When to take the test

[rani_katta]

Hi Friends!!
I am a 2005 passed out. Just after my studies i have got a job and did not think of any higher studies. But now i have strongly felt to do my MS.
Though i have started of with my preparation, i am still not clear about when to write the exam.
Can any one of give me a clear picture about when to write the exam, preparation time that i need to get a gud score.

Thanks

Rani

[ncy111]

hi rani,

it takes about a month after you've taken the gre for scores to be sent to graduate programs, so you should plan to take the test one month before application deadlines, at the very latest.

preparation time varies quite a bit by person, type of program you're applying to, and how much you study each day...so for starters, you might want to look through the threads in this forum. there's tons of useful information on how to prepare as well as some links to free study materials. this gre study guide should help quite a bit too.

good luck

[PeachRose]

Figure on 2-3 months depending on how much you need to prep for vocab especially. Start practicing before you schedule your test so you can adjust if you need to.

My must-have materials were Official Guide, Powerprep tests, Cracking the GRE, and Word Smart for GRE.

[mishu007]

its all depends upto you... if u are ready for taking the test then dont hesitate. but be sure that the admission deadlines is not over... because once the deadline is over you have to wait for a couple of months.

[luvmickey18]

See Rani,
First decide when do you want to apply. I think it would be fall 2007.For that you should start sending your application packets from dec onwards, depending on the university deadlines. So it kinda becomes essential to take the GRE test latest by oct. If one sits regularly and works hard 2-3 months of tough preparation should lead a good GRE score. Again good is a relative term. Take your Toefl according to the pattern that suits you, cuz there are many cities where Toefl CBT is still available.

So here's a brief outline :
-> Give Toefl
-> Give GRE
-> Start working on your Letters of Recommendations and Statement of Purpose.
-> Simultaneously start searching for the universities you would want to apply, find their application deadlines date.
-> Get your transcripts ready for your UG college.

I think this should give you a clear picture what all you have to do to apply for MS in US universities.

[rani_katta]

Thanks a lot for all ur quick responses, and specially to luvmickey18.
All ur inputs will help me in my planning