This semester, the Lake saw the launch of a new Graduate Records Examination (GRE) preparation course for those interested in applying for graduate programs.

The GRE is a common graduate program entrance exam for most disciplines designed to measure verbal, qualitative and analytical writing skills developed over an academic career.

The course is one-credit hour and is taught by Dr. John Gomez, an associate professor for the psychology department.

The course is designed to better prepare undergraduate students for the exam.

Gomez said one of the biggest reasons for starting this class is because “students don’t know how to prepare for the exam.”

The goals of the prep course are to help students develop a planned course of personal study, identify weaknesses, use test-taking techniques, and understand standardized tests.

Gomez described the test as being “coachable.”

“Practice means everything,” he said.

He pointed out the difference in the scores of someone who has rigorously practiced and someone who was not prepared for the exam.

The course is also designed to help students deal with test anxieties and learn how to take the offensive when taking the test.

The GRE is important in determining the caliber of graduate school a student gets into.

Senior Jovana Nadaski is currently taking Gomez’s prep course and has since retaken the GRE.

“One part that did improve greatly was the analytical writing part, thanks to the tips Dr. Gomez pointed out in class,” Nadaski said.

She also said the most difficult part of the exam is time management.

Nadaski offers advice to those interested in taking the GRE.

“Try to take the GRE during the summer when you are not in school,” said Nadaski. “If you are enrolled in classes, put the GRE as your priority (because) it is worth it. Your GPA won't get you into the prestigious grad programs, but your GRE scores will. They can also get you scholarships.”