Beat the GRE: Tips and Help

For some, the GRE can feel like a real obstacle. In fact, we are asked all the time why we require this test. The simple answer is this…

Because You Deserve the Best Graduate Education Available

Your education should surround you with fellow students who are just as capable and committed as you are. A master’s degree should earn respect from both employers and colleagues. Your faculty should teach to high standards without being held back by unprepared students.

It’s true that many online degree programs don’t require the GRE, but none of them come with the prestige of a University of Florida master’s degree. Our online graduate programs deliver the same high-quality curriculum and instruction as our on-campus programs. At UF, you don’t earn an “online degree,” you earn a world-class degree online.

Don’t Let the GRE Hold You Back

The GRE is less intimidating than you may imagine, testing basic reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, math and quantitative reasoning skills. And ETS, the company that administers the GRE, offers free practice tests and study guides to help you prepare you.

Successful scores to meet University of Florida’s minimum requirements are 156 verbal and 146 quantitative. More than 50 percent of people who take the GRE meet these standards – nothing to be afraid of.

When you apply for an online master’s degree program, you make a big commitment. You plan to invest your time, your money, and your energy to achieve your goals. You already know it will take focus, effort, and determination to succeed. Taking one more test is part of that process. It helps confirm that you and your fellow students are ready to take on the challenge. It ensures you have the skills needed to make the most of the opportunities that come with earning your degree.

Free GRE General Test Preparation Materials

Sample Questions, Tips and More

View general advice, sample questions with rationales, scoring guides, and tips for answering question types to become familiar with each of the test sections:

• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Analytical Writing

GRE POWERPREP Practice Tests

The GRE POWERPREP software offers two full-length, timed practice tests that closely mirror the real computer-delivered GRE. It includes helpful features like the on-screen calculator and the ability to move back and forth between questions within a section—just like you can on test day.

Available for both Mac and PC, POWERPREP helps you get familiar with the test format, pacing, and question types so you can go into exam day feeling more prepared and confident.

Math Review

This free 197-page review is a helpful refresher for your basic math skills. It covers important definitions, key properties, and practical examples. Each section also includes exercises with answers to help you check your understanding as you go.

Instructional Videos

Getting ready for the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE General Test is easier than ever. Khan Academy offers free instructional videos that walk you through the key concepts found in the GRE Math Review. These videos explain challenging topics in a clear and approachable way. They are perfect for brushing up on your skills at your own pace. 
Learn more about preparing with Khan Academy.

Math Conventions

Learn more about the mathematical assumptions used in the GRE General Test. This resource covers common notation, key terminology, and guidelines to help you interpret and use information provided in test questions with confidence.
Download Math Conventions (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions and Help

Read tons of questions and answers from the study blog, Magoosh.