How to Prepare for the GRE Test
The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is a test that is taken as part of the application process for graduate school. Studying for the GRE is a big undertaking, and is a task that should not be taken lightly. The exam is divided up into three different timed parts: verbal, quantitative and analytical. There is also an additional section that is added into the test and will be either a verbal or quantitative section. This extra section is not counted towards your overall score, but is not identified, so it is best to try to do well on all the sections of your exam. Make sure to give yourself enough time to study and prepare before the big day arrives.
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Instructions
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Write out a study plan. This is very important when considering a big test like the GRE, for which you should spend at least a few months preparing. Decide which key lessons you will focus on from a week-to-week basis.
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Purchase or borrow a GRE study guide. These books include sample questions and tests that are formatted exactly as the actual test will be. By practicing with these books, you can become comfortable with the format of the test before you take it.
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Make a few new vocabulary flash cards every day to learn and memorize. Write the word you want to learn on one side and its definition on the other. Go over the cards until you know the definition of each word without looking at the other side. The GRE study guide you use should list words that are commonly found on the exam; it is best to create your flash cards using these lists.
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Brush up on your basic high-school math skills. The quantitative section of the GRE tests your mathematical skills at a high-school level, since not everyone is required to take math in college or university.
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Practice writing an analytical essay using the prompts that should be included in your GRE study books. On test day, you will have to write two different essays: an analytical argumentative essay and an analytical opinion essay. Learn how to gather your thoughts and brainstorm ideas quickly but thoroughly.
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Take a few practice tests. Some should be included in your study books. Make sure to time yourself when taking a practice test, since the actual exam will be timed and you will want to make sure that you answer questions in a time-efficient manner.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure to get a good night's sleep before test day. Do not skip any meals on the day of your test and eat healthy foods that will help sustain you during the exam. If you do not know the answer, guess anyway, because the GRE does not dock points for incorrect answers. Allow yourself to take the GRE far in advance of when you'll need to have taken it, in case you want to retake it for a better score later.
Never try to cheat on the GRE. You will mostly likely be caught and banned from taking the test for good.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit taking test image by Petro Feketa from Fotolia.com
