Preparing for the GRE for graduate school applications can be a daunting task, let alone acing the GRE. You can, however, navigate through this challenge with confidence if you use the right strategies and adopt a focused approach.
As part of my preparation for applying to graduate programs in chemistry and materials engineering, I began taking the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) in the fall of 2021. At the time, I was working as an engineer and it sure did not help for prepare for this test. In the mornings and after work, I would spend two hours studying for the test, which eventually felt like a part-time job. But, finally, all that arduous work paid off. The process of a daunting preparation schedule resulted in me gathering a wealth of information and strategies.
In this blog post, we will explore key tips and techniques to help you successfully face the GRE and unlock your full potential.
Section 1: Understanding the Exam
Understanding the exam thoroughly is essential before beginning the preparation process for acing the GRE. In this section, I will provide an overview of the exam structure, including the sections (Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing), the scoring system, and the time constraints. Knowing the format of the exam can help you tailor your preparation.
- GRE is a widely used standardized test used by graduate programs and professional schools around the world.
- The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the test.
- The timed test assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills to indicate a student’s readiness for graduate school.
- The test is broken down into six sections, with a 10-minute break after the third section.
- First is the analytical writing section, followed by four randomized verbal and quantitative reasoning sections, and an unmarked experimental section.
- Percentile scores are based on each year’s pool of test-takers; to score highly, you must score higher than the percentage of your peers.
- In addition to this, the comprehensiveness and length of the test make the test particularly challenging.
Take a baseline test
Taking a baseline is as imperative as any other step in this process for acing the GRE.
The baseline score is the score you would receive if you were to take the GRE today. Before you prepare a study plan, take a full-length GRE practice test in the same testing environment as the real test. Using the results, you can determine which content areas you need to focus on most during your preparation.
Clarify your GRE goals
Most likely, you have already begun making a list of graduate programs that interest you. Check your practice test score against the average GRE score of the most recent incoming class to each program. Ideally, you should aim to achieve a score that would place you at or above the average for the schools on your wish list. This is an excellent opportunity to complete this step if you have not done so already.
It is important to consider which graduate schools and programs you wish to apply to and whether they require or recommend a GRE score. If a test is required, investigate whether there is publicly available information regarding average scores from previous successful applications. You can use this guide to establish your goal score on the GRE. For more information on how the admission committee values the GRE in comparison to other application materials, you may contact the program coordinator or attend an information session. Some programs do not consider the GRE at all. Occasionally, the admission panel may exempt an applicant from taking the exam due to unforeseen circumstances. The COVID pandemic, for example, has caused most Canadian universities to exempt GRE test takers from taking the test in 2021. Therefore, it is imperative to obtain the most up-to-date information from the department.
- Also, consider connecting with current students in your desired program (via LinkedIn, a network, or a mutual friend), so you can gain an insider’s perspective.
- The number of applicants admitted each year is an indicator of the program’s competitiveness. To identify key areas for improvement, familiarize yourself with the GRE’s structure, scoring method, and question types before taking your first practice test. By gauging yourself, you can easily put weight on particular areas you want to improve and allocate your time accordingly.
- As a final step, use a GRE-approved calculator and follow guidelines to simulate test-taking conditions.
Section 2: Creating a Study Plan
The GRE is one of those exams that would be intimidating if you did not have a plan of action. On the other hand, acing the GRE is not that difficult if you start on the right foot.
For efficient preparation, it is important to develop a well-structured study plan. The purpose of this section is to explain how to develop a study schedule that meets your needs and constraints. I will discuss various strategies for setting realistic goals, allocating time to each section, and incorporating regular practice tests. Maintaining a study plan will help you stay organized and maximize your preparation time.
Make a plan to close the gap
Whether you choose a prep course, online program, or test prep book, you need a smart prep plan that will hold you accountable and give you the results you need. With a little research, you’ll find the right environment for you.
During my preparation for the GRE, I selected the ETS course materials because they are the most comprehensive and clear for me, and most importantly, they are the ones who make the exam in the first place! It is important to do your research when selecting a course, if necessary since most of it is dependent on your objectives.
There are several other reliable GRE courses and programs available online.
- Magoosh GRE course
- The Princeton Review
- Kaplan GRE course
It should be noted that this is not to suggest that you must take a paid course to ace the GRE. Online resources are abundant, including materials from ETS, which, in my opinion, provides the best resources for your GRE preparation.
Gage your time
The GRE is typically recommended to be taken three to four months before the deadline for program applications. It is recommended to devote two to three months of preparation before the test date to ensure adequate preparation.
Since the GRE assesses skills developed over time, such as foundational math concepts, critical reading, and vocabulary range, taking some considerable time is worth it. Depending on your goal scores, the number of hours you spend studying each day, and the current baseline score, you may require more or less time. If you have to retake the exam, you will have ample time to do so before the application deadlines.
Section 3: Mastering Content and Concepts
Upon telling my friends that I was beginning to prepare for the GRE, I received a great deal of study materials. I recall having a difficult time choosing the materials that I wanted to use for my preparation for some weeks. Keep in mind that less is always more. Starting small is always a good idea.
Due to this, this section outlining the available course materials is listed here in the middle of the blog post. By this point, you will already have determined what skills you would like to improve and therefore, what course materials you require.
The purpose of this section is to provide a comprehensive overview of various resources and study materials available, including official GRE guides, online tutorials, and practice books. It’s best to choose only the course materials that you are interested in and avoid wasting your time with all the available online course materials.
I have compiled a list of resources that can assist you in simplifying your study process. You may want to spend some time exploring each of them, particularly the overview of resources. For best results, you may want to practice test questions using official ETS materials. In most cases, prep companies will create their questions rather than use those provided by the ETS. It is important to note that despite the similarities between these tests, they do not assess the same skills.
Summary of the most pertinent course materials
- Gregmat course materials: Chances are you are a student and do not have a lot of money to spend on these courses. This is where Gregmat course materials come in handy. Aside from using ETS course materials, this is the only other course I have followed. It costs only five dollars per month. For the price, this might be the best course available to students (apart from the ETS course material)
- A database of all the relevant ETS material: If you are just getting started and are not sure where to begin, you may want to start here
- Practice tests from ETS
- GRE practice book from ETS
- It would be a good idea to consider buying the ETS GRE big book, which contains 27 full tests. However, it is important to note that it covers the old version of the test, so it is out of print. However, you may purchase it from Amazon or any other third-party seller. Consequently, if you purchase the book, you should be aware of the sections you need to cover. If you follow the Gregmat course, it may assist you in choosing relevant questions from this book.
Quantitative reasoning
Verbal reasoning
Analytical writing
Section 4: Sharpening Test-Taking Skills
When it comes right down to it, the GRE is not a test of knowledge; it is a test of endurance. Rather than testing your memory, it tests your intelligence.
If you want to ace the GRE, you have to understand that test-taking skills are as important as knowledge when it comes to the GRE. We will explore time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving techniques in this section.
As I recall, someone told me before taking the test that even if you take the exam again and again, you will get the same results — reinforcing the idea that the GRE is not a memory test, but an intelligence test.
Obviously, this is not the case. Any human being has cognitive abilities, and this is why you can see so many success stories on the Internet of students taking the exam for the second or third time. However, you do not necessarily need to take the GRE test more than once to succeed, but only if you are aware of what skills you would like to acquire. At this point, you have already figured out these things. If you continue to sharpen your skills, you can go beyond the upper limit of the score that you are aiming for.
The following techniques can help you improve your test-taking skills.
Take notes as much as you can and organize them
It is better to maintain a proper system for taking notes. You may want to take physical notes or you may prefer to take digital notes. Regardless of the system you choose, as long as they are organized, either system would be effective.
Keep a daily record of your notes. Prepare your own study guides. Take advantage of any practice tests you receive from the courses you are taking or even create your own. As long as you follow these simple steps regularly, you will be well prepared on test day.
Develop positive rituals
The importance of confidence and a positive mindset when preparing for a test cannot be overstated.
Creating positive rituals can help you overcome negative thinking, test anxiety, and lack of focus that can undermine your success on test day. Allow yourself some extra time to enjoy a short walk or listen to your favorite music. Practice simple breathing exercises. Imagine yourself succeeding on the test.
You can create rituals that are unique to you. To succeed in the test, it is important to develop a calming habit that will enhance your confidence, attitude, and concentration at the start of the test.
Prioritize your sleep
Is there a reason why you should prioritize sleep? You will be able to think more clearly during the test if you have a good night’s sleep. In addition, it will make it easier to cope with stress and anxiety associated with test-taking. A good sleep habit has been shown to improve memory and academic performance, as well as to reduce the risk of depression and other mental health disorders.
During the night before the test, you might think it is a good idea to spend hours memorizing the material you will need. In a test of this complexity, it is not effective.
In addition to making it difficult to retain information, studying at the last minute also increases stress, negatively impacts sleep, and decreases your overall preparedness. Therefore, you should avoid staying up late reviewing your notes. It is much less likely that last-minute cramming will improve your grade than developing good study habits and sleeping well. It is important to arrive at your test well-rested to succeed on test day.
Be mindful of what you eat
Eating is an important part of self-care and test preparation in the same way that sleeping is. When your stomach is grumbling, it is difficult to think clearly.
Plan time in your morning for a healthy breakfast even if you are nervous or rushing out the door.
Combining complex carbohydrates with healthy protein will keep you feeling full without leaving you feeling sluggish. Depending on your personal dietary needs and preferences, whole wheat cereal, eggs, oatmeal, berries, and nuts may be excellent options. The best thing to do is to avoid high-sugar foods, which can give you a rush of energy that will wear off quickly, leaving you feeling fatigued.
Section 5: Practice, Practice, Practice
As they say, practice makes perfect, and this is true for the GRE test as well. The purpose of this section is to emphasize the importance of regularly taking practice tests and mock exams. It does not matter if you have all the resources and all the time in the world, if you have not practiced well enough you will be disappointed with the results.
Nevertheless, practicing does not equate to spending a great deal of time on your study materials. You must follow a systematic approach. Here are some suggestions on how to do it right.
Learn how to and when to use the calculator
There is no doubt that you have used calculators for so many other things at this point, but the one provided to you on the exam day is quite different.
During the GRE, you have the option of using a calculator as part of the on-screen display. This can be a tremendous advantage if it is used correctly. However, the calculator can also be a liability. Find out when using a calculator will provide you with greater accuracy, and when you would be better off learning the rules of a particular math concept.
Master the techniques
As you take practice tests and drills, pay attention to how you approach each question.
If, for example, you feel that you need to improve your time management skills during the exam, consider what types of questions slow you down. Once you have figured that out, go ahead and practice 10 or 20 questions of that genre.
By concentrating only on the results, you reinforce the way you are taking the test at the moment. You will improve your GRE scores by improving the techniques you use and the way you solve problems.
Review your results
If you have not reviewed your GRE results and made plans to improve upon them, all that hard work you have put into preparing for the exam could go to waste. Therefore it’s always a good idea to reiterate your plan by reviewing your practice results.
Remember that your strategy will probably differ from what you had in mind when you started your GRE preparation.
Review your performance after taking GRE practice tests. Do you consistently miss certain types of questions? What types of questions do you tend to score well on, and which ones tend to slow you down?
On the day of the test
- Have everything you need for the test ready before going to bed. You will feel more confident and will have less stress on the morning of the test if you have everything ready the night before. Additionally, you will be able to sleep a few minutes longer and eat a healthier breakfast as a result.
- Be sure to drink plenty of water as well. Take a bottle of water with you on test day, if possible.
- Arriving early at a testing location is extremely helpful because it allows you to prepare for the test in a more stress-free manner.
- You must choose your seat as soon as possible. Make sure that your materials are organized so they can easily be accessed when needed. Be as comfortable as possible (as much as possible).
- You will be able to become organized, relaxed, and mentally prepared by settling in early.
Conclusion
Acing the GRE as a graduate student can be tough, but with the right approach, nothing is impossible! It’s important to understand the exam, make a study plan, master content and concepts, sharpen your test-taking skills, and practice regularly. The key to conquering the GRE and unlocking your academic future is preparation and perseverance.
Have you taken the GRE already? If so, how did you find the GRE experience? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.
