How to Take a GRE Prep Course

Special committees use GRE scores, in combination with other data, to grant admission, award fellowships and to make teaching and research appointments. To do well on the GRE, you must study and take practice tests. The most effective way to prepare for the GRE is to enroll in a customized course. Here's how to take a GRE prep course that will make your score soar.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take a computer-based GRE practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you select a course and effectively use your study time. If you are particularly weak in one area, you may want to take a prep course and receive private tutoring.

2. Pick a course format that best suits your needs. Most testing companies offer traditional classroom instruction, online courses and small-group or one-on-one tutoring. Which you choose depends on your schedule, learning style and financial constraints.

3. Research a prep course before enrolling. Read online ratings and reviews. Speak to friends and family about their experiences. You will probably only have enough time and money to take one course, so you must choose an effective program.

4. Use all course materials and supplement with outside materials if necessary. Depending on whether you take a face-to-face or online GRE course, you will receive or download and print study materials. Buy supplementary study materials like flash cards to review formulas and vocabulary words.

5. Actively participate in your course. Attend every class meeting and ask questions about any unclear concepts. If your course is online and self-paced, set a study schedule and stick to it.

6. Study key concepts at home, work practice problems and take practice tests. Even if your instructor does not assign homework, you must study in between class sessions to retain new information, review subjects already discussed and develop questions about future topics.

Tips & Warnings

• Most online GRE prep courses offer free support via chat to help you with study material and answer questions. Online and traditional courses generally have a toll free helpline for students also.
• Take a GRE prep course that guarantees raising your score a certain number of points. If you don't receive your guaranteed score on the GRE, you can then retake the course within a specific period.

[lizzysmith1981]

on 9/17/2009 Great article! I am preparing for my GRE and what I find most helpful is practicing as much as I can. It’s pretty easy. I’ve been using www.examville.com to take online practice exams and live review courses .

[moby10001]

on 9/11/2009 Practice is the key to doing well on GRE. I found unlimited GRE online practice tests at Examville.com to be a great resource. Good luck.

[charleshill]

on 4/23/2009 The total score of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is 1600. 800 math and 800 verbal. Math section is of 45 minutes and Verbal section is of 30 minutes. Its is in three sections Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Score in Verbal part should be 500 and in Quantitative should be 750, then only you will get admissions in good college. Now days a lot of resources are available online, take as many practice tests possible to improve your score and to get used to the format. you can try out this http://www.examville.com/virtualtests.jsp for free practice tests…… Study Hard……..Best of Luck