In most fields, graduate programs require the GRE General Test, unlike the undergraduate programs' standard admissions requirement, which asks for SAT. The General GRE test is not specific to any academic discipline but tests applicants’ executive functioning skills. 

Tips for GRE preparation. 

Be an Avid Reader: The GRE's reading passages require you to become a highly-skilled reader of diverse materials, and students familiar with a wide variety of texts have a substantial advantage. This is to become well-acquainted with different types of narratives and academic writing. 

Plan each GRE section

A daily schedule allotted for preparing for the GRE works wonderfully. While preparing, we tend to focus more on the subject that we like, so having a plan helps you sweep away that mistake. You can gauge your aptitude in one area and divide timings accordingly. All sections in the daily plan are a must, irrespective of the tie allotted. 

Time your practice tests

It cannot be overemphasized how crucial regular practice tests are. However, the undefined point is to time yourself while you practice. Otherwise, it will be in vain, and it can’t even be called a practice test if it is not written just like the real test and adhering to the time0-0frame required. Also, always understand that applicants tend to take a few minutes more than usual in real tests. It is because of the building pressure that slows you. So noting your GRE mileage would help you keep track of the time you take while preparing. 

Avoid Practice with the friends

Group study is a no-no. Especially when the exam is just around the corner, it builds pressure on most applicants. You can’t help but see how your friend is equally good or better than you, even if it is in one section. 

Stock up on your study material

If you have been a ranker in school or even if you did fairly god than others, you might get infected with the disease “I don’t need those materials.” It is understandable. However, most students start preparing for the GRE within three months. Naturally, they exhaust all the practice papers and are only left with theory. This hampers your progress. Have a balanced approach and stock up on study materials. More papers have never harmed anyone. The aim here is to have enough material that you do not have to compromise on theory or practice tests when you need it as the exam approaches. 

Create a Gantt chart of performance

A Gantt chart can help keep track of your progress. You can understand when you will be done preparing for the worst-case scenario. It could be heartache to bring on paper on the days when you have done nothing. This keeps you self-aware, so you know you have been distracted. 

Give yourself a pep talk

This may not seem like a piece of excellent advice. But trust me, it is very much needed. When you are on the brink of falling into the self-doubt ocean after your horrible practice tests result, you only need a little “ALL IS WELL” tap on your heart. It mostly happens initially when you are trying to get acquainted with the test format and juggling with questions, and managing your time. Remember that you have time; even a week’s worth of crash course revision works if you get at it. So make a note to avoid being too hard on yourself while preparing. 

Practice the elimination method

This is probably the least talked about but the most effective method to increase tour GRE score or any competitive examination score. At times people confuse elimination with wild guesses. However, it is different. A wild guess is like you throwing a dart with closed eyes. In the elimination method, you open your eyes and try to hit the dart. So essentially, in wild guess, you tick any answer without thinking. While elimination methods require brainstorming. You read the options available to you. Think of the one that does not go at all and eliminate it. And then go further ahead and eliminate one more possibility that does not fit as an answer to you. This way, you are mostly left with two choices that increase your chance to fifty percent of being right. Although, developing such an instinct may take time. SO experts suggest not trying it directly as a first-hand experiment in actual exams. (hehe) 

Determine your mindset

It is essential to check whether you are n a proper mindset to study. Missing this step is why many students make a tactical study plan but never follow it. For this, you need to understand if you are in the flow of studying or have been distracted? Generally, people who have just finished their undergrads find it easy to go through the test preparations as their mindset is such. However, if you have been working or are on a break from studying, you may find it challenging to sit still and practice. The best way to determine if you have a mindset and aptitude is to attempt a practice test before starting to prepare or making a study timetable. Whether you could sit and try the whole paper without getting perplexed will answer many of your questions. 

Make your goals SMART

It might sound cliché, but a SMART goal is all you need. May it be your goal of improving the GRE score or spending more time studying. It only works if it’s SMART, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. All in all, your goal should be the one that is specific and can be measured or quantified to understand how you have progressed so far. Also, it should be achievable looking at your constraint and should not be superficial. And don’t forget to make it time-bound. Nobody has forever, my friend. 

In a nutshell

Hone your ability to prioritize the information presented to you to succeed in GRE. Learn to solve problems efficiently by organizing the information on hand. 

Hey, we also have an article on the GRE vocab list that might be helpful to you, do check it out here. Paste the link.