Getting an advanced degree can create many opportunities. The GRE® revised General Test — the most widely accepted graduate admissions test worldwide — can bring you one step closer to achieving your career goals. And there has never been a better time to take the one test that gives you more opportunities for your future.

In August 2011, the GRE revised General Test replaced the GRE® General Test. Featuring the new test-taker friendly design and new questions, the revised test more closely reflects the kind of thinking you’ll do in graduate or business school and demonstrates that you are ready for graduate-level work.

• Verbal Reasoning — Measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences and recognize relationships among words and concepts.
• Quantitative Reasoning — Measures problem-solving ability, focusing on basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis.
• Analytical Writing — Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, specifically your ability to articulate and support complex ideas clearly and effectively.

Learn more about the content and structure of the GRE revised General Test.

Who Takes It?

Prospective graduate and business school applicants from all around the world take the GRE revised General Test. Applicants come from varying educational and cultural backgrounds and the GRE revised General Test provides a common measure for comparing candidates’ qualifications.

GRE scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement your undergraduate records, recommendation letters and other qualifications for graduate-level study.

When and Where Do People Take It?

The GRE revised General Test is available at about 700 test centers in more than 160 countries. In most regions of the world, the computer-based test is available on a continuous basis throughout the year. In Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea, the computer-based test is available one to three times per month. In areas of the world where computer-based testing is not available, the test is administered in a paper-based format up to three times a year in October, November and February.

See Test Centers and Dates for all regions.

See which format is available in your area.

Who Accepts It?

The GRE revised General Test is accepted at thousands of graduate and business schools as well as departments and divisions within these schools. View this list (PDF).

Source: http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about

Set aside time each day to communicate only in English. Listen, read, speak and write in English every chance you get.

Write

Send emails, make notes for yourself and write down daily reminders, using new words and common expressions. This helps with sentence structure and vocabulary.

Listen

Listen to music, online broadcasts, radio, television and movies in English. The more you listen, the more you will understand vocabulary and expressions. Music helps you acquire the rhythm and stress patterns of spoken English. Listen closely to the words.

Read

Reading is the best way to improve your vocabulary. English-language reading materials — newspapers, magazines, books and websites — are always available. See Lexile® Measures for additional ways to improve your reading skills.

Speaking Tip

Concentrate on speaking loudly and clearly with good pronunciation and intonation. Try to speak in thought groups to have good flow to your speaking. Pause after prepositional phrases and related thought groups. Add emotion and feeling to what you are saying. Practice the same speech in your own language and then try to match the same gestures and feelings when you use English.

Keep a Journal

Write down things you are doing to prepare for college and other events in your daily life. This is a great way to organize your thoughts and practice writing in English. You can track your own progress. Read it to yourself and read it out loud.

Practice on a QWERTY Keyboard

A standard English language (QWERTY) computer keyboard is used for the test. Practice typing on a QWERTY keyboard to become familiar with the keys and layout.

Tips for Success on Test Day

• Dress comfortably for any room temperature.
• Eat a good breakfast.
• Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes early.
• Follow directions carefully to avoid wasting time.
• Do not panic. Concentrate on the task in front of you. Do not think about questions you have already answered.
• Do not spend too much time on one question.
• Do not leave questions blank. If you are not sure of the answer, make the best possible choice.
• Pace yourself to answer every question and avoid rushing at the end.

Source: http://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/prepare/tips/

• Immigration departments use them to issue residential and work visas
• Medical and licensing agencies use them for professional certification purposes
• Individuals use them to measure their progress in learning English

To learn more about how the TOEFL test can be your passport to study anywhere English is spoken, watch our video, The TOEFL® Test: Your Passport to the World (Flash).

Institutions that Accept TOEFL Scores

4 out of 5 admissions officers who were surveyed* — and who stated a preference — were more satisfied with using the TOEFL test compared to other English-language tests. Download a list of institutions that rely on TOEFL scores as the most accurate measure of English-language skills.

TOEFL® Destinations Directory (PDF)

This directory is updated and published quarterly. To see the most recent listings and to view available score requirements, use our online institutions search at www.toeflgoanywhere.org/.

Sign up for the free TOEFL Journey™ program to keep track of your top destinations.

Visa Requirements

TOEFL iBT® test scores can now be used to satisfy visa requirements for both Australia and the United Kingdom. In Australia, TOEFL scores can be used to meet the required language component of the student visa application process. In the U.K., they can be used to demonstrate English proficiency for Tier 1, 2 or 4 visas. Click on the links below to learn more.

Australian Student Visas >

U.K. Visas >

Source: http://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/about/who_accepts_scores/

What Is the TOEFL iBT Test?

The TOEFL iBT test measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. And it evaluates how well you combine your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks.

There are two formats for the TOEFL test. The format you take depends on the location of your test center. Most test takers take the TOEFL iBT test. Test centers that do not have Internet access offer the Paper-based Test (PBT).

Who Takes the TOEFL iBT Test?

More than 27 million people from all over the world have taken the TOEFL test to demonstrate their English-language proficiency. The average English skill level ranges between Intermediate and Advanced.

• Students planning to study at a higher education institution
• English-language learning program admissions and exit
• Scholarship and certification candidates
• English-language learners who want to track their progress
• Students and workers applying for visas

Who Accepts TOEFL iBT Test Scores?

More than 8,500 colleges, agencies and other institutions in over 130 countries accept TOEFL scores. For more information, including using your scores to satisfy visa requirements in Australia and the United Kingdom, how to find institutions that accept TOEFL scores, and more, see Who Accepts TOEFL Scores.

Where and When Can I Take the TOEFL iBT Test?

The TOEFL test has more test dates (30–40) and locations (4,500 test centers in 165 countries) than any other English-language test in the world. You can retake the test as many times as you wish.

Watch a short video (Flash) to see what happens at one of our TOEFL iBT test centers on test day.

What Resources Can Help Me Prepare for the TOEFL iBT Test?

ETS offers a variety of paid and free preparation materials to help you get ready for the TOEFL test. Watch our new video, TOEFL® Resources: An Overview for Students (Flash) to learn about the tools from ETS that can help you prepare for the TOEFL test.

What Does the TOEFL iBT Test Cost?

The cost of the test can range from US$160 to US$250 and varies between countries. For information on registration, fees, test dates, locations and formats, select your test location.

Source: http://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/about/

Dorms are common option for campus housing

Let’s start with the most obvious choice for first-timers. On-campus living is a great starting point for making new friends, getting to know your surroundings, and experiencing student life. Dorms provide easier access to campus and places like the library and the student center — and you can quickly connect with a large number of people through structured social activities.

Consider the convenience of other amenities normally available in a dorm, such as study rooms, computer labs, Internet access, and large yards with recreational facilities. Some dorms even have small weight rooms and saunas. With a dorm room as home-base, you can easily get everywhere you need to go.

On the other hand, before you put in your application for college housing, you should consider if you can deal with the lack of privacy and constant togetherness. Dorms offer communal bathrooms, study areas, lounges — everything is for everyone. Even your room can be a hard place to find peace and quiet sometimes, depending on your roommate and the dorm itself. However, taking a crack at dorm life is something you may not want to miss, even if it’s just for a little while.

Campus housing options may include college apartments

Apart from dorms, other on-campus options may be available, such as student apartments, although they are often offered only to upper-classmen. If you’re interested, be sure to look in to it.

While not as posh as something you’d see on MTV Cribs, campus apartments are a definite step up from the dorms — and you won’t lose the conveniences of being on campus. They’re still likely to provide an active student life (since all of your neighbors are fellow students), and you can cook in your own kitchen, lounge in your own living room, and best of all, shower in your private bathroom.

With a campus apartment, you’re likely to spend more, but you can test-drive living on your own (or with one or two roommates), and see how well you fare without having to stray too far.

Participation in Greek life may include housing

Another on-campus option, at least if you’re part of a sorority or fraternity, is living in a house or complex with fellow sisters or brothers. Many Greek life organizations have specific housing near campus that is available to their members.

While this housing option will provide access to friends, peers, and an active social life, it may not be the best fit for you if you want privacy and quiet sometimes. Greek housing can often be a focal point for social activities and gatherings.

Off-campus housing options
In any college town, it’s generally easy to find off-campus living alternatives, such as renting an apartment or sharing a house with several students. You may also consider living at home if school is nearby.

If you choose to live off-campus and out of your parents’ house, you should think about where you’ll live in terms of the neighborhood, safety, transportation, and costs for food and rent — they may or may not be less costly than living in the dorms. Social activities and a bustling college life may not be readily available, but if you prefer a quieter living arrangement, a house or apartment may be a better option for you. However, be sure to check out the general vibe of the area before assuming it’s quieter; some college neighborhoods are known for non-stop parties.

At some schools, apartment complexes near campus are rented out almost exclusively by college students and there may be student-oriented activities planned periodically for residents who wish to attend, such as pool parties and barbeques. If you’re interested, see if you can talk to some students that live in the area to get the deal on what life’s like in the neighborhood.

Transportation and off-campus housing
One of the benefits of campus housing is its proximity to all the other places you need to be. A big consideration for living off-campus is figuring out how you’re going to get to school. If you’re lucky, your place will be within walking distance of campus. If not, you may be fortunate enough to have a roommate who is willing to share their car, but you shouldn’t count on it.

Many campuses, large or small, are on the local bus routes and it’s entirely possible that the public transportation in town may take care of your needs for getting to school and around town. A bike is a great resource, as well. With a little planning, you may not need to have a vehicle at all and can save your gas money for those weekends out!

College housing choice will bring new experiences

Whatever you decide, college offers you a variety of places to lay your head and call home. If you’re off-campus, head down to the student center for a meal or a get-together with friends. If you’re feeling a little cramped at the dorm, the local town is bound to offer up a variety of activities and restaurants to change your pace for the day. Whatever you decide, there’s a world of new experiences waiting for you!

Source: http://www.petersons.com/college-search/campus-housing-college-decision.aspx

Show who you really are on your application essay

To begin, consider your strengths and interests and what you want colleges to know most about you. Then explore some topics, stories, and approaches that might help you show yourself to your readers. You will likely need to write two or three college application essays for many selective colleges. See them as puzzle pieces working together to present who you are more completely. If you can’t just start writing, make an inventory of your strengths, insights, and what’s most important to you. Chat with friends or parents about revealing anecdotes.

Keep working at your college application essay

To write a great college admission essay, you’ll need persistence. Expect to work over multiple drafts. You may start with sketches of ideas, outlines, or lengthy stream-of-consciousness prose. Share your essays with people you trust and people who can be objective. They can offer constructive criticism about your tone, content, and form. Remember too, your writing should be free from spelling and grammatical mistakes, and be neither too casual nor too formal.

Make your application essay your own

Read your college application essays out loud to yourself. Does the language sound like you? Is the essay grammatically correct? Is it awkward? Can your friends, counselors, teachers, and parents recognize the essence of you in the essay? Could no one but you have written this particular piece? College admission readers note that they are looking for a student’s voice in the essays.

Does your college admission essay speak to people?

View your essay as a public document you are presenting to a large audience, or as a revelation of a personal confidence. Remember, break out of your shell and you’ll be much more likely to make an important connection with your admission audience.

By Howard and Matthew Greene

Source: http://www.petersons.com/college-search/writing-college-application-essay.aspx

College search takes time and energy

Set aside time for the college search process. While you want to let your child drive this process, you should also be there as a guide to make sure they stay on track.

“The search process is wonderfully haphazard and unpredictable, and students can make very good choices for what seem (to their parents) like all the wrong reasons. Having narrowed the field to two top choices, our daughter applied Early Decision to the one in the mountains as opposed to the one on the prairie I was certain suited her better. In fact, it was an excellent choice. Our second child, worn out by the exhaustive search we’d undertaken with our first, refused to visit any colleges at all. He confined himself to reading college catalogs and to e-mailing instructors and current students with questions,” remembers a college-professor mom who is now braced for the search for graduate schools.

Linda, a super-organized college employee with terrific sons lamented, “What I thought was going to be a new and exciting experience for our family turned out to be two long, tedious, dragged-out, stressful years. For each of our three sons, everything was done at the last minute and decisions were made at the very last date acceptable. We couldn’t even discuss schools during their junior years. The boys were too busy with sports, practices, and friends. When they did get a day or weekend off, they slept late and became couch potatoes. Checking out schools was the last thing they wanted to do. It was only in the fall of senior year that they started even thinking of colleges, never mind visiting them. Thank God for the guidance counselors who kept us on track to meet those haunting deadlines. I tell friends going through the same thing to hang in there, because everything will work out.”

Finding the right match among many colleges and universities

There are lots of great schools out there, and you shouldn’t always rely on college reputation or a school’s status in a college guide. Look for a place that is a good fit for your child.

“Some parents equate their children’s happiness and/or chances for success too strongly with a college’s place on the pecking order or its overall prestige,” observes Michael, the father of two recent college graduates. “Those who get beyond that seem genuinely interested in the ‘right match’ — the school where a student will be challenged but not overwhelmed and will grow in both knowledge and self-esteem.”

Let college information stand on its own initially

Allow your child to get impressions of schools based on their own reactions and the college info that is presented to them, not based on your influence.

“I think that one of the things that parents must remember — which I have tried to teach since my eldest daughter went through the college search — is that kids need time to react to schools their own way without any input from parents,” suggests Phyllis, an educational consultant. “A gentle ‘ah hum’ or ‘huh’ or a terribly unobtrusive neutral sound is far more effective than a comment. I think parents need to trust their kids to do their own reacting and hold off on input until all those first impressions have had a chance to settle in. A parental response, either positive or negative, can produce an oppositional response simply because of adolescence and not because of a school.”

Anticipate surprises
Sue remembers, “I was surprised where my children ended up going to school. I thought I had a good idea of what their choices would be and where they might head geographically. After all, who knows children better than parents, right? Wow, was I way off the mark!”

It’s okay to have options
Try not to allow the search for the right fit to become too focused on one school that ends up being the only choice. It’s okay for your child to be comfortable with several colleges and universities and have options for where to attend.

Betsy, a college librarian and mother of two, counsels, “I think it’s important for students not to focus on just one school, especially if that college is highly selective. The daughter of a colleague was totally focused on the one, perfect choice. She hadn’t considered any other options. Fortunately, she got in Early Decision. If she hadn’t, I don’t know what they would have done. My daughter applied to ten colleges and likes them all.”

Get as much as you can out of visits
Campus visits are a great time for you and your child to get lots of useful college information directly from the source.

“At every school I visited as a parent, I went to the student newspaper office or library and procured as many back issues, as well as the current one, and poured over them in an effort to read between the lines,” remembers Donna, mother of two and an experienced admission interviewer. “Also, I recommend, if there’s time, stopping in town for a Coke or gas and having a chat with a few local people about what they think of the college.”

Let your child make the decision
While it’s important for you to offer guidance and support, in the end, the decision about where to go to school should be your child’s. No matter what a college guide says or what college info you have, ultimately it is the student who will be living with the choice, so he or she should be allowed to make the choice.

Judi, the mom of a son, suggests, “Do remember that it is your child who is going to college, not you. And unless there are major financial considerations, allow him to make the selection. Most young students can tell when the fit is right for them and should be allowed to go with their instincts. Once there, let your child determine his own major; please don’t push your child into a major you think he should pursue (or, as is more often the case, you wish you had pursued).”

“It’s not necessary to apply both to the colleges that your child wants to attend and the ones you want him to attend. It’s sufficient to apply to the ones he wants to attend. This strategy saves time and money,” warns David.

John, a high school counselor, confides, “My daughter is a happy freshman at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. I took the college search very seriously and felt that we needed to carefully research each of the 12 to 14 colleges on her list. After visiting St. Olaf, she disappointed me by saying, ‘Dad, I don’t want to look at any more colleges. I’ve found the one that’s right for me.’ Although there were many more on my list, we stopped looking because it was her search after all. She has been in pure heaven ever since.”

Source: http://www.petersons.com/college-search/choosing-colleges-universities-parents.aspx

Importance of diversity to colleges and universities

Many public and private schools maintain that diversity is essential for the fulfillment of their mission as educational institutions, and that a multicultural campus and the provision of education to all sectors of American society is crucial to national development.

Take a look at the mission statement, statement of educational philosophy, and other statements of purpose which colleges celebrate on their Web sites and in other college information materials. We can almost guarantee that you will nearly always find a statement about the importance of diversity to the institution.

Diversity benefits all students
Today’s selective colleges seek to enroll a diverse class comprising many talented individuals. College guides often offer statistics to allow students to see how diverse the student population is.

The basic idea is that students learn a great deal from their interactions in and out of class, and that learning and living among students from various racial, ethnic, cultural, geographic, socioeconomic, linguistic, and religious backgrounds, with a wide array of academic, extracurricular, and social interests, will benefit every student and the college as a whole. Students’ exposure to diverse views and individuals will provide them with greater personal development and challenge, broaden their perspectives, and increase their knowledge of the world as it really is. College info typically promotes this idea as a selling point for the school.

Most educators agree that diversity benefits all students, but there is, of course, a great deal of disagreement on how to achieve such an environment and whether multiculturalism, for example, should take precedence over admission to a college based solely on merit. (Of course, how to measure that merit often sparks additional debates!)

The role of affirmative action
Recent Supreme Court decisions and current events (such as a recently passed ballot initiative in Michigan which bans the use of racial, ethnic, and other preferences by public agencies including colleges and universities), continue to change the landscape of what is called affirmative action. Colleges continue to try to achieve their diversity goals without assigning points to or establishing quotas for students from particular backgrounds.

In lieu of identifying racial or ethnic identities of applicants, there has been a trend toward looking at socio-economic status and other indicators such as being a first-generation college student, being an immigrant, or having overcome significant family or personal challenges. This situation will continue to evolve, and is beyond the control of current college-bound students. However, for students from underrepresented racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds, there are some things to keep in mind as you consider your college search.

Recruiting realities
First, multicultural recruiting is alive and well, especially at private liberal arts colleges and universities. They are actively seeking to enroll more African American, Hispanic, and Native American students in particular, as members of these groups are currently underrepresented in higher education. College guides might offer insight into schools that have programs designed to draw in diverse students.

Take a look at colleges like Bates, with its Prologue program, and you will see efforts to bring talented minority students to campus, introduce them to the concept of a liberal arts education, and persuade them that Bates is a welcoming and exciting place to enroll.

Now, add to that a financial aid commitment to help students from lower income families, and you will see that colleges like Bates, as well as elite universities like Princeton, Harvard, the University of Virginia, the University of North Carolina, and Stanford, are putting a lot of money on the table to help lower income students attend college and graduate without much debt.

Many schools are also committed to recruiting students in the field. Colleges and universities solicit applications from students they meet in inner city communities, on Native American reservations, in the rural South, among immigrant Hispanic communities in the West, and all over the country where they might identify “strivers” who are interested in and capable of taking advantage of a selective college education, even when they might be the first in their family to attend college.

How multicultural recruiting affects your college search

Depending on your background, colleges may take personal challenges you’ve faced into account, and it could give you an advantage when decision time rolls around. However, your academic record is still important and, along with your standardized test scores (ACT/SAT), will be interpreted in relation to where you have attended high school and the advantages, or lack thereof, with which you have grown up.

Colleges won’t seek to admit you if they don’t feel you have a sufficient academic background or the personal skills to handle their program, although there are some that will provide additional academic support, counseling, and social or peer resources to help you prepare for and adjust to college and campus life. You can check the college information provided to see what services they offer.

Students with diverse backgrounds should include a broad range of schools in their college search; look carefully for diversity or multicultural recruiting, admission, and scholarship programs on college Web sites; and try to take advantage of multicultural campus weekends, local fairs or meetings, and other opportunities to explore college environments. There are many choices available to you.

By Howard and Matthew Greene, hosts of two PBS college planning programs and authors of the Greenes’ Guides to Educational Planning series and other books.

Source: http://www.petersons.com/college-search/colleges-universities-multicultural-recruiting.aspx

The All India Pre-Medical / Pre-Dental Entrance Examination (AIPMT) for the academic year 2012-13 was conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Those who have qualified the AIPMT 2012 prelims will now have to take the final AIPMT examination on 13th May 2012.

2,57,960 candidates had taken the AIPMT 2012 Preliminary Stage Examination, out of which 30,788 candidates have qualified for appearing in the AIPMT Final Examination to be held on 13th May, 2012 (Sunday).

The number of girls (Girls (All Categories): 15620 ) who have qualified the AIPMT prelims outnumbers the number of boys (Boys(All Categories): 15168).

How colleges and universities get accredited

Earning an accreditation in the United States is a voluntary, nongovernmental process. Schools request to be evaluated and/or have their programs evaluated by an independent accrediting agency. The agency sets its own standards that the school must meet in order to earn their accreditation, and since accrediting agencies vary in their quality standards, some are considered more prestigious than others. Which one a school pursues depends on what standard of quality the school hopes to achieve and to maintain.

Schools usually familiarize themselves with the agency’s standards well ahead of time and spend several months preparing for their accreditation review. If they pass the review and earn accreditation, it is an endorsement of their school as a legitimate institution of higher education that meets an acceptable level of quality. Some schools may include their accreditation status in the college information they present to students.

Understanding accreditation agencies
Accrediting agencies are private educational associations. The standards they set and which types of colleges and universities they accredit are entirely up to them, thus there are agencies that are specific to certain fields of study, such as engineering or medical schools. An agency may accredit vocational programs such as cooking schools, or they may accredit the overall quality of large universities. Some schools can carry multiple accreditations which cover some or all of their programs.

Considering accreditation in your college search is important because when a school is accredited it not only means that its legitimacy and quality have been tested, but also that it likely has a better reputation among graduate schools and employers than unaccredited schools.

Recognized vs. unrecognized accrediting agencies
Accrediting agencies fall into two categories: recognized and unrecognized. Recognition comes from the U.S. Department of Education and is considered to be the best measure for determining if a school is worth your effort, time, and money. There are hundreds of recognized colleges and universities, so you have plenty to choose from. There are also hundreds of schools whose accreditation is not officially recognized, and it’s an important distinction to understand.

Recognized accrediting agencies
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) does not accredit institutions; rather, it determines which accrediting agencies receive recognition by the Department. This means that the standards of the accrediting agencies are up to par to the standards of the DOE. Many agencies voluntarily seek recognition from the Secretary of Education, but they aren’t required to do so. The DOE limits its official recognition to accrediting agencies that endorse schools that need the recognition to participate in federal programs, such as the Federal Student Financial Aid Program.

Accrediting agencies recognized by the Department of Education can have a regional or national scope: regional agencies accredit degree-granting institutions within six geographic regions of the United States, and national agencies accredit institutions or programs all across the United States. The DOE maintains a list of Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies online, so you can check out if your potential school’s accrediting agency is officially sanctioned by the U.S. government.

Another potential source to use when checking accreditation status is the college information presented in college guides. If a school is accredited, then it is often a fact that it wants potential students to know about.

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a private, nongovernmental agency, also recognizes accrediting organizations, including some of the same accrediting agencies that the Department of Education recognizes. To be eligible for CHEA recognition, accrediting organizations must demonstrate that their mission and goals are consistent with those of CHEA and that a majority of the institutions and programs accredited by the organization award degrees. CHEA also maintains an online list of Participating and Recognized Organizations.

Unrecognized accrediting agencies
Just as there are recognized accrediting agencies, there are unrecognized agencies. This simply means that their standards have not been reviewed by the Department of Education or by CHEA. There are a variety of reasons why an agency may be unrecognized. For example, the agency may be working toward recognition with the Department or CHEA, or it may not meet the criteria for recognition by either organization. Whatever the reason, it’s important to keep this in mind when exploring college info.

You should view unrecognized accrediting agencies with caution until you can evaluate their reputation. An unrecognized agency doesn’t necessarily have low standards of quality, but it is important to know that many U.S. employers only recognize degrees from institutions accredited by a recognized agency.

Source:  http://www.petersons.com/college-search/us-colleges-universities-accreditation.aspx