I recently took the Graduate Record Exam or 'GRE,'and I wanted to pass along some hints for anyone considering taking this exam. Based on my experiences, here's what I would recommend:
- Consider taking a professional test preparation course. It will help keep you focused, and keep you accountable for studying.
- If you cannot afford to take a test preparation course, purchase test preparation materials. It might be advantageous to buy more than one, since each company takes a slightly different approach to the preparation process. Look for a book that explains (not simply lists) each correct answer.
- Find a study partner, and set aside a certain time when you will get together on a regular basis.
- Take a timed sample exam to find out where your weaknesses are.
- When you decide which subject areas you want to concentrate on, calculate how many pages per day you need to complete its study. Allow a day or two off per week, if you need a break from the material.
- Nothing can take the place of doing practice problems. Your performance on practice problems is indicative of how well you'll do on the exam itself.
- Do not ignore the test-taking strategies section of your GRE prep book. These strategies are every bit as important as the information you'll be studying.
- Two of the strategies I found to be very helpful were (a) with the quantitative comparison problems, remember that you will not always need to calculate the exact answer -- all you need to do is to indicate which column has the greater amount; and (b), with the analytical/logic problems and the geometry, try sketching a diagram to help you visualize the scenario.
- Do not hesitate to sign up for the special accommodations that are available to disabled students. Accommodations are outlined in the official GRE registration booklet.
- Contrary to what you might have known, the computer-based GRE is not something to be feared. It is quite possible that you will be more comfortable physically when taking the exam. I took the computer-based exam, and I am glad that I did.
- If your disability affects your performance in the morning, take the exam on the computer. It is the only way that you can get a late-morning or afternoon start on the general exam.
- Study on a consistent basis for several weeks before the exam, but DO NOT study the night before! Do something relaxing and distracting, like watching a video, or taking a bath.
- Try to get a good night's sleep the night before the test. If you're feeling anxious, do whatever works for you in order to help you sleep.
- Be sure to feed your brain! Eat a filling, high-protein breakfast the day of the exam. I had a hamburger -- strange breakfast, certainly, but I did not get hungry until the exam was over.