Graduate Record Exams or also known as the GRE is a global and standardized entrance examination which is a requirement to be met for enrolling into any of the top universities and colleges around the world. More than 700 centers across 160 countries have made these examinations available to whosoever wants to appear for them. Although there are no specified criteria as such with regards to the age and qualification of the candidate appearing for the exams but the candidates will have to adhere to the eligibility criteria of the universities or colleges that they apply for. Although GRE preparations is nothing to fret about but there are a few thing which can be helpful if remembered during the preparations.
To prepare for GRE it is essential to understand the format involved which comprises of the GRE General test and the GRE Subject test.
GRE General test:
The GRE General test can be thought about as a measuring meter which measures the candidate’s quantitative reasoning abilities along with the verbal reasoning and analytical thinking.
· The quantitative reasoning has two sections which need to be attempted by the candidate. These two sections comprise of 20 questions each with a time period allotted of 30 minutes per section.
· The Verbal reasoning is also the same with two sections and 20 questions per section. But the time allotted per section is 35 minutes.
· There are two tasks allotted in the Analytical thinking sections, where the first task is analyzing an issue and the second task is analyzing an argument.
GRE Subject test:
Following are the tests included in the GRE subject test:
-
Biology test:
Broadly this test comprises of a total of 194 questions. These are multiple choice questions (5 choices to be specific), which includes fields of study like cellular and molecular biology, ecology and evolution and organismal biology. All the three fields are allotted equal weightage with respect to the marks.
-
Chemistry test:
Again a multiple choice questions format, this test comprises of 130 questions wherein a periodic table is provided in the test booklet as well as in the table of information. This periodic table contains physical constants as well as some conversion factors which belong to SI units.
-
Literature in English test:
As the name suggests, this test comprises of 230 questions relating to drama, biography, poetry, short story, essay, novels, criticism or we can say, basically everything related to English Literature.
-
Mathematics test:
Again a multiple choice pattern consisting of 66 questions, wherein 50% of the questions are related to undergraduate courses and about 25% of the questions are related to linear algebra, elementary algebra and abstract.
-
Physics test:
100 questions with 5 choices each, this test has its base in physical situations supported by diagrams, experimental data and graphs.
-
Psychology test:
This test comprising of 205 questions with 5 choices as answers for each questions, makes the candidate choose the correct option keeping in mind the stimulus material provided.
Guidelines for GRE preparations:
Here are a few steps which can be considered as a guideline for the GRE Test preparation:
Step 1: Attempt a practice GRE test:
Getting to your know your quantitative and verbal strength will help you prepare much better for your GRE. This can be known by attempting a realistic and full length GRE practice test. The best part about taking this practice test is that the scores will not only reflect your abilities but also reflect your weak areas and ways to strengthen them. Also, another benefit of taking this practice test is that it makes you familiar with the format of the original test helping you to allocate your time to each question accordingly.
Step 2: Organize your study schedule:
Making a decision to attempt for the GRE test is the time when you start to schedule your time towards preparing for GRE. For doing so you will want to allocate a specific time in your packed schedule for the day to study for GRE. It is advised to study at least 5 days a week for an hour and a half. If improving your vocabulary is your priority then we recommend that you carry physical flash cards or use a flash card app in your smartphone. Attempt at least four practice tests before the actual GRE test starting from a month before the main test and every week after that.
Step 3: Developing the Study plan:
The first question that arises in every candidates mind after deciding to appear for the GRE test is, “How to study?” The best possible answer to this is to make the best use of resources such as GRE books or classes. This will help you learn strategies and know the content of the test which you can apply in the attempted practice tests as it is proven fact that instant and practical application of things learnt helps the brain to remember it more easily and for a longer time.
Just following the above guidelines is not enough. Here are a few GRE preparation tips which can help you before the D-Day:
- Don’t get extreme: Try to avoid going overboard with your preparations. But then that does not also mean that you are completely avoiding doing any revisions. Maintain a balance so as to not overstress yourself before the D-Day.
- Scout: Take time visit the venue of your test and familiarize yourself with the place. The aim here is to remove the natural anxiousness of the unknown on the test day which will keep you stress free and relaxed. Also knowing where you have to go will help you leave for the test on time to avoid traffic and hence reach the venue well before the exam timings.
- Eating pattern: Take care to consume a diet that does not make you sluggish but keeps you refreshed and energized.
- Sleep: Preparation and the impending test can give you sleepless nights which can be the main reason for anxiety and stress. Sleep well to feel naturally healthy and fresh.
- Promise a reward for yourself: last but not the least, promise a reward for yourself after attempting the exam. This will give you something to look forward to after the tension and anxiety associated with the test and provides you with the motivation to appear for the test.
The above mentioned GRE tips and tricks are a generalized way to achieve the best results in your GRE. The final scores completely depend on the preparations done by an individual candidate.
