The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test required for many graduate school programs. It’s important to note that the GRE is a long and challenging test, preparing for it might take time, but the more you practice and prepare, the better your chances of getting the highest scores. Here are some tips, recommended books, and materials that can help you prepare for the GRE in a limited amount of time maximizing your score:
1) Understand the format of the test: Familiarize yourself with the format and structure of the GRE, including the types of questions and the time limits for each section.
2) Create a study plan: Make a study schedule and stick to it. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and focus on the areas where you need the most improvement.
3) Use official GRE resources: Make use of official GRE study materials, such as the official guide and practice tests provided by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization that administers the GRE.
The Official Guide to the GRE General Test: This guide is published by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization that administers the GRE. It includes a comprehensive overview of the test format, sample questions, and test-taking strategies.
Manhattan Prep’s 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems: This book includes over 1,800 practice problems, covering all the question types on the GRE.
ETS’s PowerPrep Practice Tests: These online practice tests are created by the same organization that administers the GRE, providing you with the most accurate and realistic test-taking experience.
Magoosh GRE Prep: Online GRE prep resource, including comprehensive video lessons, practice questions, and test-taking strategies, accessible from anywhere, and at any time.
Vocabulary Flashcards: Vocabulary is an important part of the GRE, so it can be beneficial to use flashcards to help you memorize and review new words.
4) Additional resources to consider:
Kaplan’s GRE Premier 2020: This book provides a comprehensive overview of the GRE and includes practice questions, tests, and strategies for improving your score.
Barron’s GRE: 21st edition, this book also contains comprehensive coverage of all GRE test sections, along with strategies and tips, practice tests, and more.
5) Practice with sample questions and past papers: Practice answering sample questions and take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to get a sense of what the actual test will be like.
6) Review your mistakes: After taking a practice test, review your mistakes, understand why you got them wrong, and learn from them.
7) Learn math and vocabulary: The GRE tests your math and vocabulary knowledge, so make sure you are comfortable with the math and vocabulary you learned in high school and college.
8) Improve your reasoning and analytical skills: The GRE tests your reasoning and analytical skills, so practice problem-solving, logical reasoning, and critical thinking.
9) Take a class or hire a tutor: Consider taking a GRE prep course or hiring a tutor for additional instruction and guidance.
10) Get enough sleep and be well rested: Make sure you’re well-rested before the test and avoid staying up late cramming.
11) Be confident: On the day of the test, stay calm and remind yourself that you have prepared well and you are ready for the test.
It’s worth noting that these resources can be a great starting point for your GRE preparation, but make sure to use them in conjunction with practice tests and your own studying and practice. Keep in mind that GRE is an adaptive test, which means that your performance at the beginning of the test will determine the level of the questions you will get next. Therefore, practice with realistic full-length tests will help you get familiar with the format and pacing of the test.