GRE Study Strategies
Preparing for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may seem reminiscent of Advanced Placement, SAT or ACT test preparation at first glance. But reviewing a practice test online or a study guidebook may prove more difficult than you first thought. Follow these tips to improve your math, reading and writing skills to give your best effort on test day.
Other People Are Reading
-
Study Strategies for GRE Reading Section
-
Take the time to read the passages thoroughly and carefully, even if you're not interested in the reading passage. Recognize that you must answer the questions based on what the passages say rather than outside knowledge. Eliminate answers that have nothing to do with the passage.
Pay attention to "trigger words" such as "except," "not" and "also." Get used to identifying the types of reading passages on the GRE, such as compare/contrast, debate or historical. Study vocabulary lists available online (see Resources) or in test prep books; certain words are used often on the GRE.
Preparation Tips for GRE Writing Section
-
Practice writing in timed conditions. Using GRE study guides, create outlines for some practice questions and full essays for others. Research topics from these practice lists that you would feel uncomfortable writing about on test day. Broaden your knowledge by reading the newspaper or watching television news. Think of classes you have taken or books you have read that you could use to craft examples and support for a variety of essay types.
Establish a timetable for how much time to devote to brainstorming and developing the essay. Study grammatical rules and essay construction with a tutor or have a friend critique a finished essay. Organize each essay carefully and include a strong thesis statement.
-
GRE Math Study Strategies
-
Realize that approximation and rounding can help you eliminate incorrect answers in math problems. Plug in the answer options and work the math in reverse. Remember the order of operations and be careful with negative signs. Draw pictures for the word problems and avoid trying to do the work in your head.
Take your time and try to narrow down the possible answers before guessing. Brush up on formulas and rules for each math section. Do practice problem sets and get help with the types of problems you find most difficult.
Last-Minute GRE Preparation Tips
-
Examine the rules and procedures for the test, noting the time limitations. Complete a practice test or two and decide on one to three areas on which you need to focus your studying.
Knowing vocabulary can dramatically increase your score, so try to memorize some of the most often used vocabulary words. Orient yourself to common standardized test strategies, such as using the process of elimination and finding answers quickly.
Take a practice GRE test online (see Resources) or use the GRE CD you may have received in the mail after registering to take the test. Use online vocabulary and math games for practice, too. Design a template you can use for the essays. Avoid cramming large amounts of material into your head in the last day or two before the exam.
-
References
Resources
- Educational Testing Services: GRE General Test: Prepare for the Test
- Princeton Review: What's on the GRE?
- GRE Test Tips and Techniques: Test Tactics and Sectional Strategies for the GRE
- West Texas A&M: GRE Math Practice Test I: The Warm- up Test
- Educational Testing Services: Analytical Writing: "Issue" Task Topics
- Test Prep Review: GRE Test Vocabulary and SAT Test Vocabulary High Frequency Words
- Photo Credit taking test image by Petro Feketa from Fotolia.com
