Standardized tests are every student’s nightmare; the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is no exception. It does not have to be that way, though. You can turn the situation to your advantage with a little bit of know-how.
If you are unemployed or looking for a career change, the high GRE test score may be the only thing standing between you and a bright future. Failing at it can send you right back to the unemployment line. Unfortunately, scoring high most often comes at a cost and a lot of effort on your part. If you fail to prepare, be prepared to fail.
Get Help
Ideally, you are an excellent independent learner and can achieve greatness on your own. However, the majority of applicants require a helping hand.
The GRE preparatory courses can make an enormous difference in this regard. Unfortunately, they can be expensive, and even though investing in your knowledge always pays off, it is crucial to invest wisely.
The good news is that there are numerous helpful GRE prep course reviews, such as this review, that can aid you in making the right choice. Spend some time on the final decision – it can be a life-changing one.
Know the Enemy
Knowing the GRE’s format and structure and what to expect can make a big difference, too. In theory, you should not have to study for this test. However, in practice, it is far from true. Hence, you should not simply walk in on the exam and hope for the best.
The GRE is a nearly four-hour computer-based test that measures the applicant’s general ability. It has three sections that assess the candidate’s verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills. Every section has a time limit.
The verbal part of the GRE tests vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension skills. It consists of two 30-minute exams.
The quantitative section has two 35-minute tests that assess the applicant’s algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and data analysis skills. The candidates are free to use their calculators.
The analytical writing section requires the applicant to write two separately timed 30-minute essays. The first writing task is to analyze an issue and the second one is to analyze an argument. These essays have the same goal: assessing critical thinking and the ability to articulate and support complex ideas.
Both verbal and quantitive sections offer multiple-choice questions and use computer-adaptive testing. The latter means that the computer will start producing harder questions, worth more points if the candidate answers the first couple of questions correctly. Likewise, getting these questions wrong leads to easier questions and a lower score.
Focus on getting early questions correct, or you’ll be stuck with lower-scoring questions!
Devise a Strategy
A good GRE prep course provides students with ready-made study plans to suit their needs and availability. If you choose to study individually, you’ll have to devise your own plan and a schedule that will help keep you on track.
A good study strategy needs to pair up with an even better exam strategy. The experts recommend moving through the questions as quickly and confidently as possible. The goal is to get higher-scoring questions and finish on time.
Practicing the exam and taking different approaches will help you identify the strategy that works the best for you. We are all different – you have to work on your speed, confidence, and routine.
No matter the route you take, you’ll need to start preparing at least four weeks before the exam. Bear in mind that GRE is a computer-based test, and you’ll need more than a pencil and paper to get ready for it.
It would be wise to find a comprehensive study guide that offers testing software. In this way, you can test your abilities and get acquainted with the computer-adaptive testing used on the GRE.
The official GRE Web site delivers free software made by the same company that develops the GRE. It offers candidates two complete practice exams that can help measure their progress.
Prep Your Mind & Body
Physical and mental workouts can do wonders for you and help you score high on the GRE review. Researchers have confirmed that adding regular aerobic exercise to your study routine helps boost your memory and cognitive skills.
Mental exercises have a similar effect. It would thus be wise to include brain-teasing games such as Sudoku into your everyday routine, as well. You’ll improve your problem-solving skills and cognitive ability.
Good nutrition and adequate sleep are essential components for learning, too. If your body is rested, properly fuelled, and fit, you’ll be ready to tackle any challenge. At the very least, you’ll have the stamina to complete the four-hour GRE review.