[ Golden Gater Online - February 20, 1997 ]
I'm writing to supplement your article: "Potential grads take free practice entrance exams," (Feb. 11, 1997) with information provided to your reporter but denied to your readers.
"Testing for the Public" is indeed a Berkeley-based non-profit organization, but it also provides LSAT, GMAT, and GRE Strategy Courses in San Francisco, as well as in the South Bay.
In fact, Testing for the Public is the only course offered for SF State departments. Last summer the Student Enrichment Opportunities Programs in Biology and Chemistry sponsored two GRE Strategy Courses.
Students participating in Minority Access to Research Centers (MARC), Gradu8 Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN), Research Enhancement for Undergraduates (NSF/REU), and Bridges to the Future (MA-Ph.D Bridge) were enrolled in courses. These programs were directed by Dr. Frank Bayliss, who selected Testing for the Public to offer the GRE courses.
Interestingly, the GRE courses had previously been provided by the Kaplan franchise. However, Bayliss switched to Testing for the Public in the Summer of 1996. He has invited Testing for the Public to provide the courses in the Summer of 1997.
This experience parallels UC Berkeley's decision to rely on Testing for the Public for GRE preparation. The UC Berkeley School of Public Health has done so since 1986. More recently, the UC Berkeley Graduate Minority Students' Project has provided these courses for eligible students.
While your reporter may consider it newsworthy that a Kaplan instructor considers his course to be the best bet, those who have compared it with Testing for the Public know better.
David M. White, Esq.
Director of Testing for the Public
[ Golden Gater - February 20, 1997 ]