Graduate Record Exam consists of two broad parts – the General Test (which is compulsory) and the Subject Tests (optional but considered by universities if provided alongwith the General Test scores). The preparation for GRE should be largely focused on the General Test. The attempt to take the Subject tests should be judged based on the preparedness of the General Test.

Joining a tutorial class or website to excel in the test is just a means to an end. Every person is required to engage in concentrated sessions of self-study to improve efficiency and accuracy. Self-study allows you to learn at your own pace. The issue with tutorial classes is some people might perform better than you from the beginning. It can easily cause anxiety and throw your preparations off-track. Eventually, one needs the combination of getting the answers correct as well as solving all the questions. This requires regular practice and strategy. The key to success in these types of tests is to be well-informed and armed with a strategy. Everyone has their own learning curve and pace.

So how do we deal with GRE preparation through self-study?

First and foremost in self-study is awareness and resource. One must be absolutely clear about the format of the test and whether they will be taking the computer-based or paper-based test. The official GRE website provides very clear and structure information in this regard. You should collect as much practice material as possible without trying to waste time in evaluating questions or doing any other aimless activity. Close your eyes and just hoard the study material. It is important to try out multiple practice books as all have some new questions. You can get many second hand books at the corner book store or from online book stores like Amazon.

Secondly, the entire preparatory period should be segmented into specific parts with fixed aims. The same should be charted in black and white and affixed in front of the study area for regular review. Consider it as a time bound project.

GRE has three test sections (as described in their website) – Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing. Individuals should set at least a week each for the three sections to read and understand them in depth. This is the foundation phase. The attempt here (each week) should be to familiarize with the specific section inside out. One can review the relevant sections from the practice books, accompanied compact discs and online sources. After spending a week on each of the sections, one should have a review period where the stress should be on evaluating one’s own understanding of the three sections.

The next phase is the problem-solving and pattern recognition phase. Here the aim is to simply solve the questions without fussing about time taken. It is not about speed. The motive is to understand typically what type of questions will be asked in each section. This helps in attacking the question with a plan. It creates a sense of security since you slowly become aware that for example verbal reasoning will have a question where only one answer is correct. Repeated practice will lead to trying out multiple questions and getting an idea of identifying which question should be solved in what way. The reason being even for English-medium students analytical writing and verbal reasoning could be extremely challenging. Initially, one section should be attempted each day. After spending at least three weeks in this rotation, one should start attempting entire paper (all three sections) in a day. The practice tests should be numbered and one should go back and re-attempt the questions after the entire set is over. This is for practice. The more practice the better.

The third phase is about accuracy and speed. After familiarization and problem solving comes the most important stage of self-study – taking timed self-tests. This phase should be marked with extensive practice of the tests each day with a timer. At the end of each session, you must make a note about your performance. Where did you fall short, which sections were completed better, what was the accuracy in answering, which type of new question did you come across? These inputs will help you evaluate where your performance and areas for improvement. After 3-5 tests, evaluate if there is an improvement or still the problems persist. If it does, then take a break from the current schedule. Go back to phase one and re-acclimatize yourself with the section.

The following table briefly shows how much time is available for each section:

A calculator is provided but it is advised to crunch the numbers mentally as it saves lot of time.

You have to stick to the time duration as specified for each sub-section. Do not try to deviate from the format. The Analytical section always comes first. Practice accordingly. The speed and accuracy practice should continue till the day of the test. Practice as many tests as possible.

Self-study is also about self-discipline, motivation and honesty. You have to stick to a study plan. Self-study unlike classes is under your control. Setup a schedule for studying each day and preferably same time. Stick to the schedule and practice. Keep up with the plan chart. Correct yourself from any deviation. Aimlessly picking up a book and attempting few questions here and there will be a totally wasteful and unproductive attempt. Remember what is at the end of this hard work – admission to a good university or course which will advance your career. Your dedication will bear fruit not half-hearted attempts.

People who engage in self-study often fall victim of procrastination or self-loathing. Procrastination in correcting the weak-points while taking the tests. Self-loathing happens when you punish your self if the practice attempts don’t show miraculous results. You need to be motivated at each step. Not everyone from your batch will be taking GRE. You will not have a familiar support group to discuss. Hence, it becomes all the more important to set aside self-doubt and practice more. You have to keep yourself motivated at all times. This is where evaluation becomes useful. Once you know the problem area, it becomes known territory and you can work on it. You can even discuss in online forums how to solve the issues that you are facing. You are not alone; there are many out there who go through similar issues.

The most important part of self-study for GRE (or for anything else) is honesty. The testing authority will give its result only after you take the ‘big test’. Till that point you are the test-taker and evaluator. You only can truthfully introspect about your attempts, practice and seriousness in self-study. Ultimately, it is the result that matters and not how much time your spent preparing or how many books or questions you referred to.

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