Alexis Kestler
Preparing for the GRE can be an intimidating endeavor. With advanced vocabulary, complex math concepts, and months of studying required, many prospective graduate students feel overwhelmed. Where do you even begin crafting an effective study strategy?
Luckily, I have taken dozens of practice tests and analyzed preparation approaches that translate to success on the real GRE. By understanding exactly what the exam entails and planning your prep meticulously, we can tackle this test with confidence!
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know to absolutely crush the GRE.
Breaking Down the GRE Format
Before we dive into specific prep tips, let‘s review what the GRE looks like from start to finish so you know precisely what to expect on test day.
The GRE General Test contains the following sections:
Analytical Writing: This first section requires you to write essays analyzing arguments and supporting ideas with evidence. You‘ll have 30 minutes for each essay.
Verbal Reasoning: These 40 multiple choice questions cover complex reading comprehension, critical reasoning for long and short passages, and vocabulary-in-context questions. Time per section is 30 minutes.
Quantitative Reasoning: Demonstrate your mathematical skills across basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. There are 40 questions per 35 minute section.
Unscored & Research Sections: Occasionally, unscored or research questions are included. These don‘t impact your score but allow GRE to trial new questions.
Length & Scoring Overview
| Section | Questions | Timing | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 2 essays | 60 minutes total | 0.0 – 6.0 in .5 increments |
| Verbal Reasoning | 40 questions | 60 minutes total | 130-170 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 40 questions | 70 minutes total | 130-170 |
| Unscored & Research | variable | N/A | N/A |
Total Test Length: 3 hours 45 minutes
Highest Possible Score: 340
Key Prep Strategies for GRE Excellence
Now that we‘ve gone over the GRE basics, let me share the most vital components that should comprise your study regimen for phenomenal scores!
Start Preparing Early
Ideally, you should spend 3-6 months rigorously prepping to master the advanced concepts and nuances of the GRE. Consistency and repetition of strategies cement skills and knowledge needed for peak exam performance.
If you don‘t have as much lead time due to application deadlines, don‘t panic! I‘ve designed accelerated 4-8 week cram schedules that can still effectively boost scores for those on a tight timeline.
Invest in a Reputable Prep Program
While you could in theory self-study for the GRE using only free online resources, enrolling in a test prep program maximizes structure, quality materials, and expert guidance tailored to the exam.
I highly recommend selecting a prep course that provides access to instructors who can clarify challenging concepts and offer feedback on practice essays or mock exams. These services are truly invaluable!
Top programs like Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Economist GRE Tutor leverage adaptive algorithms to analyze your strengths and weaknesses, then customize lessons and practices accordingly so you get the most of out of every minute spent prepping.
Set a Goal Score
Establish a specific GRE score target based on the average scores for acceptance to your desired programs. This quantifies the points needed to improve across each section.
For example, based on my research of top computer science graduate programs, I need target scores of:
- Quantitative: 165
- Verbal: 155
- Writing: 4.5
Maintaining laser focus on these benchmarks motivates continuous progress!
Practice Like It‘s the Real Exam
Once you have fundamental concepts, formulas and vocabulary down, taking full-length computer-based practice tests is critical. Mimicking actual GRE timing, length, question order, etc ensures you know precisely what to expect come test day.
Analyze each practice test to identify lingering weak spots and adjust your study plan accordingly. Repeat this process until consistently scoring at or above your goal.
Avoid Burnout
GRE prep is a marathon, not a sprint! Make sure to schedule in time for breaks, adequate sleep, and other hobbies so you don‘t burnout.
Use motivation tracking tools to maintain diligence and celebrate incremental achievements along the way. Enlist a study buddy for camaraderie and keep your eyes on the prize of graduate program admission!
Stick to these evidence-based tips and you‘ll be well on your way to mastering the GRE. Now let‘s explore the highest quality prep courses to further boost your scores.
Top GRE Prep Programs Compared
I‘ve compiled key distinctions between premier providers to simplify selecting your perfect program match.
| Prep Course | Practice Tests | Practice Q‘s | Instructor Support | Adaptive Learning | Money-Back Guarantee | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaplan | 8 full-length | 5,000+ | Tutoring packages available | Quiz bank algorithm | Score increase or refund | $799 |
| Princeton Review | 8 full-length | 3,500+ | Available via upgrade | SmartPoint technology | Score increase or refund | $499 |
| Economist GRE Tutor | 8 full-length | 1,500+ | Dedicated instructor team | Continuous algorithm | Score increase or refund | $850 |
| Magoosh | 3 full-length | 1,500+ | Email support | Custom practice sets | Refund within 7 days of purchase | $149 |
As you can see, the top contenders provide ample practice opportunities with realistic content aligned to the actual GRE format. Where they differ is extent of teacher interaction, personalization of resources based on strengths and weaknesses, and guarantees if promised score improvements aren‘t achieved.
Select the course resonating most with your individual learning priorities and preferred medium for prep. All showcase impressive track records for significant score bumps!
Final Perspective
Conquering the GRE is absolutely attainable through commitment to consistent, high-quality preparation. As a test prep expert guiding students for over 7 years, I‘m confident that following the strategies outlined above will prove hugely beneficial. Leverage the wisdom I‘ve accumulated from evaluating results across prep programs and testing administrations to build custom regimen tailored to your targets.
With laser focus, determination through adversity, and the right arsenal of study materials, we will annihilate this test! Now let‘s get prepping.
