QUERY Gre Subject Test
archit johar
Hi
First of all congratulations to all seniors for getting such fabulous admits from their dream institutes.
What I can tell you about it at the time of writing about AGRE is this simple fact that it's the worst of double edged swords I have ever come across. It's a necessary evil. Some programs mandate the applicants to write AGRE so there's no point discussing about those schools. The real predicament is when one has to decide about those universities which don't require it but "recommend" it.Now in an ideal world, it would make sense to write it even if it's recommended and you have the option of not reporting scores after you receive them. But this ain't an Ideal world.The problem with this is two fold:
We don't know enough computer science to do well on CS AGRE, that simple. But if you do decide to write it and intend to work hard for it, then sorry to disappoint you, but you don't have the time. The AGRE is a paper based test and is only administered in November each year in India. This implies that you should make concerted efforts for study during the 4-5 months prior to that. This is the worst time to do it.Preceding November of your final year is one of the most crucial time in college. It's placements time. So everyone is working hard to land a good on-campus job. Further, some of you will also choose to write your GRE during this period(not really a good strategy!). So you just don't have time to prepare well unless you give it in beginning of third year( i.e. the preceding year). But then again you would have not done enough courses in CS that you would not even know what topic to study from where.
No-report of score is a big white lie.
I never understood how this no-report of score thing works. Perhaps someone will help me understand! I agree that you have the option of choosing not to report your scores to any school, but I don't understand how you can exercise this option after knowing your scores for the AGRE exam you would have written in November of final year. The scores don't come till the time almost all of the university deadlines have passed and you must have applied by then if you intend to join that school. Now this implies that you would also have mentioned on your applications to the universities that they should expect your AGRE score. Once this is done, whatsoever score you get will get reported and you don't have the option of "recalling" scores. So please somebody tell me how is this scheme of no-report supposed to work? I am sick of this lie floating around all the time!