subject: Stay Abreast Of Changes In Gre, Gmat And Patent Bar Tests [print this page] Millions of students around the world have taken the GRE, GMAT and Patent Bar tests in order to enter graduate school or become a patent attorney or patent agent registered with the U.S. government through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In order to prepare for these tests, many students have spent large sums of money with what are called full-service providers. Others have discovered a more cost-effective way of preparing, by getting some essential training in how to take Computer Adaptive Tests (CAT) in general, as well as by taking simulated exams that closely track with existing tests.
Whatever route they choose, students need to be aware that these various tests (GRE, GMAT, etc.) do change over time, and that they need to stay abreast of these changes while they are preparing. A full-service training and preparation firm can offer this information as easily as a lower-cost service, but students who want to both save money and streamline the process are turning more and more frequently to the CAT-preparation type of services. The firms offer just about the same powerful practice tools to individual students as high-priced services, enabling them to download and use the most current, powerful study aids.
Types of tests
Before you sign up with any testing service, whether full-service or otherwise, be sure you check with admissions boards at your potential graduate programs to confirm which exams are required in the application process. Here are several major players in the graduate test field:
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): This test is required for entrance into most graduate business school programs around the world, and is the appropriate (often only) choice for future MBAs.
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE): This one is required to be admitted into many graduate school programs in diverse fields. For example, the GRE would be the correct choice for students looking toward graduate degrees in psychology or engineering, although other programs may also require it.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) registration examination: Admission to the Patent Bar is what permits people to be registered as patent agents or patent attorneys in the U.S.
Graduate programs at medical, business and law schools usually do not request the results of a GRE test, but may require the MCAT, GMAT or LSAT, respectively. Again, to be certain about what exams to prepare for and take, consult the graduate program directly.
Changing conditions
The first strength of the prep firms is that you can practice for the various tests under realistic conditions, but without any of the usual financial and emotional downsides. More importantly, there will be no impact whatsoever on your test's historical score report. One leading firm offers six thoroughly original GRE practice tests, five complete GMAT practice tests and several years' worth of USPTO Patent Bar practice tests, as well. Any leading CAT practice exam service should focus on comprehensive GMAT and GRE practice simulations via the use of sophisticated testing software. But this is not the only important thing.
It is essential that you remain updated on changes to the tests, something strangely overlooked (or not addressed) at some high-cost sites. The best of the prep firms will keep its customers informed of all changes to the format and/or content of the various standardized tests. They do this with both newsletter subscriptions and opt-in mailings. In order for candidates that are scheduling a Computer Adaptive Test to benefit from the practice simulation software, the testing criteria need to be completely current. Why prepare for an outdated test? You should expect realistic facsimiles of actual exams and reliable score assessments that will best prepare you for the GRE Test, GMAT Exam or other test.
Bottom line
There are a number of companies that offer CAT preparation, but now you know what is really important, and that is getting proper preparation for the current tests. This means the company needs to keep you informed, on a timely basis, of any changes to the GRE, GMAT or other test that you are going to take for graduate school admission.
You should choose a service that allows you the flexibility you need, first of all, and a fair price, of course. However, it is extremely important that you stay abreast of changes in GRE, GMAT and Patent Bar tests, as well as others you may need to take, so that you are preparing for the right thing. You can sign up for newsletters that will keep you posted, and this is important if you are a busy student that might even have to make a cross-country move to go to graduate school. Get all the support you can by choosing a firm that keeps you in the loop!
