New GRE Writing Test Rolls Out in October
Kaplan Offers New Tools to Help Grad School Bound Students Prepare

New York, October 6, 1999 When the new Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Writing Assessment rolls out this month, Kaplanís GRE students will be ready. The new exam, given independently of the GRE general and subject tests, will test applicantsí ability to use high-level thinking and writing skills recognized as essential for success in graduate level programs. To help students prepare for this new exam, Kaplan is offering a live workshop and a comprehensive self-study workbook at no extra cost to students enrolled in its GRE program.

"Demonstrating an ability to write a strong analytical essay under timed conditions will strengthen a studentís application, highlighting academic strengths not captured in other standardized measures or in application essays," said Trent Anderson, executive director of pre-college and pre-graduate programs at Kaplan. "Kaplan has distinctive strategies for teaching issue and argument exercises like these. Weíve had great success in preparing GMAT students for the Analytical Writing Assessment, a similar exam."

Citing increasing competition at many of the nation's top graduate programs, Kaplan officials view high scores on the GRE Writing Assessment as a great way to strengthen students' applications.

"From Duke to Washington University, we are seeing graduate programs nationwide enroll far fewer students in order to give them more or even full financial support," said Anderson. "For this reason, it is paramount that applicants take all necessary steps to gain a competitive edge. If the schools students are applying to require the new writing test, getting a good score is key. Kaplan now offers those test takers the tools to achieve the best results they can."

The Writing Assessment consists of two analytical writing tasks including a 45-minute "Present Your Perspective on an Issue" task and a 30-minute "Analyze an Argument" task. The score, reported on a 0-6 scale, will represent the average of a test takerís score for the two essays.

The Writing Assessment may be required by graduate programs regardless of the degree program to which students are applying. While some programs will require it of all applicants, others may require it of applicants whose GPA falls below a designated level. Kaplan market research indicates that while some graduate programs will require the Writing Assessment during its first year of release, its acceptance and popularity will continue to grow.

The Writing Assessment can be taken year-round on computer at ETS authorized computer-based test centers or as a paper-based test on designated GRE Subject Test dates. (Kaplan's test will offer both computerized and paper-based simulated tests to enable students to practice their preferred method.) Computer-based scores will be received by schools within 10-15 days, while paper-based scores will take four to six weeks.

In addition to offering optional live workshop instruction and a self-study book to GRE students at its centers, Kaplan offers online prep for the GRE Writing Assessment (www.kaptest.com). For $59, students can email two essays to experts for scoring and feedback within 24 hours. Students will also receive a downloadable lesson that can be printed.

About Kaplan
With 1,200 locations in the U.S. and abroad, Kaplan (www.kaplan.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan's six operating divisions include Test Preparation and Admissions, which has served 3 million students over the past 60 years and offers online services at www.kaptest.com; SCORE! Educational Centers, offering K-12 after-school programs; Kaplan Learning Services, providing customized education services and professional development at schools and universities; Publishing, which produces books and software; Kaplan Professional, providing assessment, recruitment, training, and certification services; and its distance learning division, offering programs including Concord University School of Law, the nation's first online law school, and Kaplan College, a leading provider of degree and certificate programs in criminal justice and paralegal studies. Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company.

Press Contact: pubrel@kaplan.com, (212) 492-5965