicing this way makes it easier to remember words without getting stressed or confused.

4) Finish learning all the words at least 15 days before the exam 
Make sure that you do not keep anything till the last minute and you finish learning words at least fifteen days before the exam and only keep practicing words after that. 

5) Revise regularly 
Make sure to revise words regularly. Consistency and practice play a huge role in mastering GRE vocabulary. Every week, revise all the words you learnt and keep practicing diligently! 

To know more interesting tricks and tips on learning vocabulary, attend our free webinar “Vocab Sunday” on 6th March, 09:30 am and interact directly with our faculty! Register herehttps://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_i-L1JaW8QPSSFKSphog02g

Now get GRE Ready at your own pace with Oak’s GRE Self-Prep

Dear students and readers,

Now gear up to prepare for the GRE at your own pace, from anywhere, anytime with Oak’s newly launched GRE Self-Prep: a 100% online self-paced learning module designed especially for Indian students.

After the resounding success of our online batches with live lectures, we have developed the GRE Self-Prep with the idea of providing a complete coaching experience to students sitting anywhere across the world at their convenience.

The GRE Self-Prep comprises:

Video Lessons

  • 22+ hours of video lessons for Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing
  • Key concepts
  • Topic-specific drills
  • Exclusive Analytical essay writing drills
  • Basic Math practice drills
  • Math formulae
  • Video modules with interactive transcripts for better understanding
  • Progress Tracking for self-assessment
    • Viewed status
    • Mark as Finished
    • My Notes

Focused Practice

  • Reinforce your understanding by solving the focused practice sets which include:
    • Topic-wise questions for the Quantitative Aptitude Section.
    • Specific question types for the Verbal Reasoning Section.
  • 600+ questions on the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude sections combined.
  • Bookmark questions and take notes to help you focus on your problem areas.

Mixed Practice

  • 1700+ questions with explanatory answers
  • Focus on your target areas with our customized practice by choosing from our practice sessions. Choose from question types and topics, timed/untimed sessions, difficulty levels.
  • Customize your practice sessions by choosing from a variety of options like question types, topics, difficulty level, etc.

Timed and Untimed Practice Modes

  • Untimed mode to give you a good grasp of the techniques.
  • Timed quiz mode to train you to complete the questions in time.

In-depth Explanatory Answers

  • Detailed explanations, covering all crucial points for every question.

Personalized Dashboard

  • Track your Progress, access all features and get an instant analysis of your performance
  • Bookmark questions and take notes to help you focus on your problem areas.

Full-Length Tests

Timed full-length tests according to the ETS pattern.

AWM Essays: Personalized feedback and scoring as per the ETS 6-point scale.

Explanatory Review: Detailed explanations for every single question.

Detailed Analysis: Question-wise analysis to gauge strengths and weaknesses.

Vocabulary App

  • Learn on the go
  • 1500 key GRE words
  • A powerful suite of vocabulary-learning tools

So without further ado, check out our GRE Self-Prep packages HERE, and avail of all the learning features at the best price! 

10 commonly asked questions about score reporting for the GRE, IELTS & TOEFLgre score selection

The application season for Fall 2022 is at its peak, and we know that many students have doubts about sending free and additional scores to the universities. Here’s what our experts at the Academy have to say about the most common questions on score reporting for the GRE/IELTS/TOEFL.  

  1. What is free score reporting? 

At the time of the GRE and TOEFL tests, you can mention the names of four universities and its departments for sending scores as a part of your test fee without any additional charges. It is called free score reporting. Likewise, at the time of the IELTS test, you can mention the names of five universities for free score reporting. 

2. How much will it cost to apply to universities other than the four mentioned for free score reporting? 

If you apply to universities other than these four, you will have to request additional score reports by paying charges to ETS, Princeton. The additional score report for GRE will cost $27, and for the TOEFL, it will cost you $20 per university. 

3. What is the additional score reporting fee for the IELTS? 

The additional score report for IELTS will cost you Rs 250 (for online) and Rs 1500 (by courier through IDP website)

4. When should I send my test scores to the universities? 

Once you have finalized the universities, send your score reports. They take around 7 to 15 days to reach the universities so you need to send them well before the deadlines.

5. Do I need to send my scores to universities offering GRE waivers? 

No, you need not send your scores officially but you can upload the score card with the online applications.

6. Should I send the GRE score report directly to the university or through the ETS? 

Some universities ask you to upload a scorecard at the time of the application and once you receive the admits, they ask you to submit the scores through the official ETS website.  

7. How to send the score reports of the TOEFL? 

For the TOEFL, the majority of the universities require you to submit the scores only through the official ETS website. 

8. How long are my GRE scores reportable? 

The GRE scores are reportable for five years following the test date. 9.

9. How can I order additional score reports? 

Additional score reports can be ordered either online, through your official ETS account, by mail, or by fax. 

10. Can I pay for these score reports through a debit card or online transfer?

Yes, you can pay through Credit Card, Debit Card, and PayPal. But we recommend you to pay through Credit Card.  

For any additional questions or guidance related to sending your scores, filling out the applications, and financial documentation, you can seek help from our experts by enrolling for our admission counselling services today! 

Drop us an email at support@dilipoakacademy.com for inquiries or post your questions in the comments section, and we will get back to you! 

Taking the At-Home GRE: Guidelines and things to remember

Amid the pandemic, many of you could not take the GRE at the test centres and have had to postpone your GRE dates ahead. There is a lot of uncertainty regarding availability of test centres and test dates which is why the ETS has started the ‘GRE at Home’ edition in order to enable students to take the test from anywhere at their convenience and safety.

The ‘GRE at Home’ is identical in format and pattern to the test taken at the test center and the test dates are available seven days a week. The student has to take the test on his/her own computer at home and it will be monitored by a human proctor online through ProctorU®

To register for the test, visit https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/ today! 

But before you do, make sure you are aware of the technical requirements, registration process and things to do before and on the test day. In this blog, we will quickly run you through these points.

Firstly, your computer must meet the equipment requirements for the test. This will mean you have to install the ETS Test Browser and the ProctorU Systems Check on your machine (desktop/laptop). During the test, a human proctor, via video camera, will monitor you and your computer screen to ensure you follow procedures: the entire test will be recorded and your photo will be taken, which will be made available as part of your score record to the institutions you designated. Additionally, there are certain environmental parameters you must follow.

Here are the Equipment and Environment criteria in detail:

EQUIPMENT:

1] Computer:

  • Must be a desktop or laptop computer, not a tablet or mobile device
  • Cannot be a Mac® computer or use an iOS® operating system
  • Must use Windows® operating system, versions 10, 8, or 7

2] Speaker

  • Must use an internal or external speaker to hear the proctor
  • Headsets or wireless earphones are not allowed
  • Recording devices of any kind are strictly prohibited

3] Microphone

  • Must use an internal or external microphone to communicate with the proctor
  • Must not be a part of a headset
  • Recording devices of any kind are strictly prohibited

4] Camera

  • Can be a built-in camera in the computer or a separate webcam
  • The camera must be able to be moved to show the proctor a 360-degree view of the room, including your tabletop surface, before the test

5] Note-taking Materials

  • You CANNOT take notes on regular paper
  • You can take notes using a whiteboard with erasable marker or a plastic transparency sheet and erasable marker
  • You will be asked to erase all notes in view of the proctor at the end of the test

Once your equipment and systems checks are complete:

  • Download and install the ETS Test Browser on the computer you will use for the test
  • Run the ProctorU® System Check from the computer you will use for the test

ENVIRONMENT:

1] Privacy

  • You must be alone in a quiet, well-lit room
  • You cannot communicate with anyone else; no one else can enter the room during the test
  • Make sure you can be seen on camera by the proctor: DO NOT MOVE during the test as suspicious movements could invalidate your test
  • Testing in a public space such as a park, internet cafe or restaurant is not allowed

2] Tabletop and seating

  • Your computer and keyboard must be on a desk or other tabletop surface
  • The tabletop and surrounding area must be clear of all items not approved for use during the test: MOBILE PHONES, RECORDING DEVICES, HEADPHONES, EARPHONES are NOT ALLOWED
  • You must sit in a standard chair; you may not sit or lie on a bed, couch, or an overstuffed chair
  • Food and drink are not allowed during the test

3] Clothing and appearance

  • Your face must be visible: DO NOT wear sunglasses or other accessories
  • Your ears must remain visible throughout the test: DO NOT cover your hair with a hat or other items
  • DO NOT wear jewelry, tie clips, cufflinks, ornate clips, combs, barrettes, headbands, and other hair accessories
  • You must be dressed appropriately for your test: you will be monitored via camera by the proctor, and your photo will be shared with institutions that receive your scores

Important links to be followed step by step:

1] Primary link: https://www.ets.org/gre/at-home

2] Equipment and Environment Checklist: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/equipment/

3] Registration with ETS: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/ets-account/

4] Registration with ProctorU: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/proctoru-account/

5] Testing Experience: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/test-day/

 Taking the GRE® General Test at Home: On Test Day

The GRE General Test at home is the same as the GRE General Test you take at a test center. It will cost the same as taking the exam at a test center. The score delivery timing and acceptance of the scores by university programs are also the same. Once you have registered for the GRE General Test at home, on the day of the test, you must ensure the following:

Before the Test:

  • Log in to your ProctorU account at your appointment time
  • You will have up to 15 minutes after your scheduled time to begin your check in: if you have not checked in by that time, your test will be canceled and your fee will not be refunded
  • Select “Start Session”
  • Complete the authentication steps, which include showing your ID to the proctor: the name on your ID must match the name on your ETS account
  • The proctor will review the exam rules and request access to your computer screen for monitoring purposes
  • The proctor will ask you to use either a hand-held mirror or cell phone to show your computer screen
  • The proctor will ask you to use the camera on your computer to show a 360-degree view of the room, including your tabletop surface
  • When directed by the proctor, you will launch the ETS secure web browser: the password to access the test will be provided by the proctor

During the Test:

  • The test has six sections with a 10-minute break following the third section and one-minute breaks between the remaining sections
  • You are required to remain in your seat for the one-minute breaks
  • You are allowed to leave your seat during the 10-minute break: if you do not return on time, your test will be canceled and your fee will not be refunded
  • Unscheduled breaks during the at home test are not allowed

After the Test is Completed:

  • At the end of the test, you will be given the option to report or cancel your scores
  • If you choose to report your scores, you will be able to view unofficial Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores
  • You will not be able to view your Analytical Writing scores at the end of your test
  • If you elect to report your scores, you will be asked to choose up to four score recipients as part of your test fee

For more details, you can visit the official website: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/ 

Things to remember: 

  • Please make sure that you are alone in the room throughout the duration of the test. If anyone enters the room, you are required to justify and this process could cause you to lose out on time 
  • Connectivity issues and other unprecedented technical glitches (power cut) can occur. Make sure you communicate it to the proctor so that you do not fall short on time
  • While solving Quant problems on the transparency sheet, remember that the space on the sheet is limited and you can only solve 3 to 4 questions at a time. Once you erase them for the next question, you cannot go back to refer to your rough work. Therefore, try to solve the problem in one go before moving on to the next
  • Make sure that you DO NOT read any RC passage/Quant problem or any text on the screen aloud as it could go against the test protocol 

Jumpstart your GRE Prep with Oak’s exclusive Study Plans

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One of the most important steps in preparing for the GRE is planning your study schedule.  Many a time, despite being fast learners, students fail to score high in the GRE only because of haphazard study methods. A structured prep plan helps you to systematically cover all the topics, manage time, and stay focused and motivated until your test day. At Dilip Oak’s Academy, along with GRE Coaching, we guide our enrolled students to study in a methodical manner through our exclusive GRE Study Plans.

Depending upon your GRE date (ETS registered/tentative), we provide you with a customized study plan for either 1 month, 1.5 months, 2 months, 2.5 months, 3 months, 3.5 months or 4 months.

Each study plan includes a step-by-step preparatory guide with day wise and week wise guidelines for Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Sections of the GRE.

While each study plan varies according to the duration, it broadly includes:

  • Vocabulary Learning and Practice
  • Verbal Reasoning strategies and practice
  • Quantitative Reasoning strategies and practice
  • AWM essays brainstorming
  • ETS Material Practice

All the study plans comprise rigorous learning and practice modules for each of the above sections. To help you keep a track of your preparation, we also send you daily and weekly goal-setting reminders.

Along with these, the study plans also include access to our exclusive online learning tools: Focused Practice, Test Prep and CBTs that help you study in a more organized manner and allow you to track your progress.

Focused Practice

  1. Reinforcement of the classroom coaching by helping you keep in sync with the concepts, tricks, and tips taught in the class
  2. 400+ questions for Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning
  3. Topic-wise questions for Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning

Test Prep

  1. Personalized Dashboard to track your progress
  2. Customized according to the question types and difficulty level
  3. Convenient timed and untimed modes for practice
  4. Instant Review and question summary
  5. In-depth explanatory answers to gauge where you stand

CBTs

  1. Actual GRE® test experience with full-length timed tests according to the ETS® pattern
  2. AW essay scores and personalized feedback by our experienced evaluators
  3. Detailed Analysis of your performance to help you gauge your strengths and weaknesses
  4. Explanatory Review to help  you understand what went wrong and how to get it right the next time

Who can avail the study plans?

Only those students who have enrolled for GRE Coaching at Dilip Oak’s Academy can avail these study plans. To jumpstart your GRE prep and unlock our comprehensive study plans, register for our Online GRE Coaching.

You can then request for the suitable study plan by submitting us the details of your enrolled batch, Roll Number and GRE Test date on gre@dilipoakacademy.com.

The plan will be sent directly to your inbox on your registered email ID.

What are you waiting for? Register for our October 1 GRE batch here: https://www.dilipoakacademy.com/gre-online.html and along with study plans, avail 30% discount on the coaching fees!

 

 

The SMART way to boost your GRE Prep (part 2)

In our earlier blog, dated 20/07/2020, we laid the groundwork for the preparation of the Quantitative Reasoning Section. Today, we will study the SMART way to fine-tune your GRE preparation and achieve the desired score.

Solve

  • Use your scrap paper effectively. Develop a habit of solving the questions stepwise and systematically as it will help you on your actual test day.
  • Stick to one source of material throughout the course of study.

Manage 

You are expected to complete 20 Questions in 35 minutes for the Quant section that averages nearly less than 90 seconds per question.

Ensure that you understand all the concepts irrespective of the time taken. Starting your preparation well on time would ensure that you have enough time to master all your concepts.

  • Once the concepts are clear, aim to solve questions in a stipulated time frame.
  • A well-devised study plan will set you right on track. In short ‘Plan Your Work And Work Your Plan’

Adapt 

Understand the different question types and their nuances so that you can use suitable techniques for solving them.

  • The GRE questions are relatively easy to solve but sometimes difficult to comprehend because of their verbosity (complex and confusing construction). So read the questions carefully to reveal the hidden concept/s, which, most of the time, may be very familiar.
  • Sometimes, questions that seem relatively easy have some trap set for you, and most of the students fall for it. The answer choices are also designed in such a way that they lead you to a trap.

Review 

  • Note down important formulae, theorems, properties, etc.
  • Maintain a log of topics you have covered and classify them based on their difficulty level so that you can focus accordingly.

Train 

We need to understand some factors which may affect our performance on the actual Test Day.

Get rid of your mental blocks like examination phobia and loss of confidence. Discussing with the faculty members or counselors could help.

Train yourself to remain undaunted even if you come across difficult questions in the beginning because the difficulty level of the questions keeps changing and you may get a simpler question subsequently. We strongly suggest you take our 5 practice tests (CBTs) to boost your confidence. Our CBTs are designed as per the ETS pattern and the score you obtain could give you an idea of your actual GRE score.  

Remember, consistency and hard work are the two main elements required for success in any field. Using the SMART approach discussed above will set you on track for your preparations for the GRE.