How to Study For the GRE Test (Graduate Record Examination)

The GRE test proves to be a very important test, but do not sweat it just yet. There are ways of which you can go about it successfully. Below is a list of suggestions on how to study for the GRE test.

1. Familiarize yourself with the GRE test prior to the day you have to take it. By familiarizing yourself with the test, you will have an idea of what to expect. By obtaining the knowledge of what to expect, you will have a smoother ride throughout the test. If you do not know what to expect then it will be easier for you to become flustered during the test, thus making the test more difficult than it has to be.

2. Allow yourself an adequate amount of prep time for the GRE test. By being well prepared, you will be more inclined to receive a better GRE score on the test. Spend as much time preparing for the test as you possibly can. As little as three to four months or as much as a year should be plenty of time for you to well prepare yourself.

3. Set a goal to receive the GRE score you wish to obtain. Setting goals is the prelude to an accomplishment. By setting a score goal for yourself, you will give yourself an idea of how much preparation and study time you will need so that you can achieve the score. Goals give you something particular to work toward.

4. Steer clear of distractions when studying for the GRE test. Distractions are, well, distracting. When studying for the GRE test, you want to focus solely on the content of which you are studying. Try to refrain from any and all distractions, such as television, music (unless listening to music helps you study), cell phones, etcetera.

5. Study a variety of texts. Studying more than one text will cover more of the test overall. This can definitely help you to better prepare yourself. Some text suggestions are Kaplan, Princeton Review, Barrons, Big Book, and Power Prep.

6. Vigorously practice the GRE test before taking the actual test. As the saying goes, "practice makes perfect". Think of it as a sport. In sports, players have to practice regularly so that they can become better and better at their sport. The same goes for the GRE test. The more you practice, the more likelihood that you will receive the GRE score that you would like to will increase.

7. Concentrate primarily on the sections of the GRE test of which you believe you will struggle in. The test is divided mainly into four separate sections: analytical writing, research, quantitative, and verbal. Only you yourself can truly know what areas you excel in and what areas of which you may need more assistance in. Study the test as a whole, but spend a bit more time on the areas of which you are not so great in.

8. Be aware of how much time you are allotted for each portion of the test. Once you have studied the test content for awhile, begin taking practice tests. When taking these practice tests, time yourself in tandem with the time limitations for the actual test. By doing this, you will acquire an idea of how to pace yourself during the test.