GRE preparation tips from top scorers

What is GRE?

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that is an admission requirement for many graduate schools across many countries. Anyone who is planning to pursue their Masters abroad can take the GRE.

The GRE has been introduced to check the academic awareness of the aspirant. GRE scores are accepted by thousands of business and law schools. This test is conducted to enable educational institutions to identify applicants who are academically capable of successfully completing the business or law program.

The GRE Format

There are 2 types of GRE:

a) GRE General Test

The GRE general test includes sections that test your reading, math, vocabulary, reasoning, and essay writing skills. This test is mandatory for your admission into a business or law program.

b) GRE Subject Test

There are also four GRE Subject Tests. This tests your knowledge in specific areas of Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.  It measures your knowledge in this particular field of study. Students who wish to pursue specialized subjects, need to take the GRE Subject Test.

The GRE has a reputation for being a demanding exam owing to its tough syllabus and long test time.

If you are a GRE aspirant, do not worry. We have got in touch with students who have successfully cracked the GRE with at least a 325 score. We have explored their strategies for a top GRE score. 

In this blog, we will cover some tips and methods that will help you crack the GRE with flying colors. Read on

1. GRE sections

GRE is made up of 3 sections

•  Verbal Reasoning (Reading comprehension)– you are scored on a scale from     130-170 in 1 point increments
• Quantitative Reasoning (Math section)-you are scored on a scale from 130-170 in 1 point increments
• Writing– you are scored on a scale from 0-6 in half increments

2. Know what to expect

Before taking the GRE you should know all about the test. GRE is a computer-delivered test offered all year round. You can take the test either at your home or at the test center.

The administrative process of the test involves registration, appointment scheduling, etc. The style of GRE questions will range from entering a single answer to selecting one or more answers and also to enter a numeric answer. An on-screen calculator is available during the quant section.

You can also mark and review questions. In case you are not able to give enough time to solve a question, you can mark it, move on to the next question and review it later to answer it. GRE software gives you the option of reviewing questions you have already answered and changing them.

3. Exam Time

The actual GRE will last for 3 hours and 45 minutes. Be prepared to spend at least 4-5 hours at the test center. The extra hours will be needed for commuting, filling out forms, breaks and score acceptance.

4.    Don’t study hard, study smart

Try to figure out the best method for you to retain information. Some people learn better when they write things down; others learn it when they hear the information. Identify your own easy and comfortable method of learning.  Don’t try to get lots of information at the same time.

Develop a systematic approach to studying. Make a study plan and stick to it religiously.

 5. Enroll in a study center

GRE is considered one of the toughest exams to crack. Preparing for GRE on your own is not at all recommended. It requires proper planning and a systematic approach to crack the test. Moreover, it also costs a lot of money to take the test. Therefore, the best way to ace the test is to get prepared through a professional test prep center. These centers provide you with a personalized study plan and instructors who guide you on the right path. Constructive feedback from your instructors will help you in keeping track of your progress through the GRE prep journey.

 6. Plan for your GRE early

Start preparing for your GRE 6 months prior to you taking the test. Make a study plan and follow it religiously. Practice for a few hours every day on all the sections of the test. Don’t miss out on your study routine as you may end up losing crucial concepts of lessons.

7. No negative marking 

On the GRE, there is no negative marking. As a result, it’s in your best interests to guess every question. Attempt every question, even if you are not sure of the answers. You might get lucky and earn a few extra points.

 8. Identify your weaknesses

The areas you dislike the most are the areas that challenge you. Instead of avoiding these areas, try nailing them with a proper approach. Working harder within areas that need improvement will give you results more quickly and take you one step closer to your target score.

9. Practice

Practice makes a man perfect. Practice for all the sections of the test. GRE is a time-bound test. So, practice writing your test within the given time limit. This will give you an edge on test day.