How to study for the GRE?
GRE, short term for the Graduate Record Examination, is an examination to get into graduate schools. This test is required for admissions to most graduate schools, excluding medical and law school. The GRE scores are evaluated with the rest of the student's applications, including their college GPA, teacher recommendations, and volunteer experience. The exam is similar to the SAT, ACT, and other aptitude tests. It tests your knowledge and reasoning skills. Getting a high score on the GRE
significantly increases a student's chances of being accepted into graduate school. The GRE might be tricky. Hence it's essential to prepare well. Students might encounter subjects they wouldn't have studied for. This article outlines the test structure and how to prepare for the test.
Structure of the GRE
GRE tests more on the process of thinking and analyzing than theoretical knowledge. The test is split into three parts.
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning assesses your ability to analyze, infer and draw conclusions. You are also supposed to understand aspects of the given paragraph and understand the meanings of the given language. There are three types of questions. About half of the Verbal Reasoning questions are reading comprehension, which requires you to read a passage and answer questions demonstrating your understanding of the given information.
These questions typically assess your ability to comprehend and summarise a larger piece of text, craft concluding arguments based on that text, understand the author's perspective, and extrapolate the author's argument's strengths and weaknesses. The remaining half is made up of text completion and sentence equivalence questions.
In-text completion, you read an incomplete sentence, group of sentences, or paragraph and fill in the blanks with an answer from the provided multiple-choice list. The score scale is 130-170.
Quantitative Reasoning
There are four kinds of questions in the quantitative reasoning section:
- Quantitative comparison questions
- Multiple-choice questions with one answer
- Multiple-choice questions with one or more answers
- Numeric entry questions
Quantitative reasoning measures test takers' understanding of and ability to interpret fundamental mathematical concepts such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. This section includes a calculator. The score scale is again 130-170.
Analytical Writing
This section assesses your ability to express complex ideas through evidence-based writing, as well as your command of basic English grammar and syntax. The score scale is 0-6. There are two tasks here. The first task is to "Analyze an Issue," and the second is to "Analyze an Argument." The time duration is 30 minutes for each task. In the latter, your job is to dissect the argument, identify the assumptions, logical gaps, and build a counter-argument. The essay presents an issue for which students have to develop an argument after understanding the inherent complexities.
The GRE is 3hours and 45 minutes long. The exam starts with two essays in Analytical Writing. The following section is Verbal Reasoning, with two sections of 20 questions each. After the two Verbal Reasoning sections, there is a ten-minute break. Each section must be finished in 30 minutes (if it is an online exam) or 35 minutes (if it is a paper exam) (if a paper exam). Use this opportunity to stand up, take a sip of water, and stretch your legs. Quantitative Reasoning is the final section. This section has 20 questions and a time limit of 35 to 40 minutes per section.
How to study for the exam?
Take a mock test
The best method to prepare for any standardized aptitude exam is to take practice exams. Using materials derived directly from previous tests will be beneficial. The GRE website offers free preparation materials. There are a lot of free tests available online. If you need something more concrete, you can also purchase practice books. When you begin studying, the first thing you should do is take an entire GRE practice exam. This is your starting point. After completing this, you'll better understand your strengths and weaknesses in studying for the GRE.
Determine your target score.
You've probably begun compiling a list of graduate programs that pique your interest. Compare your practice test score to the average GRE score of each program's incoming class average score. Your target score should be above or average for the schools on your wishlist.
Create a study plan
Following that, you should devise a study strategy. The GRE study time is recommended to be 4-12 weeks, so divide up any material that needs to be reviewed at a pace that works for you. Remember to save the last week or two for review—it can be challenging to remember the contents of week one on the 12th week of studying.
Practice your technique
While taking practice tests and drills, pay attention to how you approach each question.
If you only focus on the results, you will only reinforce your current test. The techniques you employ and how you solve problems help you improve on the GRE.
Simulate real-world GRE conditions
Paper-and-pencil tests can help you practice and understand concepts, create test-taking strategies, but unlike the actual GRE, they do not reflect on your test day performance. Make time in your schedule for online tests to help prepare you for the computer-based test experience.
If you're taking the GRE tutoring online, practice using the virtual calculator to ensure you know how to use it on test day. If you plan to take the GRE in person, do your practice work in pen and pencil to increase your endurance.
Improve your GRE vocabulary.
Vocabulary remains an essential component of the GRE Verbal sections. Many of the words that will appear on the GRE can be absorbed by reading reputable publications or affluent newspapers and magazines. Add new words to your list on practice tests or practice problems as you come across them. They have previously been used on the GRE and may be used again. For lists and drills, see our GRE Power Vocabulary book.
Now that we've covered how to study for the GRE, it's time to get started—and best of luck! One of the great things about the GRE is that you can retake it as many times as you want, and many schools will accept your highest scores from each category. With a bit of time, dedication, and hard work, you're sure to get a satisfactory score. Miles Smart Tutoring provides GRE prep classes with private and one-on-one tutoring. We have experienced tutors creating classroom experiences tailored to your needs. Our students achieve more than their target GRE score.