My Strategy for the GRE Test
Preparing for GRE demands smart and consistent efforts. As someone who has taken the test twice, I can say with a certain degree of confidence that GRE is not merely about learning or knowing but practicing the art of time management and self-discipline. In this article, I will share my strategy for GRE preparation, including my thoughts on books, preparation timeline, and test-taking strategies.
Books and Resources
There are plenty of GRE preparation books available in the market, but I relied on The Official Guide to the GRE by Educational Testing Service (ETS) as my primary study material. This book is a must-read for anyone planning to take the test. It has an exhaustive list of questions with detailed explanations, including the scoring process that ETS follows. Apart from this, I also used other reference books such as Manhattan Prep and Barron's to reinforce my vocabulary and math concepts.
Preparation timeline
The preparation timeline for GRE is crucial. According to my experience, 3-4 months of preparation is ideal. During the initial phase, I took a diagnostic test to understand my strengths and weaknesses. I then focused on my weak areas and built my foundation, starting from vocabulary and basic math concepts. I also practiced many mock tests to improve my speed and accuracy. Once I secured a basic level of aptitude, I started practicing with more challenging questions.
Test-taking strategies
After months of rigorous preparation, test-taking strategies play a very important role in achieving a good score. Here are a few of the strategies that worked for me:
- Time management: I divided the test into smaller chunks of time, evenly distributing my time between sections. This allowed me to pace myself and gave me a better understanding of the time required for each section.
- Elimination: GRE questions can have multiple answers, but using the elimination process, you can eliminate the wrong answers and narrow down your options to the right one.
- Chunking: I found it helpful to break down long word problems into smaller, easy-to-understand components, allowing me to answer the question more efficiently.
- Answer validation: Always double-check your answer and ensure you have answered the question asked.
Finally, my biggest advice to anyone preparing for the GRE is to stay positive and never give up. GRE demands a lot of hard work and dedication, but it is also a measure of your will power and determination. With the right planning and execution, you can achieve your desired score and move forward in your academic career.
