How to Prepare on the Day of Your GRE

You’ve completed countless practice exams, written tons of essays, learned high school algebra all over again, memorized words that no one uses in daily conversation and your graduate school applications are flawless and ready to mail. The day has arrived when all of that preparation is put to good use on the test that could make or break your future—the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). Here’s how to master your nerves when you finally come eye to eye with destiny.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A photo ID.
• Printed verification of payment if you registered for the GRE online.
• A healthy snack.

Preparing for the Big Day

1. Eat a hearty breakfast. Besides being a biological necessity, a sizable amount of healthy food in the morning kick-starts your metabolism and helps you burn fuel steadily throughout the day. This will be the first instance where gut reaction comes into play on test-taking day.
2. Arrive at the test site early. This way you can get acquainted with the waiting area (and the restroom facilities). If you’re the least bit unsure about the testing location, find it before test day to ensure that you know exactly where you’re going.
3. Nix all electronic devices, paper or writing instruments. At no point during testing or breaks are you allowed to use cell phones or PDAs. Paper and pencils will be provided.
4. Even if you’re a typically laid-back test taker, it’s easy to underestimate how nervous you become when you’re sitting in front of a $130 test. If you find yourself sliding into panic mode, inhale for five seconds, hold for five seconds, exhale and repeat.
5. Avoid panic mode. Make sure that you take advantage of all available time and don’t rush through the test. Pacing yourself in practice tests is crucial, but if you find that you’re running behind on test day, remember to trust your gut (it is educated guessing, after all). You will have a thirty-minute tutorial before the test, an optional (consider it mandatory) ten-minute break after the Analytical Writing section, and one-minute breaks between remaining sections.
6. During your ten-minute break, enjoy resting your eyes and devouring a nutritious snack that will boost your brain power as you finish the rest of the test. Envision yourself acing the test remainder.
7. Dress comfortably. Layer your clothing so that it will be easy to adjust to room temperature. You may even consider pulling on a sweatshirt bearing your dream university’s namesake for motivation.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wear contact lenses, opt for glasses the day of the test. Strained eyes are distracting.
• Don’t panic. Stay calm at all costs (even if it means guessing at the end of a section). A calm guess is better than a panicked one.

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