GRE Exam Tips

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GRE Prep

Author: MayMay

What is the GRE Exam?

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a commercially-run standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools principally in the United States, but also in other English speaking countries.

Created and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the exam is primarily focused on testing abstract thinking skills in the areas of math, vocabulary, and analytical writing.

The GRE Exam is typically a computer-based exam that is administered by select qualified testing centers. However, paper-based exams are also offered in areas of the world that lack the technological requirements.

Why should students take the GRE Test?

It's the way to get into grad school - what if you decide later to apply to grad school? You'll already have your scores to send to schools.
It gives you more opportunities - the scores are good for five years, so you'll have something to fall back on.
You'll have all the time you need to study and prepare - as soon as you register, you'll get prep materials to help you prepare.

How much does the GRE Exam cost?

$140 for individuals testing in the United States, U. S. Territories, and Puerto Rico
$195 for individuals testing in China (including Hong Kong), Korea, and Taiwan
$170 for individuals testing in all other locations
Fees are subject to change without notice. The above amount is exclusive of any value-added or similar taxes. Any tax is payable in addition to the amounts quoted.

How should you study for the GRE Test?

A variety of resources are available for those wishing to prepare for the GRE. Upon registration, ETS provides preparation software called PowerPrep, which contains two practice tests of retired questions, as well as further practice questions and review material.

Since the software replicates both the test format and the questions used, it can be useful to predict a student's actual GRE score. Several companies such as, IMS Learning Resources and VISU provide courses, books, and other unofficial preparation materials. The best route to a great GRE score is using a good mix of a variety of resources for GRE practice.

You can prepare yourself by becoming familiar with the GRE Test format, reviewing fundamentals, and taking GRE practice tests. You should also try to look take advantage of free GRE resources on the internet. Here are eight ways to help you study:

1. Familiarize yourself with the overall format of the GRE Exam. There will be two sections for each of these areas, plus an extra unscored section. The content of the unscored section will vary.

2. Take as many GRE practice tests as possible. The more practice you get, the more familiar you'll become with the test's format, and the more comfortable you'll be when you actually take it.

3. Review the directions for each section of the test before you take it. Skipping the directions will save time during the test.

4. Be aware of the time frames allocated to each section. GRE Format: Verbal Section: 30 multiple choice questions (30 minutes), Quantitative Section: 28 multiple choice questions (45 minutes), Analytical Writing: This section contains two subsections - Present Your Perspective on an Issue and Analysis of an argument, each requiring you to write a short essay. (45 + 30 minutes)

5. Familiarize yourself with the question formats for each section. The verbal section has four types of questions: antonym, analogy, sentence completion, and reading comprehension. The math section contains quantitative comparisons and basic problem -solving, and the analytical section features analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning essay questions.

6. Focus on GRE vocabulary. The verbal portion of the GRE is essentially a vocabulary test. A little effort will ensure that you sail smoothly thru' the GRE Vocabulary questions!

7. Review basic math such as geometry, algebra, proportions, fractions, percents, decimals, the order of operations and anything else you might have learned in high school math. This will help you tackle the quantitative section of the GRE exam with ease.

8. Try solving a few logic puzzles and games to prepare for the math portion of the GRE exam. This will make your study sessions interesting! Another great tip is to approach GRE Vocabulary with flash cards. Inventing mnemonics for memorizing GRE Vocabulary is fun.

In life, some things you just don't forget - like riding a bike or every single detail about your favourite artist. But academics can be different.

It's possible to get a little rusty and forget things you've learned along the way. That's why taking the GRE Test (and full on GRE practice) are more feasible while you're still in college.

Helpful Links

Overview of GRE
Writing an SOP
GRE FAQs
Registering for GRE
Scoring and Reporting Scores
A Walkthrough the Test Day
Strategies to Boost your Score
Educational Loans: Indian Students Going Abroad
GRE FAQs : Application Process

Access these lessons by joining the GRE Community.

	What is a scholarship and how do I get one?
	Types of Scholarships
	Finding Scholarship Information
	Scholarship Application Tips
	International Scholarship Resources
	Scholarships for International Indian Students

Access these lessons by joining the GRE Community.

GRE Maths Review
Percentages Basic Concepts -1
Set Theory
Laws of Set Theory and Examples
Basics of Algebra - Part 1
Basics of Algebra - Part 2
Basics of Algebra - Part 3
GRE - Quant