Congratulations! You’ve decided to apply to graduate schools. Apart from choosing the perfect graduate programs for you, assimilating letters of recommendation, and writing and revising your statements, you have another important task: learning how to prepare for the GRE.
Today’s comprehensive post will walk you through certain actionable strategies that will enable you to accomplish your target score and get admission to dream graduate schools. It will also set you on the right path to study smarter and not harder.
Determine the Time Frame for Studying
A close look at top GRE coaching online websites like AbroAdvice.com will help you understand preparing for the exam is a monumental task. Hence, it’s essential to have an impeccable study plan in place to ensure that you effectively push towards your exam score. The great news is that as long as you have a structured, organized, and well-thought-out plan, there’s no reason why you cannot succeed on the exam.
According to the best study abroad consultants of a reputed education consulting website like AbroAdvice.com, it is crucial first to figure out how much time you would actually need to study. Invest considerable time considering your tendencies and study habits. Try to comprehend how long it realistically takes to master critical concepts and memorize techniques.
You should also consider re-taking the GRE test if your score is average. Ensure that you factor that into your timeline as well. It is also wise to decide on the set number of hours that you’ll spend studying every week. Then, you can block off study time, similar to any other commitment, and prepare accordingly.
Read Analytical Non-Fiction
Does spending time on GRE preparation seem like a chore to you? We understand. This is because you don’t tend to engage with supplementary analytical non-fiction in your spare time. Studies demonstrate that pupils who sail through the verbal section of the exam are generally liberal arts or philosophy majors. This is because they become well-versed in various narratives and academic writing in their undergraduate coursework.
Reading about subjects unrelated to your interests might not be your favorite leisure activity, but the effort will always pay off. The reading passages of this test demand you to become a highly skilled reader of diverse materials, and students who tend to become well-acquainted with a diverse range of texts have a substantial advantage.
Work on the Vocabulary
Vocabulary is a crucial part of the GRE. This is why it is significant to start practising vocabulary from day one of the test preparation journeys. However, it is never enough to simply practice vocabulary; it is crucial to practice it in the right way.
Like, you should practice the words in a situation akin to what you would encounter in the text. For instance, if you are practising the word ‘carnival,’ try to make up a sentence in which it would make sense to use the word ‘carnival.’ It is also crucial to use context clues to figure out the meaning of the word, like the sentence – “The carnival left the city at dawn.”
Revisit the Basics
Are you a humanities major? Can you describe what SOHCAHTOA is and implement it? How about the order of operations for a problem like – 2 (-2+7) /5 +5(2/20)? These hopefully ring a bell. However, if you’ve spent your time in school studying a subject that isn’t math-intensive, you’ve perhaps become a little rusty. Unfortunately, the quantitative reasoning section is not forgiving in this sense.
You would definitely want to brush up on the basics of math subjects like algebra and geometry. You can also find countless free resources you can find online that will enable you to get up to speed.
Identify Your Weaknesses
The areas that are most challenging for you in the GRE are mostly subjects or portions that you didn’t like. If you are good at Math and do not like writing on abstract concepts, then you may find it challenging to ace the test. On the flip side, those who are excellent at reading and writing and poor at Math will experience a similar fate. Comprehend your weaknesses first and figure out how you can keep eliminating them in a strategic way over a sustained period. Ensure you do this while playing to your strengths.
Things will become less challenging for you once you progress in certain areas. When it comes to aspects you’re comfortable with, choose study resources that will develop your knowledge rather than offering exercises you already find simple enough. Always try to eliminate your weak points gradually while sharpening your strengths.
Practice Makes Perfect
When trying to improve at something, you will always have to practice! For the GRE, this implies that you need to invest in practice time and also practice the skills you strive for. If you’re struggling to solve tricky geometry questions, go through the material you need to know and keep practicing questions until they become easier.
Drilling your weak points is the best way to eliminate them and polish your skills for the exam day. It also feels good to churn out accurate answers, but if you refrain from the things you truly need to polish, you won’t see improvement.
Now that you have a remarkable handle on the ways to prepare for the GRE, you’re probably ready to roll up your sleeves and begin your test preparation. Good luck on the exam!
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