The GRE Test is a nearly four-hour standardized test administered and created by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which evaluates the analytical writing, quantitative, and verbal skills of individuals who will take graduate degree programs. Most graduate degree programs require applicants to take the GRE test and there are times that a GRE Subject Test is also required to assess one’s technical knowledge about a certain subject like mathematics and physics.
However, it is not easy to ace the GRE test. In fact, preparing for it requires hard work and some techniques and tips to help you achieve the best possible score you need.
So, how will you be able to succeed in your GRE test?
There are several tips on how to achieve success on your GRE test, and these include the following:
Take a GRE Prep Course
A GRE prep course can help you prepare for the GRE test through several studying options. The best thing about this prep course is that it helps you determine your weaknesses and strengths, and provides you with lessons to practice your knowledge. A prep course also includes practice questions with answer explanations, strategies, and in-depth content review lessons.
Don’t Study Harder—Instead, Study in a Smarter Way
To achieve your GRE test goals, you need to have a systematic approach and concentrate on particular areas within a particular time frame. An example of having a systematic approach to studying is taking steps to organize your notes, having a consistent schedule for review, making use of concept maps, or actively engaging in learning as opposed to passive memorization. With these, you don’t necessarily have to study harder but are instead applying the science of efficient learning through practice and by integrating your lessons into practical experiences or applications. By forming study habits and having a systematic approach, you’re one step closer to achieving your target score in the GRE.
However, do keep in mind that not all study habits that you’ve developed are good. If you find that one thing doesn’t work for you, try to change it up until you find something that will help you remember the lessons better.
Backsolving Can Be a Good Strategy
Backsolving can also be a good strategy when you’re going through problem-solving questions that involve searching for a missing variable in a mathematical equation. However, this strategy is only applicable to multiple-choice questions. Since the answers are already provided via multiple-choice, you can try each answer to replace the value of the missing variable until you come across the right one that fits the equation. By going through various answer choices, you will have more chances of getting the right answer based on your calculations.
Make Sure to Use the Best Study Tools
If you want to prepare effectively and succeed on your GRE test, you have to use the right tools for studying. These may include various GRE reviewers with sample questions, which can help you study the sections included in the test.
Improve Your Score By Putting in More Time
Time is what you need if you want to boost your GRE score. If you do not put in the time to review and study, it will be highly unlikely that you’d see a boost in your score, regardless of your method for studying. However, you have to take note that it may vary from one person to another. It basically depends on how quickly you learn, how you effectively use your study materials, and how fast you pick up new things. Depending on your learning curve, you might take more time compared to others, but what you should always keep in mind is to never cram your review.
Study Everything Included on the GRE Test
You might be tempted to study anything for the GRE test, but if you want to achieve success, you must focus on studying what is actually on the test. The sections of GRE include Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Aside from that, never assume that your GRE test will be the same as some tests you have taken before. For instance, while GRE has 3 sections, the GMAT or Graduate Management Admission Test has 4 sections, which include Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment. You have to work on new studying strategies like managing your time in every section to succeed in the GRE.
Know What You Should Focus On and Target Your Weaknesses
More often than not, some sections will be more crucial depending on your graduate school admissions process. For example, you have to focus on your Quant score if you are planning to go to a field that focuses on science and math. The Quant score is your score in the GRE Quant Section, which tests your fundamental mathematics skills. A good Quant score can be as low as 153 and as high as 168.
If you will take a field related to the humanities, you should concentrate on improving your verbal score. Although you should not neglect some sections, it can make a huge difference when you determine which section is more important for your graduate school admission and put extra effort into it.
Addressing your weak spots will also help you create a good GRE prep regimen. This means focusing on the question types and topic areas that you find challenging. As for your strong areas, you can work on fine-tuning them when the GRE test date is approaching.
Conclusion
Achieving success in the GRE test takes extra effort and time. Although there are numerous strategies, techniques or tips you can consider to reach a high score, those mentioned above will help you ace the GRE test effectively. Just make sure to combine it with dedication and be consistent with your efforts to achieve your desired score no matter how challenging the GRE test is.
Andrie Steliou
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