Preparing for the GRE can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where to start. Did you know that one key success factor is having an in-depth knowledge of English vocabulary? In this article, we’ll guide you through effective strategies and valuable resources to bolster your test preparation.
Ready for lift-off towards higher GRE scores? Read on!
Key Takeaways
- Reading analytical non – fiction helps boost thinking skills and improve verbal section performance on the GRE.
- Creating a study plan allows for efficient preparation by dividing time between Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
- Taking practice tests familiarizes you with the format, content, and helps identify areas that need improvement.
- Identifying weaknesses and tracking progress ensures targeted practice in areas where improvement is needed.
Preparation Strategies for the GRE
Read analytical non-fiction, create a study plan, take practice tests, identify weaknesses, track progress, and trust your instincts.
Read analytical non-fiction
Reading analytical non-fiction is a key step to ace the GRE. These books boost your thinking skills. They also help you get better at reading for the GRE’s verbal section. Good examples of such books are reports, essays, and other scholarly texts.
You should focus on understanding what you read. Try noting down main ideas and arguments from each text as practice. This can work wonders in improving your score!
Create a study plan
Creating a study plan is key to ace the GRE exam. Start with these steps:
- Find out how much time you have before the test.
- Look at what parts of the test you need to work on.
- Split your study time over the weeks before the test.
- Plan time each week for each part of the GRE: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
- Follow expert GRE study plans or build your own from scratch.
- Check your progress as you go along.
- Adjust your plan as needed based on what you’re good at and what you still need to learn.
Take practice tests
Take many practice tests before your real GRE. These tests are like a trial run. They show you how the real exam works. You will see the format and content of the questions. This helps take away any fear or worry about what’s to come on test day.
Practice tests also point out where you need more work. They can shine a light on areas that trip you up. More practice in these weak spots will make them stronger! Lastly, timed mock exams help with time management skills for the actual exam day.
Identify weaknesses
To prepare effectively for the GRE, it is important to identify your weaknesses. This means recognizing areas where you may struggle or need improvement. For example, if you have trouble with reading comprehension, it’s crucial to address this weakness by practicing with complex texts and improving your understanding of them.
Additionally, tracking your progress and measuring improvement can help you focus on areas that need more attention. By identifying weaknesses and working on them, you will be better equipped to perform well on the GRE exam.
Track progress
Tracking your progress is a crucial part of preparing for the GRE. It helps you set clear goals, measure improvement, and identify areas that need more work. By regularly taking practice tests and analyzing your results, you can assess your strengths and weaknesses.
This allows you to focus on the areas where you need more practice and develop effective strategies to tackle those specific challenges. Monitoring your progress will help you stay motivated and build confidence as you see yourself getting closer to achieving your target score.
So make sure to track your development throughout your GRE preparation journey!
Trust instincts
Trusting your own instincts can be beneficial when preparing for the GRE exam. It’s important to remember that you have put in the effort and studied diligently. When faced with challenging questions, don’t second-guess yourself.
Trust your gut feeling and make educated guesses based on your knowledge. Your instincts can guide you towards the right answer, even if it’s not immediately obvious. Embrace your test-taking skills and trust yourself during this competitive exam.
Resources for GRE Preparation
The Official GRE Mentor Course, POWERPREP® Practice Tests, GRE Diagnostic Service, Khan Academy® Instructional Videos, and various books and services are invaluable resources for effective GRE preparation.
Official GRE Mentor Course
The Official GRE Mentor course is your go-to resource for preparing for the GRE General Test. Designed by the test makers themselves, this self-paced course provides comprehensive test prep materials to help you succeed.
With plenty of practice questions, a full-length practice test, and content to build your skills, the Official GRE Mentor course has everything you need to feel confident on exam day.
Highly recommended for job seekers looking to enhance their chances of success on the GRE!
POWERPREP® Practice Tests
The POWERPREP Practice Tests are free and can be used to prepare for the GRE General Test. These tests are section-adaptive, similar to the real GRE. They include Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections.
You can also take a timed practice test with POWERPREP PLUS. In addition to this, there is POWERPREP Online that offers two official practice tests and extra practice questions. So, make sure to take advantage of these resources to help you study effectively for the GRE!
GRE Diagnostic Service
The GRE Diagnostic Service is a helpful resource for job seekers preparing for the GRE General Test. It offers free and low-cost materials to help you study. One of the main features is the Official GRE Mentor course, which provides valuable guidance and strategies for test preparation.
You can also access videos, events, books, and services through this service. Additionally, the POWERPREP Practice tests are available as part of the GRE Diagnostic Service, allowing you to practice and familiarize yourself with the test format.
They also provide detailed information on test content and section overviews to aid in your preparation process.
Khan Academy® Instructional Videos
Khan Academy® offers instructional videos that can be a useful resource for studying for the GRE, especially for the Quantitative Reasoning section. These videos provide additional explanations on the concepts covered in the Math Review.
While Khan Academy is primarily focused on STEM-based learning, it does not provide lessons on topics tested in the GRE verbal section. The “I’m Bad At Math” GRE Prep Guide by Vince Kotchian utilizes Khan Academy to teach GRE math concepts and formulas.
So, if you’re looking to brush up on your math skills for the GRE, these instructional videos could be a helpful tool to add to your study plan.
Books and services
For GRE preparation, there are a variety of books and services available that can help you study effectively. One highly recommended book is “The Official Guide to the GRE General Test” by ETS.
Another popular choice among students is Jamboree’s GRE Maths Workbook. In addition to these books, ETS provides free and for-purchase test prep resources, including online practice exams and a content outline.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive study material, Magoosh GRE Prep is also worth considering. Manhattan Prep Set of 8 Strategy Guides is another highly recommended resource for your GRE preparation journey.
Tips for Effective GRE Studying
Find your baseline score before starting your GRE preparation and set a target score to work towards; practice different techniques, mimic real GRE conditions, and review your results regularly; build your vocabulary and practice using the calculator as well as without it.
Find baseline score
To prepare effectively for the GRE, it’s important to start by finding your baseline score. This means taking a full-length practice test to see where you stand before beginning your studies.
Official GRE practice tests, like the PowerPrep tests, can give you an initial reference score and help determine your starting point. This baseline score will serve as a valuable reference throughout your preparation process.
By knowing your baseline score, you can track your progress over time and measure how much you’ve improved. It also helps you set a target score that you want to achieve. Taking practice tests regularly can build up your endurance for the actual exam and improve your performance on test day.
Set target score
Setting a target score is an important part of preparing for the GRE. It helps you stay focused and motivated during your study sessions. By knowing what score you want to achieve, you can create a personalized plan and work towards reaching that goal.
Keep in mind that everyone’s target score may be different based on their individual goals and circumstances. So, take some time to think about what score would be meaningful for you and use it as a guide throughout your preparation journey.
Practice techniques
To improve your GRE score, it’s important to practice using effective techniques. Here are some strategies you can use:
- Review and study regularly to reinforce your knowledge and skills.
- Take timed practice tests to simulate the real testing conditions and build your confidence.
- Work on sample questions from different sections of the GRE to become familiar with the types of questions you’ll encounter.
- Analyze your mistakes and learn from them to avoid making the same errors in the future.
- Practice time management by setting a timer for each section and challenging yourself to complete it within the allotted time.
- Use flashcards or online tools to memorize vocabulary words commonly tested on the GRE.
- Follow proven problem – solving techniques for math and logic problems.
Mimic real GRE conditions
To prepare effectively for the GRE, it’s important to mimic real GRE conditions during your study sessions. This means finding practice materials that closely resemble the actual test format and taking practice tests under similar time limits and conditions as the real exam.
While paper-and-pencil tests can be helpful for practicing concepts, they don’t adapt to individual performance like the computer-adaptive GRE exam does. By simulating the test-taking experience and using materials that mirror the real GRE, you’ll be better prepared to tackle both the content and structure of the actual exam.
Review results
After studying for the GRE, it’s important to review your results. This will help you understand what areas you need to focus on and improve. By looking at your practice test scores and identifying any weaknesses, you can come up with a plan to address them.
Keep track of your progress over time so that you can see how much you’ve improved. Trust your instincts and believe in yourself as you continue preparing for the exam.
Remember, there are no specific review results provided in this article.
Build vocabulary
GRE vocabulary preparation is essential for job seekers who are planning to take the exam. By developing a strong vocabulary, you can better understand the main ideas and details of the content you’ll encounter on the GRE.
To improve your vocabulary, there are effective tips and strategies you can implement. Instead of simply memorizing words, try learning them in context with their meanings. You can also study word roots and prefixes, which will help increase your knowledge of GRE vocabulary.
With these methods, you’ll be able to enhance your language proficiency and perform better on the exam.
Practice with and without calculator
It is important for job seekers preparing for the GRE to practice solving problems both with and without a calculator. While using a calculator can be helpful, relying too much on it can actually be a disadvantage.
By practicing without a calculator, candidates can enhance their problem-solving skills and improve their ability to manage time during the exam. It is recommended that candidates use practice tests to assess their proficiency in solving problems with and without a calculator.
This will help them become more comfortable and confident in tackling numerical questions on the GRE.
Test Details and Structure
The GRE is administered in a computer-adaptive format and is different from the GRE Subject Tests. It is important to understand its cost, scheduling, and the time needed for preparation.
Achieving a high score on the GRE can greatly enhance your job prospects as it is often considered by employers and graduate programs.
Computer-adaptive format
The computer-based GRE exam is section adaptive, which means it adjusts to your performance within each section. You can move forward and backward throughout the entire section, so you have control over your answers.
The structure, content, and scoring scales for the paper-based and computer-based GRE are the same. This format allows for a personalized testing experience based on your abilities and helps ensure that you are challenged appropriately.
Comparison to GRE Subject Tests
The GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Tests have distinct features, purposes, formats, and fee structures. Below is a comparison of these two types of exams:
| Features | GRE General Test | GRE Subject Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Evaluates verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills. | Assesses mastery in a specific field of study, helping graduate school admission committees and fellowship sponsors evaluate applicants’ qualifications in specific fields. |
| Format | Computer-adaptive test | Paper-delivered test without separately timed sections |
| Testing Time | Approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes | 2 hours |
| Fee Structure | As of 2022, the standard fee for the GRE General Test is $205 worldwide. | The GRE Subject Test fee is $150 worldwide. |
Understanding the differences between the two tests allows you to make an informed decision on which test suits your academic and career goals better.
Cost and scheduling
The GRE General Test is a significant investment in both time and money, and it’s crucial to plan accordingly. Below is a clear overview of the associated costs and scheduling process for the GRE.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | The cost of taking the GRE General Test was $205, which increased to $213 in October 2020. As of 2023, the cost to register and take the GRE is $220 for all testing locations, excluding China. Note that ETS offers a Fee Reduction Program for eligible test-takers, which can be found on the ETS website. |
| Scheduling | Registration and appointment scheduling for the GRE are part of the administrative procedures you’ll need to undertake. The frequency of test offerings may vary throughout the year, so advance planning is advisable. Your test date, time, and test center location are determined during the registration process. Make sure to consider your personal circumstances and grad school application deadlines when deciding when to take the test. |
Importance of GRE scores
GRE scores are an important factor in the admissions process for MS and Ph.D. programs in English-speaking countries. They measure your skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
You’ll receive three scores, one for each section of the test. Your GRE score can range from being just a formality to being a crucial selection factor. It’s important to understand the exam syllabus and test structure so you can prepare effectively.
GRE math and verbal scores fall on a scale of 130-170, while the analytical writing score range varies.
Time needed for preparation
Experts recommend dedicating adequate time for GRE preparation to ensure a thorough and committed approach. The suggested timeframe ranges from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on individual schedules and availability.
Shah, an expert in GRE preparation, suggests setting aside two to three months for intensive study or spreading it out over three to four months. It’s important to find the right balance that works for you.
However, regardless of the timeframe chosen, it is crucial to stay dedicated and commit enough time each day or week towards studying effectively. Remember, the final week before the exam should be focused on putting finishing touches on your preparation and tapering off studying.
Comparison to GMAT and LSAT
The GRE, GMAT, and LSAT are all standardized tests, but each has distinct characteristics. Below is a comparative analysis in an HTML table format.
| GRE | GMAT | LSAT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Structure | Has three parts: Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical Writing. | Has four sections: Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical Writing. | Includes five sections: Reading Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and a Writing Sample. |
| Content Emphasis | Emphasizes vocabulary and reading comprehension in its Verbal section. | Focuses more on grammar and logic in its Verbal section. | Primarily tests logical and analytical reasoning skills. |
| Administration | Computer-adaptive by section. | Computer-adaptive by question. | Paper and pencil administered, transitioning to digital format. |
| Scoring | Score range from 130-170 for Verbal and Quantitative sections, and 0-6 for Analytical Writing. | Score range from 200-800. | Score range from 120-180. |
| Preparation | Preparation is shorter compared to GMAT. | Requires longer preparation due to its complexity. | Requires intense preparation, focusing on logic and reasoning. |
Overall, the GRE and GMAT test many of the same skills but have differences in structure, content emphasis, administration, and scoring. Furthermore, the difficulty level of these tests is a common point of comparison for applicants. The GMAT tends to be more complex, requiring more preparation time. Meanwhile, the LSAT primarily tests your logical and analytical reasoning skills, making it more challenging to determine which is harder for admission. Both the GRE and GMAT offer practice tests to help with your preparation.
Conclusion
Preparing for the GRE can be challenging, but with the right strategies and resources, you can improve your score. By using practice tests, tracking your progress, and focusing on your weaknesses, you can boost your confidence and achieve success on exam day.
Remember to create a study plan, read analytical non-fiction, and trust your instincts. With dedication and perseverance, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the GRE and reach your academic goals.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to prepare for the GRE?
The time needed to prepare for the GRE can vary depending on individual factors, but most people spend several weeks or months studying for the exam.
2. What study materials should I use to prepare for the GRE?
There are various study materials available, including official GRE prep books, online practice tests, and study guides from reputable sources. It’s important to choose resources that align with your learning style and goals.
3. Are there any tips for effective GRE preparation?
Some helpful tips for preparing for the GRE include creating a study schedule, using flashcards to review vocabulary, practicing timed exams, and seeking guidance from experienced test-takers or tutors.
4. Should I take a prep course before taking the GRE?
Taking a prep course can be beneficial as it provides structured lessons, expert guidance, and access to additional practice materials. However, it’s not mandatory and many people have successfully prepared on their own.
5. How can I manage stress during my GRE preparation?
To manage stress during your GRE preparation journey, you can break down your study sessions into manageable chunks of time, prioritize self-care activities such as exercise and relaxation techniques, seek support from friends or family members when needed, and maintain a positive mindset by focusing on your progress rather than comparing yourself to others.
