Are you considering grad school? Then, you'll need to take the GRE. Here is what to expect and some ideas to help you do your best.
The GRE is tough. Really tough. But, it must be taken to get into the good schools. A good majority of programs require it. So, it’s really not an option to skip it. What are some ways to make it easier?
When and What to Study
Probably the one thing that can be done to best raise a score as high as possible is to prepare, then prepare, and then prepare some more. Buy a GRE Prep book. It’s more than worth the time. Take the sample tests in the book and the ones provided online. The ideal time to start studying is 12 weeks before the test. Any less time and you won’t complete what you need to. Any more time and you’ll start forgetting what you learned.
Vocabulary
The most effective way to work on that score is to increase your vocabulary. Learn a few new words every day. Write them on index cards so you can test yourself. And read, read, read! Reading has been proven to improve your vocabulary.
Math
How do you feel about math? If that question struck fear into your heart, or if your answer is, “What? I haven’t done any math except balance my checkbook since Freshman year!” then it’s time to brush up. The GRE books that are out there are great for preparing you for the exam. If you need to brush up on math basics first, you can always find another book for that. If all else fails, one-on-one tutoring is a great way to go. There are a lot of Exam Prep Companies out there that will help you get ready—and Exam Prep is all they do. They can teach you math tricks that you’d never guess on your own.
The Night Before and The Morning Of
Finally, on exam day, make sure you get a good night’s rest the night before. Eat a good breakfast. Warm up with a few questions. If you wake up seriously ill, reschedule the exam. There is a fee for this, but it’s better than letting the grad schools see you at your worst. Once you get there, make sure to watch your time and pace yourself. It is better to guess than to leave something blank! At the end of the test, you have the option to see your score or to just say no. You probably did better than you think, so go for it!
The GRE is not the End-All, Be-All
Remember, also--your GRE scores are not the only thing universities look at when you're applying. You'll have all kinds of other things you can submit that will help your case.
