Reset tests

[Devilsudden]

Hi,

I have taken 3 tests as of now without attempting the essay section. I wish to take a test or two attempting only the essays. Say i take 3 tests using the essays only option. This essentially leaves me with 6 sections of verbal and quant and 3 sections of essays untaken. Because I have taken '6' tests, will I have to reset the tests. If i reset the tests, it will lead to jumbling up of many questions. Taking the test again (of verbal and quant), I will see a lot of repeated questions. How does it work?

thanks

[tommywallach]

Hey Devil,

First thing's first: your plan is a bad one! The whole point of these 6 tests is that they allow you to simulate what it's like to take the real test, in particular, to test your STAMINA. You don't want to be separating out these pieces. It will give you an inflated score, and doesn't allow you to practice what is, for many people, the most difficult aspect of the GRE--namely that you have to stay focused for many hours at a time. So I really recommend you never skip the essay section, even if it isn't a real challenge for you or isn't important to the particular programs you're applying to.

That said, in terms of the tech, the 6 tests aren't randomized...they are the exact same every time you take them UNLESS you get a different SECOND section for either quant or verbal. So the first math and verbal sections are ALWAYS the same, but then there are 3 options for the second sections of each (Easy, medium, and hard), just like on the real GRE. So yes, retaking tests is not particularly plausible unless a lot of time has gone by since the last time you took it, or you didn't review very well.

Hope that helps!

-t