By: Victoria Lopez As a McNair Scholar, I took a summer course to help prepare for my graduate school applications this fall and to prepare for the GRE. For those who don’t know, the GRE stands for the Graduate Records Examination, and is a standardized test often needed for admissions applications. Depending on your program of interest, you might need the GRE or another type of test. The test is about 4 hours long, with a 10 minute break, and has 2 essay portions and 5 math or verbal sections. Interestingly, one of the math or verbal sections is an experimental section which doesn’t count toward your score (they don’t tell you which section).
When I first heard about this test, I was terrified. It reminded me of the time I was preparing to take the ACT in high school and I felt like whatever number I got was going to determine my future. Nothing feels worse than being judged by simply one test or one score when you, as an individual, have so much more to offer. At the same time, I remembered my high school English teacher telling me that the ACT was not going to make or break my life. While most standardized tests often feel this way, I always try to remember my English teachers advice because what she said is true. No matter what happens, we learn, adapt, grow, roll with the punches, and figure it out as we go. That’s life isn’t it? While I kept positivity in my mind and was always encouraged by my McNair cohort, life happens and taking the GRE during a pandemic isn’t exactly ideal. Due to testing areas being too far from my home, I was able to arrange to take the test at school. The first time I went to take the I was extremely nervous. After more than an hour of the online proctors redirecting me, I was not able to take the exam because of technical issues. Literally, I cried out of frustration but rescheduled for the following week. The next week all my test anxiety from my first attempt was gone and I was determined to simply take the test. I finally was able to begin the test, but technology kicked me out in the middle of writing my second essay (the two essays are the first section of the test). At that point, I admit, I did give up. I decided that I was not going to take the GRE, at least not anytime soon because I was so frustrated with it not working. After relentless support from the McNair director and help from RU IT support, the McNair director told me that I should not have any issues if I decided to take it. Even though it is not in my character to give up, I was hesitant to register for the exam. I asked my older sister for her advice and she told me, “well, third time’s the charm.” She made me realize I had nothing to lose and gave me the courage I needed to take the test. I was finally able to take the GRE on my third attempt. I received a score I’m happy with and I am proud of myself for not giving up (even though I did at first). Sometimes, challenges shut us down. However, I think when people find enough motivation within themselves or are able to have that encouragement from their supporters, nothing is impossible.
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