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tideout
Joined: 12 Dec 2010
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 Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 7:01 am Post subject: GRE and M.A. TESOL dilemna |
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I was looking into the MA TESOL distance program at Missouri University but was more less blocked at the starting line as they require a GRE.
Over two decades ago, I took ACT tests in high school in prepping for college but have never done the GRE.
I was hoping that if I was successful in a few courses at the school (starting as a non-degree candidate) they'd likely let someone in minus a GRE but it looks like a no go at that school.
Where does someone even start with the GRE process now? Can it be done online? How much time and money does one need to put into getting ready for the GRE? I know this will vary from person to person but I'd appreciate any personal experiences people have.
I'm also curious if there are other online MA programs that do not require a GRE if an ability to do the coursework can be demonstrated?
Any ideas or directions on this dilemma would be greatly appreciated! |
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Hugo85
Joined: 27 Aug 2010
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| Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 7:13 am Post subject: |
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| GRE: Depends highly on the individual. If your first practice score gets you 1400 then no problem, if it's 500 math and 300 verbal then you are in for a tough ride. But overall, a 40$ book and practice. |
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northway
Joined: 05 Jul 2010
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| Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 7:23 am Post subject: |
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| Hugo85 wrote: |
| GRE: Depends highly on the individual. If your first practice score gets you 1400 then no problem, if it's 500 math and 300 verbal then you are in for a tough ride. But overall, a 40$ book and practice. |
Each section is actually scored out of 170, as of last fall.
But yeah, just buy some practice books. I did very well by just studying for a few hours a day and doing a couple thousand practice questions.
There are some free practice questions here (and a lot more for a small fee), if you want to get a feel for the kind of test it is: http://www.mygretutor.com/.
There's also a paid writing practice on the ETS website, but it's kind of a ripoff st $15 to have a computer score your test.
I just took it last month, so feel free to PM if you have any questions. |
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Hugo85
Joined: 27 Aug 2010
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| Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 7:28 am Post subject: |
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| northway wrote: |
| Hugo85 wrote: |
| GRE: Depends highly on the individual. If your first practice score gets you 1400 then no problem, if it's 500 math and 300 verbal then you are in for a tough ride. But overall, a 40$ book and practice. |
Each section is actually scored out of 170, as of last fall.
But yeah, just buy some practice books. I did very well by just studying for a few hours a day and doing a couple thousand practice questions.
There are some free practice questions here (and a lot more for a small fee), if you want to get a feel for the kind of test it is: http://www.mygretutor.com/.
There's also a paid writing practice on the ETS website, but it's kind of a ripoff st $15 to have a computer score your test.
I just took it last month, so feel free to PM if you have any questions. |
Oh, I wasn't aware they had changed the point system too. I know they changed it to focus less on antiquated vocabulary and more on read comprehension for the verbal section. If they had done this earlier, I might have done the GRE. |
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northway
Joined: 05 Jul 2010
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| Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 7:35 am Post subject: |
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Eh, they said they changed it, but there's still a stupid emphasis on the vocab, including in the reading comprehension. I've never had an issue with standardized test vocab, but I still put a lot of time into studying vocab. Brainscape's GRE Vocab app was pretty useful, in that regard.
Anyway, GRE cutoffs are generally pretty low. You could probably do fine just walking in and taking the test, if it's not a major part of the application process (which it probably wouldn't be, as you have experience). Math is the tough part for liberal arts grads, but I'd be surprised if they looked too hard at your score. |
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tideout
Joined: 12 Dec 2010
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| Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 8:52 am Post subject: |
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I really appreciate people's responses here. Honestly, I'll read through your posts tomorrow as I have some questions.
Here's what I just got back from the program:
The TESOL program at the University of Missouri does require a GRE score as part of the application for admission to the M.Ed. TESOL program. The M.Ed. TESOL program requires a minimum total GRE score of 295 (combined verbal and quantitative), with a minimum score of 150 in the verbal section.
Again, thanks and I'll be checking back in. |
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northway
Joined: 05 Jul 2010
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| Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 1:50 pm Post subject: |
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| I'd be surprised if you can't get a 150, considering that's the 44th percentile and the sample includes a lot of folks whose first language isn't English. |
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tideout
Joined: 12 Dec 2010
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| Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 6:49 pm Post subject: |
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| northway wrote: |
| I'd be surprised if you can't get a 150, considering that's the 44th percentile and the sample includes a lot of folks whose first language isn't English. |
That's the kind of competition I was hoping for 
Thanks for responding - checking back in later. |
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Hugo85
Joined: 27 Aug 2010
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| Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 10:10 pm Post subject: |
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| 150 out of 170 is 44th percentile? Thats high compared to the old system I think!! |
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northway
Joined: 05 Jul 2010
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| Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2012 4:05 am Post subject: |
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| Hugo85 wrote: |
| 150 out of 170 is 44th percentile? Thats high compared to the old system I think!! |
It's equivalent to a 450. |
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