Test Preparation: Running Up The Score
Fall 2017
UCI+One can raise
your game if you're taking
the GRE, GMAT or LSAT.
More students find that their education doesn't end
when they walk off with a diploma. An undergrad
degree is the first stop on a lifetime journey of education
and success — and that journey can be turbo-charged
with a stellar score on the GRE, GMAT or LSAT graduate
school exams.
With graduate programs becoming
more competitive and selective,
preparing for these demanding
exams is more important than ever.
The Division of Continuing Education's
UCI+One program has responded
with new Test Prep courses that can
help pave the way to acceptance
at a prestigious university.
It's the latest DCE program to address
today's 60-year curriculum. Test Prep offers professional
exam preparation for UCI students, alumni, and
community members, with courses taught by current
and former item writers for these same tests.
“We're very excited to offer these new Test Prep
courses,” said Leigh Poirier, director of UCI+One. “We've
partnered with Educational Testing Consultants (ETC), a
large educational firm that has worked with institutions
across the country, to provide the most effective preparation
for the GRE, GMAT and LSAT exams. Their expert
instructors administer lessons offered in classroom-based
and in live-online formats. It's like a virtual classroom
experience anywhere.”
Each online lesson is offered live, with student cohorts
interacting with the instructor and each other, similar to
an in-person experience. The lessons are then available
on-demand for 30 days after the entire course is
completed. All course materials are included in the
registration fee and can be delivered to the participant's
home or picked up at UC Irvine.
It's all about providing the skills and background
necessary to ace these crucial tests, which weigh
heavily in the acceptance process. Test Prep courses
offer in-depth training, including practice exams and
deep knowledge of the types of questions and essay
topics to expect.
UCI+One is also offering Test Prep classes for the
pre-college SAT and ACT exams, collaborating with
regional high schools in marginalized communities.
“We're really looking forward to
reaching out to the greater community,
offering free and discounted
classes for those that might not get a
chance at college,” Poirier said. “It's
our way of giving back.”
Deciphering the alphabet
Thinking about taking the leap?
Navigating a grueling exam that spans
several hours can be quite intimidating. The first step is
understanding the purpose of each standardized test, to
determine which is most advantageous for your goals.
It's an important distinction. Lines can blur between the
Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and Graduate
Management Admission Test (GMAT), especially with
business schools.
The GMAT has been considered the gold standard for
MBA programs — and a high score can indeed open
doors at prestigious graduate business programs.
This computer-adaptive test, accepted by thousands
of schools worldwide, assesses a broad range of
analytical, quantitative and verbal reasoning, along
with analytical reading and writing.
“A GMAT score is still preferred for admission to some
schools,” Poirier said. “For someone who has decided
on an MBA or other professional management program, the GMAT can be the best way to go. But a
growing number of MBA programs are accepting the
GRE as well as the GMAT — and many now prefer it
for MBAs and other master's programs.”
Long required for admission to many non-business
programs, the GRE exam has much in common with
the GMAT, both requiring an advanced understanding
of math and geometry. But the GRE's verbal section
places emphasis on vocabulary skills, reading
comprehension and critical reasoning.
Its growing acceptance reflects a greater appreciation
for business students with a more expansive background,
Poirier said. It also reflects changing attitudes
among students in the Millennial generation and
Generation Z, who prefer a more experience-based,
well-rounded education.
“The biggest factor was when Harvard Business School
began accepting the GRE in lieu of the GMAT,”
she said. “That signaled a shift that was followed by
other schools toward the GRE. It just shows a growing
appreciation for students with a more wide-ranging
educational background. It also reflects shifting values
of the students.”
The emergence of interdisciplinary degrees such as
the MBA/JD and MBA/MD is another factor in the GRE's
rise. “You have to do your homework and research
which exam the schools prefer, acceptance rates and
so on,” Poirier said. “It can cause some confusion, but
if you're undecided between an MBA or other degree,
I'd say it's best to go with the GRE.”
There's no such ambiguity with the Law School
Admission Test (LSAT), which is required for those seeking
a law degree. The LSAT consists of five 35-minute
sections of multiple-choice questions that measure
verbal and reading reasoning skills. An unscored writing
sample, the final portion of the LSAT, is shared with all
law schools to which you apply.
Test Prep courses are offered quarterly. To view the
course schedule, visit ce.uci.edu/testprep.
Advancing your career…with a little help
along the way
Test preparation is one part of the complicated path
to graduate or professional school. Choosing the right
graduate program is a crucial step that requires a lot
of thought and research. For those who are undecided
on which direction to go, additional support may be
needed. For those seeking expert guidance, the
UCI+One Program offers an Advanced Track program,
a custom-designed program that provides advising to
help participants determine their best degree options
based on their background and career goals.
The “Applying to Graduate or Professional School”
Advanced Track provides one-on-one sessions with
career coaches and academic experts, assistance
applying to graduate schools and support securing
strong letters of recommendation — often a deciding
factor in acceptance criteria.
For those who've already decided on a degree path,
the UCI+One Accelerator program offers professional
guidance based on their needs. The 30-day course
allows participants to work one-on-one with a personal
advisor and receive career coaching services, setting
individual goals and designing a specific roadmap to
achieve them.
It's all part of the UCI+One mission to provide premium
career preparation for UCI alumni and students.
“The implementation of UCI+One is a testament to the
commitment for success UCI holds for their scholars,”
Poirier added. “By providing career exploration opportunities
together with support for graduate school, or
other relevant experiences, our participants will have a
competitive advantage and greater career success
after commencement. We hope to extend help and
guidance to support lifelong success.”
Learn more at ce.uci.edu/testprep