But changes to be introduced this November will alter the structure of the exam.

Do you understand these changes? How can you best prepare for this new format?

Where should you register? And by what date? What's the best guide or book for GRE preparation?

Atul Prashar and Pragya Nagar, competitive examination experts with Top Careers and You consulting, answered similar questions on July 31, 2007.

For those of you who missed the chat, here's part one of the transcript: 

Gnan asked, what is the general timeframe required for effective preparation of GRE?

Atul Prashar answers, Quite subjective. If your grammar is good then three months and a half would be fine.

uttam asked, Sir is there any problem to start preparation with the old format of GRE.How much it is similar to the new format?

Atul Prashar answers, The new format has just one question each in Verbal and Quant and the answer will not contribute to your score.

helpmeplease asked, Sir, I am currently a Senior at Stanford, How much would you think these changes would affect an individual if he studied for the old format, however landed up giving the new one? Thankyou

pragya nagar answers, The new format includes only one question of the new format and initially it will not be counted towards the test takers score.

helpmeplease asked, Sir, I am currently a Senior at Stanford, How much would you think these changes would affect an individual if he studied for the old format, however landed up giving the new one? Thankyou

Atul Prashar answers, The skill required for the test remains the same here. It's just that they want your answer written in a different way.

Gnan asked, what is the general timeframe required for effective preparation of GRE?

pragya nagar answers, Well, that depends on many factors. But if you are devoting a full-time effort, then three months should suffice for good GRE preperation.

help asked, Sir, what would be a good GRE score on the old format to get into Cornell for a mMasters in Engineering Management?

Atul Prashar answers, The admission to a university depends on the quality of your overall documentation. GRE score is just a part of it. Anyway, target something above 1450.

rahul asked, how different is new pattern ? can I still use old boos for preparation ?

pragya nagar answers, The new pattern consists of two new types of questions. In the quantitative section, you are required to type the answer -- there are no options. In the verbal section, the new type of question is a small paragraph of 4-5 lines with two or three blanks for words/phrases. You must fill the blanks from a list of options.

spunker asked, What does GRE stand for? ;-)

pragya nagar answers, Ghraduate Record Examination.

abd asked, Hi Atul, Cau i make it to jan 08 semester if i write GRE in September.

Atul Prashar answers, Generally, September is the deadline for most of the universities. That is, they would require your GRE score, TOEFL Score, SOP, ORs, resume and so on before the end of September. So plan on taking your GRE in August.

prafull asked, My self praful, 3+ yrs of exp. currently@INFY... am confused about my career?? Now should i go for GRE and do post graduation or not?

Atul Prashar answers, Decide whether your want to do an MBA or would like to do Master's in computer science.

monica asked, sir,ihave registered myself for GRE on 22 sept,07.but there is a hitch that my name on spelling on my passport is MONIKA and that in registration is MONICA.IS THERE ANY REAL PROBLEM WITH IT???????????

Atul Prashar answers, Yes. Do speak to the authorities as soon as possible at 0124-4147700 between 9 am and 5 pm.

gino asked, sir, is it right to start preparing with course materials from leading training institutes or to take as many exams(online or offline) as possible so that we may concentrate on the particular part where we lag?

pragya nagar answers, Ideally it should be a mixture of both. The institutes tell you the strategy as it differs for a computer adaptive test, and the sites help you test yourself in the real enviornment.

monica asked, Sir one more thing what documents are necessary to carry with me when giving GRE exam?

Atul Prashar answers, Your Passport, a secondary photo ID (Driving Licence, Pan card etc) and the confirmation receipt.

sara asked, how to increase my score in verbal

pragya nagar answers, Verbal is not only about learning vocabulary. It requires application and efficiency as well. It is best that you revise the word lists and then parcatice on sites like www.number2.com for fundamental building.

Shoeb asked, What is the process for appearing TOEFL? Is this necessary to have score to get admission in UK/US? Please advice.

Atul Prashar answers, If you live in a country where English is not the first language, you need to write TOEFL / IELTS to enter US / UK.

uttam asked, sir whether it is compulsory for a student to get funding who is admitted into PhD after getting a GRE score or not.

Atul Prashar answers, Funding is always the student's preference. However, PhD students have far greater chances to get research assistantships than regular postgraduate students. 

nupur asked, is the new pattern totally diff frm the ld one also scoring pattern will also b changed

Atul Prashar answers, It's a minor change. The format of answering has changed and only one question will be asked initially in this new format.

sara asked, what books do u suggest for Verbal

pragya nagar answers, Verbal in both Barron's and the official guide is pretty good. Also, Kaplan's mock tests are recommended.

Vinoth asked, Dear Sir, How much helpful will be the TOEFL score in USA?(If i do not appear for GRE)

Atul Prashar answers, It is a must. GRE may or may not be required, depending on your university.

Nani asked, Is there any option for students who got their Visa rejected with a good GRE Score of 1200??

pragya nagar answers, Please find the reason why the visa was rejected and re-apply.

akp asked, tell me some books which will help for preparation os GRE

pragya nagar answers, Barrons, Kaplan and Power Prep are good books to prepare for the GRE.

gino asked, sir, is it right to start preparing with course materials from leading training institutes or to take as many exams(online or offline) as possible so that we may concentrate on the particular part where we lag?

Atul Prashar answers, Do some preparatio, then take some tests. You will know where you need to work. Work on those weak areas. Then take some more tests and so on.

sara asked, how to increase my score in verbal /RC

pragya nagar answers, RCs require good reading speed and comprehension. So if you need to build speed then sites like majortests.com are a good option. Also you should read extensively from all genres. 

MOORTHY asked, Is it sure that we will be geting fellowship for post graduation with good gre score

Atul Prashar answers, A good GRE score is one of the inputs. Other inputs for assistantship are your SOP, quality and genuiness of your LORs, your resume reflecting your passion about the specification aimed and your academic record.

sadique asked, What is the minimum score needed to go to us for PHD? Is there any alternative for GRE?

pragya nagar answers, For a decent university you should target at least 1300.

KUSHAGRA asked, SIR,i m in 3rd year B.Tech(ec)&woould be giving gre in 2k8,my gpa is 6.8.i want to know about 100%scholarship in ec related field. what should one ideally do to achieve it????????

Atul Prashar answers, Your GPA is good. Supplement it with a good GRE score (target above 1400)

ashish asked, barron's official guide is not available in the market...how can v buu it

Atul Prashar answers, Official guide is by ETS. Buy it online or from any metro.

Part II: Tomorrow

Atul Prashar and Pragya Nagar work for Top Careers and You consulting. They are experts in competitive examination training.