Preparing for the GRE can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies and tools, you can master the exam and achieve your desired score. This guide provides you with the top strategies for success on the GRE, from taking practice tests to utilizing studying apps. Whether you're just starting your preparation or looking to refine your approach, these tips will help you stay focused, manage your time, and improve your weaknesses.
Key Takeaways
Take Practice Tests: Practice exams prepare test-takers for the pacing and structure of the exam on test day. They also help identify areas needing improvement.
Manage Your Time: Efficient time management is crucial during the GRE. Practice pacing yourself to stay focused and complete all sections within the allotted time.
Work on Weaknesses: Identify and focus on your weaker areas during your study sessions to improve your overall performance on the GRE.
Familiarize Yourself: Get to know the test structure and common question formats to avoid surprises on test day.
Stay on a Schedule: Create and stick to a study schedule to ensure consistent practice and exposure to the GRE content.
Take Practice Tests
Taking practice tests is a crucial step in preparing for the GRE. These tests help you gauge your current level of preparedness and identify areas that need improvement. By simulating the actual test environment, you can become more comfortable with the format and time constraints of the GRE.
Free GRE practice test and personal score assessment: Many platforms, like Magoosh, offer free practice tests that provide an estimated GRE score, highlight your strengths and weaknesses, and offer full explanations for each question.
Online practice test resources: These resources provide sample GRE tests to help you get accustomed to the types of questions you'll encounter on the exam. They are often free or available through a subscription.
ETS POWERPREP Practice Tests: Designed by ETS, these tests include sample scores and help you become familiar with question formats, on-screen tools, and timed conditions.
Manage Your Time
Effectively managing your time is crucial for success on the GRE. Focus on time management to ensure you can complete each section within the allotted time. Here are some strategies to help you manage your time effectively:
Practice under timed conditions: Simulate the actual test environment by taking timed practice tests. This will help you get used to the time constraints and improve your pacing.
Break down tasks: For the analytical writing section, allocate specific time slots for brainstorming, drafting, and proofreading. For example, spend 7 minutes brainstorming, 20 minutes writing, and 3 minutes proofreading.
Prioritize questions: During the test, tackle the easier questions first to secure quick points, then move on to the more challenging ones.
Keep an eye on the clock: Regularly check the time to ensure you are on track. Avoid spending too much time on any single question.
Work on Weaknesses
Focusing on your weaker areas is crucial when preparing for the GRE. Prioritize weak areas by taking note of the sections and topics where you scored the lowest based on your diagnostic test results. This targeted approach will help you improve more efficiently.
Identify your weak points through practice tests.
Allocate more study time to these areas.
Use resources like study guides, online forums, and tutoring to strengthen these weaknesses.
Familiarize Yourself
Understanding the structure of the GRE is crucial for success. Familiarize yourself with the overall test layout and the most common question formats to avoid surprises on test day. This preparation will help you navigate the exam more confidently and efficiently.
Learn the different sections of the GRE: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
Understand the types of questions you will encounter in each section.
Take shorter diagnostic quizzes to get a feel for the question types and difficulty levels.
Review the scoring system to know how your performance will be evaluated.
Stay on a Schedule
Creating and adhering to a study plan is crucial for GRE success. Consistency in your preparation ensures that you cover all necessary material and build the skills needed for the test. Even if you can only dedicate small chunks of time each day, it's important to stay committed.
Set a Test Date: The first step is to choose a test date that aligns with your goals. This decision sets the foundation for your entire study plan.
Create a Study Schedule: Plan out your study sessions over a period of time. Beginners should aim for at least three months of preparation, while advanced students might opt for a shorter timeline.
Stick to Your Plan: Diligence is key. If you're not attending a prep program, it's even more important to stay on track with your self-study schedule.
By staying on a schedule, you ensure that you are consistently practicing and exposing yourself to the content, which is essential for mastering the GRE.
Private Tutoring
Private tutoring can be a game-changer for many GRE test-takers. One-on-one sessions offer personalized attention that is tailored to your specific needs and learning style. This individualized approach can help you focus on your weaknesses and turn them into strengths.
Benefits of Private Tutoring
Customized study plans
Flexible scheduling
Immediate feedback and clarification
Increased motivation and accountability
Finding the Right Tutor
There are several platforms where you can find qualified GRE tutors:
Princeton Review: Offers a list of approved tutors in your area.
Varsity Tutors: Allows you to choose a tutor based on their bio, academic strengths, and location.
Care.com: Provides information about tutors' years of experience, academic history, and availability.
Cost Considerations
Private tutoring can be expensive, but many platforms offer various pricing options to fit different budgets. Some tutors may also offer package deals or discounts for multiple sessions.
Studying Apps
The growing pool of study apps offers new, interactive ways to prepare for the GRE, usually through quiz-based challenges, flashcards, or short videos. Typically, these apps are free. They're ideal for on-the-go studiers who prefer to learn by doing, rather than parsing through a 700-page test prep book. You can find any of these apps in iTunes, or through play.google.com.
Key Features of Study Apps
Interactive Learning: Many apps use quiz-based challenges and flashcards to make studying more engaging.
Accessibility: These apps are perfect for those who are always on the move.
Cost-Effective: Most of these apps are free, making them an affordable option for students.
Popular Study Apps
IntelliVocab for GRE and GMAT: This app helps you learn and master 290+ words, and its code is programmed to customize itself to your weaknesses.
PrepGame: This app turns GRE prep into a competitive game that helps you learn GRE math topics under increasingly difficult time pressure.
Pocket GRE Math: This app contains 550+ questions in 19 mathematical topics and includes a scratchpad for your computational work.
Online Practice Tests
Online practice tests are an invaluable resource for anyone preparing for the GRE. They help students learn to pace themselves, highlight the question types they are likely to encounter, and identify areas of strength and weakness. One of the best ways to prepare is to attempt the GRE® test questions in GRE® tests conducted online as they allow you to:
Become accustomed to the questions you'll see on the exam.
Practice under timed conditions.
Increase confidence on test day.
You can find online practice tests from most major SAT prep companies. These tests are typically free or offered on a year-long subscription basis. Test-takers who have trouble working under time constraints can benefit greatly from taking practice tests, which help them become more comfortable with the fast-paced exam.
Learn GRE Vocabulary
Mastering the GRE vocabulary is crucial for success on the verbal section of the exam. Acing your way through the top GRE vocabulary not only boosts your score but also enhances your professional and personal communication skills. Think of the top GRE vocabulary list as a lifelong asset that will aid you in graduate-level communication and beyond.
How to Memorize GRE Vocabulary
Use Flashcards: Flashcards are a tried-and-true method for memorizing vocabulary. Apps like Quizlet and Magoosh offer extensive collections of GRE vocabulary flashcards.
Engage in Active Usage: The best way to learn GRE vocab is to use these words in conversation or writing. Get creative in your text messages or make up sentences that apply to your life.
Leverage Technology: Utilize apps like IntelliVocab for GRE and GMAT, which customize learning to your weaknesses, or PrepGame, which turns GRE prep into a competitive game.
Recommended Apps for GRE Vocabulary
IntelliVocab for GRE and GMAT: Helps you learn and master over 290 words, customizing itself to your weaknesses.
PrepGame: Turns GRE prep into a competitive game, helping you learn under time pressure.
Quizlet: Features 500 flashcards of GRE vocabulary words, allowing you to flip and reveal answers.
Magoosh: Offers an online, free ebook of vocabulary flashcards, organized by theme and popularity.
GRE Math Strategy
The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section can be daunting, but it primarily focuses on high school algebra and below. You don't need to relearn calculus or high school geometry proofs. Instead, concentrate on mastering the basics and developing effective test-taking strategies.
Key Strategies
Practice Mixed Sets: Regularly practise mixed sets of questions covering all GRE quant topics. This will help you become familiar with the variety of questions you might encounter.
Develop Estimation Skills: For quantitative comparison questions, often an estimation is sufficient to eliminate incorrect answers. This can save you valuable time during the test.
Memorize Formulas: Memorizing a GRE math formula cheat sheet is just the first step. Knowing which formulas to use and applying them quickly is crucial.
Use Answer Elimination: Develop strategies like answer elimination and plugging in answer choices to find the correct answer more efficiently.
By focusing on these strategies, you can improve your performance on the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section and approach the test with greater confidence.
Conclusion
Mastering the GRE is a journey that requires dedication, strategic planning, and consistent effort. By familiarizing yourself with the test structure, managing your time effectively, and focusing on your weaknesses, you can significantly improve your performance. Utilizing resources such as practice tests, study schedules, and even private tutoring can provide the structured support needed to excel. Remember, the GRE is not just a test but a game of skill and patience. Approach it with confidence and a positive mindset, and you'll be well on your way to achieving your desired score. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I take practice tests?
It is recommended to take practice tests regularly, such as once a week, to track your progress and get accustomed to the test format.
What is the best way to manage my time during the GRE?
Practice pacing yourself during your study sessions and use a timer to simulate real test conditions. Prioritize questions you find easier and return to tougher ones if time allows.
How can I identify my weaknesses for the GRE?
Review your practice test results to see which sections or question types you struggle with the most. Focus your study sessions on these areas to improve.
Why is it important to familiarize myself with the GRE format?
Knowing the test structure and common question formats helps reduce surprises on test day and allows you to plan your time and strategy more effectively.
How can a private tutor help me prepare for the GRE?
A private tutor can provide personalized guidance, help you with pacing and test-taking tactics, and keep you accountable to a structured study schedule.
Are studying apps effective for GRE preparation?
Yes, studying apps can be very effective as they provide practice questions, vocabulary exercises, and video lessons that can help you study on the go.
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