Tips To Prepare For The GRE
For most undergraduate students, the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is a required part of their application
for graduate programs. Before you start preparing for the GRE, check to make sure that the
university/program you are applying to requires the GRE and how GRE scores are weighted as part of the
overall application process. Here is some advice to keep in mind before you set off to increase your GRE
score.
*note: This section talks about the GRE General Test, not the GRE Subject Tests
1. Start preparing early
Doing well on any exam requires preparation, and this is no less true for the GRE. As a general
rule, it is a good idea to start preparing 2-3 months ahead. However, vocabulary is greatly
emphasized in the Verbal section, and it is never too early to brush up on it.
2. Register for the exam
You need to have registered for your exam 6-8 weeks in advance. Just go to www.gre.org to
register.
3. Understand the format of the exam
Any GRE-preparation site, book, or tutorial will offer information on the format of the exam.
Here is a quick view of what the GRE is comprised of – do NOT skip reading these!
The scored portion of the GRE is broken up into three sections – Analytical Writing, Verbal, and
Quantitative.
 Analytical Writing- two essays, the Issue Essay (45 min) and the Argument Essay (30
min)
 Quantitative (28 questions, 45 min) – requires only up to high-school level math
 Verbal (30 questions, 30 min) – composed of fill-in-the-blank and reading
comprehension questions.
There is also an addition Un-scored section that looks like the rest of the exam (you will not know
which section it is) as well as a Research section that is optional to do (which you will know what
section it is).
Knowing the exam format ahead of time means less time spent on reading directions during the
actual exam. It also allows you to pace yourself during the exam.*
*Starting on August 1st, 2011, the revised GRE General Test will take effect. While the general
layout will be similar, specific question types may be different or omitted entirely. If you are
taking the GRE General Test on or after that date, be sure you are using the correct practice
materials. For information on changes in the GRE General Test, see
http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/know
4. Buy practice books and/or enroll in a tutoring class
If you are self-motivated and manage time wisely, working through online tutorials and practice
books may be enough to boost your GRE score. If not, it may be helpful to enroll in a tutoring
class or online class to keep you on schedule.
5. Practicing for the CAT
People living in the United States and Canada usually take the Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT)
version of the GRE. Even if you are good at math and English, the CAT could throw you off if
you’re unused to it. The CAT is different from your normal paper-based test for the following
reasons:
 You cannot skip a question and go back to it later. This mean that if you get stuck on a
question, you cannot waste too much time on it – answer it and move on.
 Each question is weighted differently. If you answer a question correctly, you will be
given a harder question. If you answer it wrong, the next question will be easier. Ideally,
in the end you are given an “accurate” portrayal of your ability
 Sometimes it’s harder to read off the computer screen. This is especially true for the
reading comprehension section, where most people have been taught to mark the passage.
You can’t mark the computer screen, so you will need to take notes on your sheet instead.
Therefore, taking practice computer-adaptive tests is integral in simulating the experience of the
actual exam. www.ets.org/gre offers a free simulation test, and others are readily available online.
6. Take the Diagnostic, and set an achievable goal
Where are you at right now? Where do you want to be? If you have enough time, you should go
over every type of problem that will be on the exam. Working through practice problems in books
will help you remember how you need to attack each problem in the exam. When the time for the
actual exam draws near, pinpoint and focus on your weakest topics.
When setting a score goal, keep in mind your schedule, where you are right now, and how you’re
progressing. Remember also that even if the overall GRE score is not weighted heavily for
acceptance, or some sections are emphasized over others depending on your major, it is still often
an important factor in awarding teaching and research assistantships and merit-based financial aid.
Good luck on your GRE test!