Once you’ve secured an undergraduate degree, your next step it’s probably enrolling in a postgraduate program.  If that’s the case you encounter some requirements, among which is your GRE Score. It might sound intimidating at first, especially if you don’t know what a GRE is. Fear not, though! We’re here to walk you through everything! Things get easier once you learn what it is, why you need it, and how to prepare for the GRE Test.

What’s a GRE Test?

GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination, and it’s a test administered by the Educational Testing Service( ETS) to measure your overall academic preparedness and eligibility for graduate school. If you’re planning to apply for a Postgraduate program in the USA or Canada, especially an MBA, you’re probably going to need to take the GRE Test. 

How to Prepare for the GRE Test?

If you’re scared, do not stress, we’ve got you covered! In a series of simple and easy steps, here’s how to prepare for the GRE Test:

1. Make A Study Plan

Making a plan is always a great way to start any task. Deciding on a time frame and setting precise goals and deadlines are important parts of the process. If you’re wondering how long you need to prepare for the GRE, you’ll need a minimum of 3 months to get things in order. With that in mind, make sure you have enough time to study, take regular breaks, and practice what you’ve gathered. You might need to add to your plan as you go, so always make sure to make your plan flexible and open to adjustments. Once you’ve set a clear and detailed plan, you’re good to go.

2. Read About The Test

Learning everything about the GRE Test before you take it is a great advantage. 

Knowing what sections are included in the test, the test duration, and the scoring/ grading process helps you better prepare for it. If you know what to expect, chances are you’re going to do well. Make sure you also know whether your required test is a general one or a subject one. 

A Subject GRE Test is a form of GRE Test that measures your knowledge of a particular subject or field of study. Students taking the Subject GRE Test are ones with an undergraduate degree in either Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Psychology. If you’re taking a subject test, you’ll need to further prepare for the subject in question and make time for it in your plan.

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3. Recognize Your Weaknesses

The GRE Test is made up of multiple sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing. Knowing the sections makes it easier to figure out your weaknesses and work on them. You can pinpoint the section in which you’re lacking, add it to your plan, and set aside more time to work on and improve your skills in it. If you’re taking a subject test, you’ll need to specify your weaknesses in said subject and work on further improving them before the test. Whether online or offline, Preparation Tools can help you improve whichever aspect you need, while Practice Tests can help you measure your progress and how much you’ve improved.

4. Use Preparation Tools

If you want to learn how to prepare for the GRE test online, the Educational Testing Service, ETS, offers free and low-cost preparation tools on their website. These tools help you improve the skills needed for the GRE Test, whether reasoning, thinking, or writing. Tools are not limited to the ETS’s online material. There are also books, videos, and online and offline courses. You can use more than one preparation tool, try them out and find what works best for you to ensure a smoother studying process. Further preparation is required if you’re taking a subject test. Reading up on the subject in question, refreshing your knowledge about it, and checking GRE materials on it is also an important part of the preparation process. 

5. Take Practice Tests

One of this test’s main obstacles is stress. To overcome this, or keep it in check, you should prepare for the GRE Test by taking practice tests. Practice tests are important to measure your progress, and taking them multiple times throughout your preparation process is highly recommended. Once you’ve taken a practice test and evaluated your scores, you’ll know what needs more work and what you need to spend more time on. If you’re wondering how to prepare for the GRE test at home, practice tests can be found online, and you can easily take them in a similar environment and under similar conditions to those of the actual GRE Test. This will help better prepare you for it. If you’re taking a subject test, Subject practice tests can also be found and are easily accessible at home. 

6. Document Your Progress

Keeping track of your progress is important not only for your preparation process but also for your own morale and self-esteem. Knowing how much you’ve accomplished and how long it took you to get there gives you the confidence boost needed to further advance in your studies. This also allows you to know if you’re lacking in a certain aspect, need to add more time, or you’re ahead of schedule and can afford to take longer breaks. A regularly updated progress report is as crucial as a plan. They’re both preparation essentials for any test, specifically the GRE Test.

Knowing how to prepare for the GRE Test is one of the many steps you need to take to pursue your postgraduate degree in either the US or Canada. Taking the GRE Test is no easy feat, but if you know how to prepare for the GRE Test, follow the above steps, dedicate enough time to the process, and follow-through, you’ll be ready to take the GRE Test and pursue your degree.