How to Prepare for the GRE Psychology Subject Test

GRE Preparation for the psychology subject test can be stress producing even for the best students. Some graduate schools require the basic GRE (Graduate Record Exam) but the GRE Psychology subject test as well. This test reviews the basic foundational history, theory, and principle of psychology and, yes, includes statistics. Preparing for the GRE subject test can be daunting, but is simply done when broken into steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• GRE preparation books and/or software
• Introductory Psychology text
• GRE subject

1. Determine if you need to take the GRE subject test and the date you need the scores. If you are applying to graduate school in the fall and spring of your senior year at college, schools may want your scores with your graduate school application. You will want to allow sufficient time to take the test a couple of times. Many people take GRE subject tests in the spring and summer of their junior year.

2. Before studying, take the GRE psychology subject free practice test found on the ETS website (link below). ETS is the maker of the GRE and where you will register to take the test. Score the test so areas of weakness can be exposed.

3. Once you know your areas of weakness, find your textbooks on the subject if you still have them. Read the chapter summaries from each chapter to review the material.

4. Find your Introduction to Psychology Text and make a schedule for reading chapters. If you want to read the book in 2 weeks, read one chapter every other night or so.

5. Buy a GRE Psychology subject test preparatory book or course. Before starting further study, take another practice test to see if how much you have improved.

6. 
    
   GRE Prep Course

   Depending on the results, decide whether you are confident in your ability to complete your test preparation at home or need to enroll in a GRE preparation seminar.

7. Set goals for your studies that involve a little amount of studying each day or week. Be methodical- follow the course preparation advice or stick with one subject at a time.

8. Register for the test.

9. Study under the same conditions you will take the test in. You will be taking the test in a quiet room. If you study best with loud noises and distractions around you all hyped up on caffeine, it may be difficult on exam day. Make sure you are taking practice exams in the same condition you will take the real test in.

10. 
     
    PASS the GRE

    Be confident. Believing in yourself and working through fears and anxiety improves performance.

Tips & Warnings

• A little bit of motivating stress will help you study, too much may make you freeze. If you panic during tests, seek some advice.
• Follow through on a study plan. "Cramming" does not store information into long term and may not help you recall information during a tense moment.
• Don't wait until the last moment
• Practice tests can be long, but they are worth taking.

Resources

• ETS - Free Test Prep Materials
• Kaplan GRE Subject Test