Are you one of those students who dream of pursuing a master’s degree abroad at a prestigious university? To do so, you must excel in competitive exams, and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is one of the most popular options amongst aspiring graduate students worldwide. The GRE is an ETS-administered standardised test that assesses a student’s preparation for graduate-level study.
The thing is, you need more than simply taking the GRE to guarantee admission to your preferred college. To maximise your chances of acceptance, you must aim for the highest possible score. With a well-planned study strategy, you can easily score 320+ on the GRE.
The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. Numerous resources are available to help you prepare for the GRE, ranging from practice exams to online courses. You can acquire the necessary score and set the course for academic and professional success if you practice consistently.
In this article, we’ll discuss some preparation tips for the GRE to help you confidently ace the test.
TIPS TO CRACK THE GRE
Before you dive into your preparation, let’s first understand the exam format. It consists of three sections: quantitative, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing, each evaluating different abilities. Quantitative tests your mathematical and problem-solving expertise, while the verbal section assesses your reading comprehension and language skills.
Finally, analytical writing demands that you create one essay that evaluates complex subjects and argues for a specific point of view.
While it sounds complicated, the right tips can help you perform exceptionally well in all sections.
1. Practice tests: As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” Thus, taking multiple practice tests can help you become familiar with the exam format and the types of questions asked. It will also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. Practising under timed conditions will improve your time management skills and prepare you to complete the exam within the allotted time.
2. Build your vocabulary: The verbal reasoning section of the GRE is heavily dependent on vocabulary. Therefore, to ace the test, you must start reading books, newspapers, and magazines regularly to expand your vocabulary. You can also use flashcards for vocabulary-building apps to reinforce your word knowledge.
3. Keep an error log: Keeping an error log can make a huge difference in identifying the patterns in your mistakes. This way, you can tailor your study plan and improve your skills effectively. Thus, it is time to work on your weaknesses and strengthen your test-taking strategies.
4. Stick to a regular GRE study plan: There is no denying the fact that consistency is the key to success. So, ensure you stick to a regular GRE study plan. This helps in steady progress and minimises the risk of burnout. You can surely ace the exam with a bit of discipline and determination.
5. Brush up your maths: Make sure your maths is sharp to excel in the quantitative reasoning section. Re-examine your fundamental mathematical concepts and practice solving GRE-style maths problems. The quantitative reasoning section allows calculators. So, master the concepts and practice solving with and without a calculator.
6. Master the analytical writing section. In the analytical writing section, practice writing essays on various topics. Develop a structured approach with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Learn how to build arguments that are well-reasoned and supported by evidence.
7. Don’t cram any new topics: Last but not least, avoid cramming any new topics at the last moment. Instead, review what you have learned and focus on your strengths.
Apart from these prep strategies, you should also be ready for exam day.
Eating a balanced meal, getting enough rest, arriving early, dressing comfortably, bringing all required documents, using your breaks wisely, staying hydrated, avoiding panic, trusting your preparation, and staying calm and focused will further increase your chances of success.
CRACK IT IN ONE FELL SWOOP!
As daunting as the GRE is, these tips will help you prepare well for the GRE and conquer it confidently. Plan your studies well, trust the process, and embark on your journey toward GRE success with determination and assurance. So, what are you waiting for? Start preparing today!