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Posted: 8/02/01

University Offers 'Get Ready, Set...GRE" Assistance for Graduate Students

 

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Texas A&M International University is looking for a few good grad students and is making an offer to them that's hard to refuse...an opportunity to earn a higher score on entrance exams and get a scholarship to boot.

A&M International will offer a series of GRE review sessions for students free of charge. After completing the session and exam and applying for admission to any of the University's graduate programs, the University will provide accepted students with a scholarship good towards their next semester of study at the University.

Dr. Ray Keck, University provost, said the offer is part of a pilot program, "Get Ready, Set...GRE" to begin this Fall which is geared to boosting graduate student enrollment at the University.

"People get ahead by degrees and securing the graduate degree remains the mark of a person committed to their profession and field of study. We want to increase the number of students who can explore that option and commit to their professional betterment," Dr. Keck said.

Keck said the idea for the review course and scholarship offer came from Dr. John Kohl, dean of the University's College of Business Administration.

"Dr. Kohl's College enjoys one of the largest graduate student enrollments, attracting students from all over the world. He believed that all our graduate enrollment could be helped by such a program and we think this project has tremendous potential to do just that," he said.

Keck said that one hurdle many students find initially daunting is readying for the admission exams.

"It's not the kind of test that you can take cold. National research shows that all students need to prepare and review. We believe that's best done in a structured environment that provides sample test experiences and allows students a chance to share the experience. This pilot project aims to provide that experience and to help student be at their best level of preparation for the test," Keck said.

The new program will be available to any student who has completed their undergraduate degree in the last 5 years and is a Texas resident.

Students will pay for their own review book, approximately $20 ,and the test cost, $105. The review course, which is 32 hours in duration, has a $250 value and will be offered free of charge.

The review class for the Fall GRE testing will meet on Saturdays with 12 hours dedicated to math study, 12 to English, 4 for the pre-test and 4 for the post-test. The start date for this Fall will be Aug. 18. The Fall GRE will be scheduled Oct. 13. The start date for the Spring review will be January 5. The Spring test date is March 2.

Students must complete the course and apply for acceptance to one of the University's graduate programs within one calendar year. If accepted to the University's graduate program, the student will be provided with a scholarship redeemable in the next semester of graduate study that is approximate to the cost of the exam.

The paper-pencil version of the GRE is scheduled in Laredo twice a year, in the Fall and Spring Semesters. Laredo is not a computer test site for GRE.

Students who are interested in taking the computer version in San Antonio or Corpus Christi can apply for a test fee waiver. Students must have economic need and be A&M International graduating seniors or seeking admission to the Graduate School at A&M International. Students who have already earned graduate hours are not eligible candidates for fee waivers.

Keck said he believes the project is indicative of the University's continued commitment to its graduate students.

"We want our students to succeed. Their success is our success. We know that when armed with graduate degrees, they will be well-equipped to lead our community and region in the future. It's a success we all have to support and endorse," he concluded.

The University now offers 26 graduate degrees. The most recent addition was an MS in Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education.

For more information on the "Get Ready, Get Set ...GRE," review course contact Dr. Julio Madrigal, director of the Office of Special Programs, or Sergio Barragan, program coordinator for Continuing Education at 326.2270, visit offices in Killam Library 332B or email jfmadrigal@tamiu.edu or sbarragan@tamiu.edu.

For test information contact Alejandro Martinez, director of the University's testing center, at 326.2131, visit offices in Killam Library 205 or email to amartinezjr@tamiu.edu.


Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu