How long does it take to prepare for GRE?
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PREPARE FOR THE GRE?
A determined mind and a dedicated approach should not take you more than two to three months to be completely prepared to take on the GRE. The way you plan for your Masters program, the same planning should be done to emerge successful in the GRE test. Keep the following things in mind, before you start planning for your GRE.
- Decide when you would like to appear for your GRE exam and then start the preparation accordingly.
- Figure out how good or bad you are with your English language skills and Maths.
- How much time you can devote studying for each subject mentioned above.
- Most importantly, when do you plan to appear for your GRE?
STEP 1: DIAGNOSTIC TEST
Foremost to begin with, start by taking a diagnostic test to assess your GRE level. It will reveal your strengths and weaknesses and will enable you to plan more efficiently.
STEP 2: QUANTITATIVE SECTION PREPARATION
If you have a math background, the Quant section should be easier for you to crack. However, if there are topics you struggle with, you’ll have to learn these concepts in detail and apply them to solving more problems. It is highly advisable to undertake practice tests for every new topic you have learnt. Check for GRE Preparation Apps on the play store.
STEP 3: VERBAL SECTION PREPARATION
The Verbal section is by and large the most difficult part of the GRE to crack through, especially with the vocabulary part. Make sure you download Vocabulary related apps and go through at least 20 new words every day. Do not memorise as it will only lead to panic as the number of words will keep increasing with each day of learning. Rather, observe how the words are used in sentences. In fact, you could also use them effectively in your essays and other write-ups.
Focus on the reading comprehension passages. Apply scanning and skimming techniques. Note down the key words that take you to the main purpose of the passage. Apply elimination techniques and then arrive at the best possible answer.
STEP 4: ESSAYS
Do not ignore the essay part, especially the Argument Essay. A proper comprehension of the argument essay is equally important before you commence writing. There are several argument essay topics available freely over the internet. Write at least two essays a week and get them assessed through a teacher or a verbal expert.
STEP 5: FULL-LENGTH TESTS
After a thorough verbal and quants preparation, start with the full-length tests. Take as many full-length tests as possible and time them. Time-management is very crucial and hence keep note of the same.
STEP 6: ANALYZE AND REVIEW
Contemplate on your scores and analyse where you are falling short. If are not performing well in a section or topic-related concept, diligently work towards the same. One last but most important advice – Keep revising the word list every single day and do not feel tensed.
Your timely preparation and hard work should sail you through!!
Know more about GRE Examination: http://educationstreet.in/counseling/coaching-for-gre-ielts-toefl-sat-gmat/
By: Mr. Dilip Kumar Dubey – Academic Head and Branch Head (Vashi)
Education Street.
