Bump up scores

[mhazelm]

So, let's just say that during a self-timed test today with the 2001 PGRE, I scored 500.

Um, if I work my *** off for the next month, is it possible to push that up by 200 points? Has anyone ever done managed to increase their scores by this much? I'm wondering if I should screw the whole thing, cancel the test, take a whole year off following graduation and do nothing besides study for the PGRE.

Is the 2001 a pretty accurate prediction of what to see in the 2008? Am I just doomed?

[zxcv]

It is absolutely possible to bump up your score by 200 points for the PGRE next month, especially if you're just now starting to study.

Identify your weak spots from the 2001 exam, brush up on them and then start memorizing equations, shortcuts and fundamental constants. Yes, the 2001 exam is the closest to the current exam, but the old ones are also worth studying in detail, too.

You can do it!

[doom]

I increased my score by 170 points over a couple of months of studying, and 110 of those came within just one month. (I took the test for real twice, scoring 60 points higher the second time.) I think a 200 point increase is certainly possible. Break down the questions by category to see which parts you need the most work in, and then hit the books! Your freshman physics book will be an invaluable resource.

[Samual_Adams]

I increased my score by 990 over 3 hours.

[mhazelm]

you have given me hope!! I'm off to go through the 96 exam again... WE CAN DO IT!!

[tau1777]

I increased my score by 990 over 3 hours.

so does this means that you took your first test and aced it. how/what did you do to study if anything?

[quizivex]

nah it means he's kidding around. the lowest score you can on the physics GRE is typically in the low 400s, and even ETS says that all of their subject test scores range from minimum of 200 to maximum of 990. So increasing one's score by 990 is just not possible.

Perhaps all he meant is that he scored a 990, and he did it over 3 hours because that's the length of the exam and you start out with "zero" questions correct. Afterall he did do quite well in the admission process!

Either way the comment wasn't meant to be taken seriously, and he certainly wasn't talking about 3 hours of "studying"... there's no prep method that can increase your score dramatically in a short time!