Are you applying to graduate school and feeling anxious about the GRE?
Don't stress! Using test-taking strategies to prepare for the GRE exam can improve your score by 3 to 5 percent.
Set yourself up for success by developing time management skills to make the most out of the time you spend studying and answering test questions. Cultivate a positive mindset rather than cramming at the last minute.
These strategies will show you how!
Before The Test
To get a good GRE score, start your preparations as much time as possible before test day and use that time wisely. It'll go faster than you think!
1. Find Your Goal Score
Because the GRE is graded by percentile, a good GRE score depends on the graduate program you're applying to.
Identify your goal score by searching the websites of the programs you're targeting to find the average and cutoff GRE scores they accept, or review this list of average scores by program.
Aim for a score that is at or above the average.
Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash2. Set A Timeline
Decide how much time you'll need to spend studying to get a good GRE score based on your target:
Take a practice test to find your baseline.
Calculate the difference between your baseline and target scores.
Choose a timeline for studying based on how much you need to improve.
A timeline of 1-3 months is enough for most people, but you might need up to 6 months if you're aiming for a top score.
3. Make A Schedule
Plan your study schedule for each day in the timeline, and stick to it. Set milestones to structure your study plan and track your progress.
Take another practice test at the end to measure how far you've come toward your goal of getting a good GRE score.
Check out this Byte for more tips on making a study schedule.
Quiz
Nina is applying to business school. She isn't sure what GRE score she needs to aim for to get in. What should she do?
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The Night Before
Photo by Nathan Bailly on Unsplash1. Rest Your Brain and Body
Relaxing before an exam lets you think more clearly and better access your memory.
Eat a healthy, balanced meal.
Exercise to boost energy and relieve stress.
Get a full night's sleep.
2. Practice Mindfulness Techniques
Spend a few minutes training yourself to think positively and concentrate effectively with mindfulness techniques. Try repeating positive affirmations like "I am prepared to get a good score on this exam," or visualizing your future self crushing every question on the test.
Check out this Byte for more mindfulness techniques.
Test Day
Today is finally the day!
Now that the test is in front of you, take the time to plan your approach before you dive in.
1. Pace Yourself
To get a good score on the GRE, you need to work both fast and smart!
Read all the questions on the test before starting. Do a first pass to answer the "easy" questions only, then a second pass to tackle the harder ones.
There's no penalty for wrong answers, so if you aren't close to the answer after 1 minute, it's best to guess and move on.
2. Choose the Right Approach
Read each question carefully, decide the question category it fits in, and choose the right way to answer based on the question type.
Problem solving? Plug each answer choice into the question to find the right answer quicker.
Reading comprehension? Note down the passage's main idea, structure, and opinions to quickly answer questions.
Quantitative question? Do conversions in your head rather than using a calculator.
Quiz
Jeremy is halfway through the test and comes across a moderately tough question. It's coming up on the minute mark and he feels close to the right answer but not quite there yet. What can he consider doing to move forward? Select all that apply.
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Take Action
You've got this! With these strategies in your arsenal, take the next steps on your journey to a good GRE score:
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