A Quick Guide on GRE Preparation

If you intend to pursue a master’s degree or even an MBA in an English speaking country such as the US and Canada, the chances are that the university you are aspiring to will ask for your GRE or the Graduate Record Examination scores, amongst other qualifying criteria. The GRE is not a straightforward test and can be very challenging. However, you need not worry; this article has all the vital information you need to know about giving the GRE, including five tips on GRE preparation. So let’s begin.

What is GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised computer-based test that is accepted as an admission requirement for most international graduate colleges. In fact, graduate students aspiring to advanced courses in Engineering, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Education, Humanities and Arts, and Business Schools are required to take the GRE.

The GRE test covers a broad range of topics and is designed to measure three core skills, which are quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. Here is what the three sections in the GRE contain –

• The quantitative reasoning section in the GRE has questions on arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis. This section tests your understanding of mathematics and your ability to apply math to everyday problems.
• The verbal reasoning section tests your ability read and comprehend information, and to recognise the relationship between words and concepts. Verbal reasoning includes reading comprehension, text completion where you are asked to fill omitted words or phrases, and sentence equivalence questions where you have to complete a sentence.
• The analytical writing section tests your skill in expressing complex ideas effectively. You will have to complete two essays in a time of thirty minutes for each piece.

The GRE lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes, and the analytical writing test is the first section to be attempted. The other two sections can arrive in any order. The official test scores of a student are usually sent to the respective school the student is applying within two weeks of sitting for the test.

Registering for the GRE

The GRE computer-based test is offered all over the world. You can sit for the test as many times as you see fit but only five times within a 12-month period and only once every 21 days. The paper format of the GRE test is offered three times a year in the months of February, October and November. However, GRE paper test is conducted only in test centres or places where the computer-based GRE test is not available.

In the UAE currently, the GRE test can be taken only in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The two cities host three GRE test centres, one in Dubai and two in Abu Dhabi. The tests are offered throughout the year except the weekends (Friday and Saturday) and Statutory Holidays.

You can register for the computer-based GRE test online. The seats tend to fill up quickly, so register as soon as you decide to take the GRE. If you can’t get the preferred date, time and location, try another GRE test-taking location.

Five Practical Tips for GRE Preparation

GRE preparation is not an overnight process. The test demands extensive training, and that means studying hard and attentively. Experts suggest that candidates should start preparing as early as twelve weeks before the exam to master as much as possible.

The pressure for performing well in the GRE can make anyone anxious, especially because the GRE result has a huge bearing on your chances of being admitted to a graduate or business school. As such, one ought to prepare adequately before sitting for the test. Especially, pay attention to the following five GRE preparation tips.

1. Create a Study Plan – Start by setting up a realistic schedule or study plan that includes allocated time for daily study. If you are preparing for more than one competitive exam, expect to put in at least two hours of rigorous study time preparing for the GRE in the weeks leading up to the exam.
2. Get Appropriate Study Materials – It’s important to use only the official GRE materials. There are books for GRE preparation, and they include practice problems as well as practice tests. Also, you can get a lot of GRE study materials online to enhance the scope of your study.
3. Do Several Practise Tests – Practice makes perfect, so do a lot of practice problems and practice tests before the actual examination date approaches. Start with the practice questions first, and then move on to regular practice testing. Take six practice tests each week for six weeks before the exam day.
4. Take an English Course – To succeed in the GRE examination, you will need excellent writing skills. Enrolling for an English course can help you do well in the GRE, especially the essays in the analytical writing section.
5. Plan to Sit for the General Test in November – Taking the test in November has two benefits. First, you will receive your test scores at an appropriate time which means you will be able to meet any admissions deadline. Secondly, should you perform poorly on your first try, you will have enough time to do the test again in December to boost your scores.

Whether you are looking to join a graduate school or business school, preparing for the GRE examination is paramount. You can enrol in a GRE test preparation course or hire a private tutor to help with GRE preparations.