Awareness of Don’ts makes Do’s for GRE prep indispensable!
Why Do’s and Don’ts ?
Like knowing about syllabus and exam structure is necessary, in the same way becoming aware of do’s and don’ts for GRE prep are requisite. One must learn what should be done and what shouldn’t be done much carefully so that no mistakes can be made. Before the exam, one must read instructions clearly
Knowing the clear picture beforehand is a privilege hence one must be more careful with do’s and don’ts and must consider it more importantly.
Do’s
- Find a suitable material to study.
- Find coaching institutions and resources to study better.
- Make study plans according to the time left as if you have a month left than follow one month plan. It’s all provided on websites to prepare GRE.
- Find which method is best according to your capability. Is it a self-study or classroom-based study?
- Make short notes and formulas to learn daily.
- Have patience and confidence that you can do it. GRE can be stressful in such an environment one must be focused on studies.
- Think of the GRE prep test as challenging to stay calm during the test.
- Always solve one question at a time. Do not solve one and think about others.
- Practice and solve more and more test papers to get better speed.
Do’s just before ‘The Day’:
- You can have coffee before the exam to increase mental capabilities.
- Report test center before 30 minutes.
- Dress in a proper outfit suitable to the climate.
- Take sharpened pencils and eraser.
- Take government-issued photo ID with your signature.
- You can always ask for extra scratch paper.
- Strictly follow rules that are stated before the examination.
- For computer-delivered GRE take confirmation mail to the test center.
- Do not use confirmation mail as scratch paper. 10. Keep yourself hydrated. Studies have shown that drink are better for thinking capabilities.
- Wear layers in clothing so that according to the temperature you can adjust.
- If you get stuck at some specific question move on.
Do’s with the sections:
- Analytical Writing Section
- Understand and organize before answering this section, the baseless answer won’t score you any marks.
- Practice some essays before the exam day.
- Justify your answer with essential details.
- Specify both sides of arguments.
- Verbal Section
- Use flashcards to enhance your vocabulary.
- Try talking in English as regularly as you can.
- Read a lot of newspapers and comprehension books.
- Quantitative Section
- Use paper and pen to solve the problems.
- Save time for the questions that need be gone through again.
- Learn shortcuts to solve lengthy questions.
- Practice problems from sample papers.
- Double check to avoid silly mistakes.
Don’ts:
- Don’t build stress. Study patiently.
- A student must not procrastinate. Sticking to the study plan will be a better solution.
- Do not rely totally on institutions. One must do self-study too. Learning 5 min by yourself is more efficient than learning in the institutions.
- Never skip meals. Always eat full diet and keep yourself hydrated. Foods are essential for better studies.
- Sleep is mandatory. One must sleep 7-8 hours. Research has shown that brain functions full if its given proper rest.
- Do not freak out the night before the examination.
- Stop being perfectionist or anxious.
- Don’t discuss anything before the exam it may confuse you more.
Don’ts on ‘The Day’:
- Students are not allowed to wear digital watch or smartwatch.
- They are not allowed to talk after the test begun.
- Foods and drinks are not allowed in the testing room.
- Earbuds and listening to music are not allowed in the exam.
- Smartphones and electronic devices are not allowed.
- Weapons and firearms are not allowed.
- Jewelry is prohibited.
- Do not take your own scratch paper.
- Do not take any study material with you it can be considered as misconduct.
- Do not use scratch paper during break or before the test.
- Mechanical pencil and pens are prohibited.
- Do not take the calculator to the exam center. For the computer-based exam, the calculator interface will be provided inside the GRE software.
- Do not spend too much time on the review screen.
Don’ts with the sections:
- Analytical Writing Section
- Don’t write useless points on the topic just to make it large.
- Don’t get started as soon as you receive a question paper.
- Don’t miss out small points that may be the core of the topic.
- Verbal Section
- Don’t mix-up the words.
- Do not guess if you don’t know the answer.
- Quantitative Section
- Avoid calculation mistakes.
- Do not waste time on questions that are long or too hard to solve make them mark and review later.
Written by Trishla Jain.
