Intensive GRE study or job over summer?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of whether to study intensively for the GRE or to take a full-time job during the summer before the senior year of an applied mathematics program. Participants explore the implications of each choice on graduate school applications and funding opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that studying intensively for the GRE may not be feasible due to the risk of burnout and recommends balancing a job with GRE preparation.
  • Another participant notes the timing of the GRE exams, indicating that it may not be possible to take the exam before the start of the Fall semester.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes the importance of taking time off from work to focus on GRE study, suggesting that it could be equivalent to a course load.
  • One participant raises a question about the actual importance of GRE scores in the context of graduate school admissions and funding, indicating uncertainty about their impact.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the balance between studying for the GRE and working over the summer. There is no consensus on the best approach, and the importance of GRE scores remains a point of inquiry.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions regarding the feasibility of studying for the GRE while working, the timing of the GRE exams, and the perceived importance of GRE scores for graduate school admissions.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for graduate school, particularly in applied mathematics or related fields, may find this discussion relevant as they consider their summer plans and the implications for their applications.

EternusVia
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Hello all,

I'm going into my senior year of applied mathematics this coming Fall semester. My adviser recommended that I take the GRE before Fall semester starts so that I can have my Grad school applications in by the December deadline. My question is as follows:

Would it be better to study intensively for the math GRE over the summer, or take a full-time job? Or some in-between?

On the one hand, I know I'll need money. On the other, getting a better GRE score could get me more funding (I assume).
 
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I'm in physics so it may be different, but you cannot possibly devote every waking hour of an entire summer to GRE study. You will not only burn out, but be less effective. I urge you to consider taking the full-time job (or less than full-time if possible) and study for the GRE in addition to this.
 
I think the next GRE exams are sometime in October, so I don't see how you can have it taken before the beginning of Fall.
 
Get the job, but take at least 3 weeks off or at the least, part-time, to study. I'd put GRE studying anywhere between a 1 and 4 credit course, depending on the person.
 
Here's another question. Realistically, how important are GRE scores for getting into graduate school and getting funding?
 

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