The GRE: How to Study

The GRE (or Graduate Record Examination) is often a huge hurdle for students hoping to pursue a graduate degree. Students often feel anxious about taking the exam and worry about it affecting their chances of admittance. While GRE scores do matter, you can greatly reduce your anxiety by being well prepared for the test ahead of time.

Here are some tips to help you succeed as you study for the GRE:

How to Study for the GRE: Understand the test

The GRE is a computerized adaptive test (CAT), and understanding what that means is the first step to succeeding. A CAT is used to guess your ability level as accurately as possible. How it works is this: the computer gives you a question of intermediate difficulty. If you answer correctly, a slightly more difficult question is given. If you answer the initial question incorrectly, a slightly easier question is given. The test is literally adapting itself to your skill level. This can occasionally fool students, so be careful. A GRE that seems easy may end up meaning a lower score than one which seems difficult.

You should also be familiar with the different test sections. Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing are all key components to the GRE. You should take the time before the test date to fully understand the types of questions that will be asked in each section.

You should also take the time to research your potential graduate schools. What types of scores are they looking for? Knowing what is expected of you before you begin your preparation is a good way to focus your planning.

How to Study for the GRE: Make use of free assistance

This may seem like a no-brainer, but in their panic many students don't think about the free resources available to them. ETS, for example, offers free dowloads of test preparation materials here.

You should also check around campus for free GRE tutors (or even tutors in basic math and writing skills). There are probably also plenty of study groups filled with other anxious soon to be test-takers. If there isn't a GRE study group at your university, consider starting one. Studying for the GRE in a group will allow you to do vocabulary and math drills, and will give you several opinions on your analytical writing skills. Several heads are better than one, after all!

You should also consider researching basic study skills. Even though you've been studying your way for the past several years, you could still probably learn a thing or two. Websites abound with free information on improving your study habits.

How to Study for the GRE: Plan ahead

Start studying and preparing at least a month in advance, though I would suggest beginning earlier than that. The GRE is a big deal, and it's not something that can be left until the last minute. Giving yourself plenty of time allows you to break down your studying into manageable chunks and will ease some of your anxiety.

One other thing to mention here: you do need to study for the GRE and study a lot. Some people will say that studying won't help and that the GRE is measuring a different type of knowledge than that which can be learned. While this may be true for some abnormally gifted individuals, it's not the case for us mere mortals. You will need to study.

How to Study for the GRE: Consider outside help

If you have the extra money, consider buying a GRE preparation book. There are many to choose from, and all have several practice tests for you to use. These can be a great tool for seeing what types of questions are asked and how well you are likely to perform. Keep in mind that the books only offer paper and pencil practice exams, so the format is somewhat different than the computerized version. The books are also a valuable source of vocabulary lists, writing tips, and math help.

You could also consider the GRE diagnostic service. This will point out strengths and weaknesses, as well as compare your scores to those of your peers. It costs some money, and it hasn't really been proven to improve GRE scores, but if it will ease your anxiety then it might be worth it.