Preparing for the GRE: Timing, Resources, GPA Considerations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around preparing for the GRE, including timing for taking the test, preparation strategies, and considerations regarding GPA and school selection. Participants share resources for finding graduate programs, particularly in meteorology and atmospheric sciences, and discuss the implications of sending GRE scores to schools.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the optimal timing for taking the GRE, suggesting early September but seeking feedback on whether this is too soon or too late.
  • Another participant recommends a website, gradschoolshopper.com, for information on US graduate schools, noting that it may not be up to date.
  • Concerns are raised about sending GRE scores to schools, with one participant suggesting it may be better to wait until after receiving scores to ensure they are satisfactory before sending them.
  • Participants mention the availability of the physics subject GRE, noting specific months when the test is offered, with some confusion about the schedule.
  • Encouragement is offered to a participant feeling nervous about their GPA and the application process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the timing of taking the GRE and the strategy for sending scores, indicating that there is no consensus on the best approach. Some participants agree on the importance of preparation, while others emphasize the flexibility in sending scores.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the accuracy of the information shared, particularly about the website's data being outdated. Additionally, the specific timing of the GRE subject tests is noted to be subject to change.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for the GRE, particularly those applying to graduate programs in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, physics, or related fields, may find this discussion relevant.

badtwistoffate
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Im graduating this spring and I am going to apply to some graduate schools and have to take the GRE's. So.. When is a good time to take them and how much in advance should you prepare for them, like a good rule of thumb?
I was planning early september... Too soon/late?

Also, anyone know a site for small and mid-size graduate schools, preferably meteorology or atmos. sciences?

Also I am not going to send scores yet as its still early and haven't decided where I want to go. So can I get it sent later? Is it bad that i haven't picked schools to send my scores to now?

Also my GPA is a 3.2 out of 4.0 scale and I am a little nervous. I don't go to a big school but a moderate size university. So I am trying to find schools with "MS programs at schools that have lower requirements" so I can have a safe school so to speak. As a lot of programs with my field are big size like the university of Colorado etc so I don't know if my school name might hinder me.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
A very good website that has profiles of a lot of US gradschools with physics and astronomy programs is http://www.gradschoolshopper.com/"

It has very useful information, average GRE score requirements, faculty, etc. The only drawback is that it's not very up to date. It's based on the data of 2002 (I think).

I am myself taking the GREs this fall and I personally think that it depends on your preparation when you'd want to take them.

About sending scores, you can send your score to four universities without any additional fee and you are only supposed to name them just after you take the test, on the test site. So there's plenty of time :biggrin:

Besides if you aren't confident of good scores, why not wait for the results and send them after you are sure they are good? It costs $15 per university! :frown:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
the physics subject GRE is available only in november, december, and april.
 
This time it's available only in October, November and April. No December GRE Subject this time around!
 
PrinceOfDarkness said:
This time it's available only in October, November and April. No December GRE Subject this time around!

actually, that makes sense.
 
Good luck on the GRE. Don't stress out too much.
 

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