GRE Preparation

See our list of Resources to Help You Prepare for the GRE.

UNC-Chapel Hill distance education programs wish to admit students who will do well in their programs. Some adults who have been out of school for a long time feel they are capable of doing this work, but are nervous about taking the GRE (The Graduate Record Exam). They worry that their GRE score will keep them out of a program even though they can successfully do the required work. Students may not realize the GRE is only one of the indicators used in determining a student's potential for success as a graduate student.

If you are a returning adult student and you think you can successfully do the academic work but are worried about taking the GRE:

1. Take a refresher course: The goal of the test is to measure reasoning ability. The quantitative section of the GRE requires no more than first and second year high school math. Through self study or by taking a group course, adult students often see a marked improvement in their scores - especially in their quantitative score. Also see our suggestions on how to prepare for the exam.
2. Find out from the course or program director the relative importance placed on the GRE score. All Carolina distance education programs use a variety of indicators to determine if a student will be admitted. Programs targeting adults are also likely to give considerable attention to career and community accomplishments and success in other learning experiences. To find out what other factors are heavily valued in your program, contact the program director of the program to which you are interested in applying.