Mastering the GRE: How to Prepare and Pass the GRE
Mastering the GRE requires a proactive and disciplined approach. By understanding the test, setting clear goals, and implementing effective study strategies, you can enhance your performance and achieve a competitive score.
By Jessica Dickenson — December 4, 2023
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a critical step to graduate school. The GRE is a multiple-choice standardized test that plays a pivotal role in the admission process for most graduate, law, and business schools. The GRE exam measures your command of basic mathematics, college-level vocabulary, as well as your ability to analyze and evaluate written material.
While it is an important step in your educational journey that shouldn't be taken lightly, it isn't something that you should stress unnecessarily over. Simplistically, the GRE is similar to the ACT or SAT tests. Just like how the ACT/SAT tests a student's readiness for college, the GRE assesses a student's readiness for graduate school to ensure that they meet the minimum requirements. Not all graduate schools require the GRE before acceptance, but it is still seen as a rite of passage for many students.
Before diving into preparation, it's crucial to understand the GRE's structure. The test comprises of three sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
Analytical Writing:
This "essay" section of the GRE measures whether you can articulate your thoughts and responses in a clear and reasoned way. You will have 30 minutes to complete this portion of this exam. You should practice effectively crafting compelling responses to prepare for this portion of the exam.Verbal Reasoning:
This portion of the exam is broken into two parts for a total of 30 minutes. Verbal reasoning tests your ability to analyze written material, as well as relationships among parts of sentences, including words and concepts. Develop your vocabulary systematically, practice regularly, and hone your time-management skills to excel in this section.Quantitative Reasoning:
This portion is the largest section of the exam and is the longest to complete at 47 minutes. You'll see questions covering basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. For those not going for a high-level math degree you don't have to worry about seeing calculus and trigonometry here! Practice with timed mock tests to enhance speed and accuracy.Once you have an idea of what will be on the exam, don't forget to familiarize yourself with the computer-based testing format and recognize the GRE's importance in shaping your academic future.
Set Your Goals
Establishing clear goals is the first step in effective GRE preparation. Once you have determined that you are going to take the GRE, consider the score requirements of your desired graduate programs and assess your strengths and weaknesses in each of the exam sections. Setting realistic study goals will guide your preparation journey. If you are going for a graduate-level degree in history, don't beat yourself up too much if you aren't able to ace the quantitative reasoning portion of the exam.
From here, you will want to create a study plan. A well-organized study plan is the backbone of successful GRE preparation. Allocate time to each section based on your strengths and weaknesses, and incorporate breaks for optimal retention. This isn't something that you will do a week before the exam. Plan to study and prepare for the GRE months in advance to ensure that you have plenty of time to prepare! A structured plan ensures comprehensive coverage and effective time management.
Utilizing Official GRE Materials
Harness the power of official GRE study materials provided by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The Official GRE Guide, GRE PowerPrep, and other ETS resources offer a firsthand look at the test format and authentic practice questions. Practice with real GRE materials to familiarize yourself with the test's nuances.
While official materials are essential, supplement your preparation with other reputable GRE test prep books and online resources. Your local library or community center may offer classes teaching students how to effectively study and prepare for the exam. Consider enrolling in GRE prep courses or seeking tutoring services to gain diverse perspectives and strategies for success.
If you don't want to pay for an expensive course or bulky textbook, you can always go to your local or college library and take advantage of the comprehensive GRE test books that they may have in their collection.
Employ Test-Taking Strategies
Just because you are going to graduate school doesn't mean that you have learned all you can about being an effective test-taker! General test-taking strategies are invaluable for navigating multiple-choice questions efficiently. Learn to guess strategically when unsure and manage your time wisely throughout the exam. A calm and focused mindset is key to success.
Some people find simulating real test conditions is vital for success. You can regularly take full-length practice tests at home or in a simulated test environment. From there you can analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement. Adjust your study plan based on practice test results to continually enhance your skills.
Managing Test-Day Stress
On test day, managing stress is as important as mastering the content. Familiarize yourself with the test center environment, ensure a good night's sleep, and start the day with a nutritious breakfast. A calm and collected mindset enhances your test-taking abilities.
Always know that even if you don't your desired test result, you can always retake the GRE. No one is perfect so don't expect perfection from yourself. There is nothing wrong with seeking additional help or exploring new resources to address persistent challenges.
Mastering the GRE requires a proactive and disciplined approach. By understanding the test, setting clear goals, and implementing effective study strategies, you can enhance your performance and achieve a competitive score.
Remember, success on the GRE is not just about the destination; it's about the journey of continuous improvement and learning.
Jessica Dickenson
Jessica Dickenson graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with degrees in English and communication. She has applied her abilities working as a young marketing professional for a local university but works as a freelance writer and photographer in her spare time. She currently resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband.
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