Preparing for GRE is a hard task because this exam is not about facts, it’s focused on patterns. Therefore, you can prepare for it properly only if you have enough practice and follow these tips from Writers House team. You may achieve the best results if you gave 4 to 12 weeks to practice.
1. Determine your baseline score
It’s the score you would receive if you took the GRE exam right now. Before you start planning your studying, take a full-length practice test to understand your capabilities. Try to create the same environment as if you took the real test. The results of this practice test will help you understand what needs to be improved.
2. Determine a target score
Perhaps, you already have a list of graduate programs that look interesting to you. On the internet, you can find recent average GRE scores for each program. You need to compare the average score to the results of your practice test. The target score is a score that will put you above the average for the chosen school.
3. Make a study plan
Your goal is to close the gap between your practice score and the target score. You may complete prep courses, read a prep book, or enroll in an online preparation program. Research the necessary subjects and find the best solutions.
4. Practice
Pay particular attention to how you approach every part of the test. Results are important but you shouldn’t stay focused on the results only, because you must improve your technique as well. Improve the way you’re taking the GRE, and you’ll steadily increase your score.
5. Create realistic conditions
If you complete tests on paper with a pencil, it may help you figure out what the best strategy is, however, you won’t be able to replicate the real exam. You should have enough online practice.
6. Review your performance
You should review your results when practicing. What questions are most difficult for you? What questions take more time to complete, and what are the easiest ones?
You may benefit from hiring a GRE tutor. A professional tutor will help you evaluate your progress. When you have a coach, you can improve your test-taking skills faster. Obviously, an expert can also create a perfect study plan.
7. Work on your vocabulary
Vocabulary remains an important part of the Verbal sections of the GRE. Read respected publications in academic journals and various magazines to expand your vocabulary and to increase the probability of seeing familiar words during the test. Memorize words from your practice tests, as they may be used again in the future.
8. Practice without a calculator
You can use a calculator on the GRE, however, if you can make some calculations without it and understand basic math concepts, it will be a considerable advantage.
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