GRE Practice (Tests) Make Perfect

GRE Practice (Tests) Make Perfect GRE/MAT Graduate School Blog As you're planning to take the GRE, you'll want to set up a structured study plan for yourself. There's no single, correct way to do this, and each student approaches this test slightly differently. Some students may opt for a rigorous prep course, while others might work with a tutor. Still other students strike off on their own, get a few books, sign up for a few online resources and study the material themselves. No matter which approach you decide to take, though, you'll want to find a way to structure your studying and measure your progressâ€"and one of simplest and most effective ways of doing that is to simply take tests as you go along. Practice testsâ€"and especially mock tests that simulate the test-day environment â€"are some of the best tools that you'll have at your disposal as you go get ready to take the GRE. First, they provide structure. If you're diligent about taking these tests at regular intervals, such as once a week, you'll get yourself into a good study rhythm, and lock in 2 or 3 hours of regimented practice in addition to your regular studying. Second, these tests give you a good assessment of how you're progressing. There's no guarantee how you'll do on any given testâ€"and this is true for the actual test as well as practice tests. But what you can do is use these practice tests to establish a score range, a general assessment of how well you're doing. If you take enough of these, and you're putting the work in, you should start to see an upward trajectory in your scores. Once you start to hit your target scores consistently, you'll know that you're fully capable of hitting those scores on test day. Practice tests should therefore be an integral part of any study program. But when should you take them, and how many tests are too many, or too few? That depends on you, of course, your schedule, and how long you've got until the test (you'll find some good approachesherefrom BrightLink Prep). As a rule of thumb, though, it's always good to begin any program of studyâ€"whether it's self-study or with a tutorâ€"with an initial practice test. Even if you've never seen the material before, this will give you a starting point. If you're studying on your own, you'll familiarize yourself with the test, and get a handle on what you need to focus on. If you're working with someone, use that first test to help the tutor work with you on a study plan. After that first test, aim for one full test a week, if you can, with one final test a few days before the real one. You don't want to cram too much in in that last week, and if you have an off-day on a practice test, you don't want that to carry over with you into the real one. Remember, as you're practicing, don't skip or pick and choose sectionsâ€"take the whole thing. By committing to a f ull test, even in practice, you'll condition yourself for the 3+ hour marathon you'll be facing on test day, and make it much less daunting. Similarly, you'll want to try to simulate the test environment during your practice testsâ€"that means no phones (even on your desk or table!), no distractionsâ€"and keep to the allotted time! Tests are easy to findâ€"here are two great resources for some good paper and computer-based ones: one from Prepscholar and this one from CrunchPrep. And keep in mind that each company, whether Kaplan, ETS, Manhattan, whicheverâ€"sometimes have slightly different styles to their practice tests that may influence your scores slightly. Also try to take at least two computer-based tests, as you'll most likely be taking one of these on test-day. None of this requires an overly large time commitmentâ€"just a few hours a week (in addition to your regular studying, of course!) to make sure you've got a structured framework, and progress that you can easily measure. And once you've gotten a feel for these practice tests, you'll be ready for anything they might throw at you on Test Day! About the Author Steve Markofsky is one of our most experienced and qualified test prep tutors. For more information on GRE tutoring and to see profiles of tutors like Steve, click here.

How Music Lessons Help Boost Creativity

How Music Lessons Help Boost Creativity Creativity is often seen as an innate talent and as an ability reserved for artists. However, scientific research on the brain reveals that  music lessons  can be an excellent way to battle stress, add structure and learn a new skill with  many amazing and surprising benefits at any age. Studies have suggested that not only does learning an instrument strengthen memory and reading skills, performing in a community   encourages close communication which can lead to further connections and deeper friendships. These  experiences contribute to our creative thinking and exposure to new things helps us to unlock a different side to ourselves. Whether it's learning piano, violin, cello, flute, oboe, singing, drums or guitar there are so many brilliant music teachers out there looking to inspire their pupils and Tutorfair is the best place to find them! Most tutors, by now, are just as fed up of painful exam-cramming as you and your children, and will be only too happy to rediscover the joy of learning. Children thrive from learning in different environments and with different people. So if you can afford some extra help, a music tutor could be just what they need to inject some educational fun into their schedule. Our music teachers include professional performers, members of bands, and composers including: Sabin M - is a vocal coach, piano and guitar tutor for ABRSM and Trinity £28.00 p/h Anna B - is a highly experienced violin and piano tutor £50.00 p/h Calvin H - is a professional gigging drummer and highly experience tutor £40.00 p/h Connor G - is a guitar, music theory and Sibelius tutor who regularly gigs in London £40.00 p/h In fact, one of our top music tutors;  Dorian  G, has recently written a great blog post on why he loves tutoring piano, which you can read  here. Looking for more ways to boost creativity? Here is a link to another one of our handy blogs on 6 ways to boost creativity.