GRE Preparation

Introduction to GRE Preparation

In preparation for graduate school, you of course hear about the importance of internships, applicable skills, job experiences, and good grades. Additionally, you will hear something about the GRE. What is it? The Graduate Record Examination is a required part of application to most accredited universities, testing vocabulary, basic math, and analytical writing. For colleges to gain accreditation they often must require an admittance exam; for you to gain acceptance, you often must study and prepare. Your GRE score lasts for five years, and while retaking it may become part of your ultimate test preparation, the more you can do before sitting an exam, the better.

GRE Preparation FAQs

How should I begin preparing for the GRE?

GRE preparation begins with understanding exactly what is required by your desired program. Many schools or departments ask for the GRE only as a formality, but many consider it almost as high as or higher than grades, resumes, and experiences. When you know how significantly your target schools and programs weight the GRE, you know how best to approach it.

To be ready to take the GRE before applying to a Master's degree or PhD program, you should start at least a year before your anticipated graduation date. Once you have chosen your target programs and universities, determine your readiness, budget, and needs. If you have a history of poor exam performance, begin immediately to study. Consider diving right into a complete preparation course. GRE preparation courses either are hosted in the classroom or are accomplished through distance education. While the GRE covers generic skills, it does those in a standardized testing format. If tests are a difficulty for you, tap into that structured education early on.

What about distance learning and the GRE?

Distance learning provides an excellent option for those who might not have the resources to accomplish a complete, accredited classroom course. Because the GRE focuses on hands-on activities-vocabulary, mathematics, and writing-the need for immediate feedback, as you would get in a classroom setting, may not be as high. Especially if you are already skilled in test-taking, consider paying for a distance learning course. (Naturally, if your test-taking history is poorer than most, remember that you may need more that this.)

Can I study for the GRE on my own?

Some students opt to teach themselves, perhaps by beginning their GRE preparation with a free online or classroom test. The actual GRE itself tends to be computer-based, but preparation in either medium is effective. This first attempt at the GRE functions as a diagnostic for the next round of planning. Poor performance ought to encourage at least purchasing a book, basic study program, or perhaps extensive distance education or classroom training sessions.

Poor performance, however, is not the only criteria for more in-depth test preparation. Even performing well on a practice test is no guarantee, so you should still refine your skills. Performing any lower than you need, hope, or expect will lessen your chances of obtaining your desired education and career. Be sure that your scores match your ambition. That ambition will get you started, but knowing where to go and how to get there are what land you your desired skills, jobs, and eventual career destination.

GRE links & Resources

Student Center > Test Prep > GRE

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Official site of the GRE.
Sections include: Tests ; Test Registration ; Test Takers with Disabilities ; Test Preparation ; Scores & Score Reporting ; Services ; Educators.
- Educational Testing Service

GRE Preparation Material
This free nine chapter guide written by Education Testing Service includes general information & tips, a verbal section and a quantitative section.

Greek and Latin Roots for GRE Preparation
Includes common prefixes, suffixes, and root words.
By Jessica DeForest, Michigan State University.

GRE Bookstore, Software, and Courses

GRE GMAT LSAT: Deluxe Edition
Get everything you need to successfully prepare for the GMAT, LSAT, and GRE exams with this incredible deluxe package. Only Kaplan gives you a personalized plan based on your schedule, strength, skills, and more. You'll build your confidence and skills and score higher.

GRE/GMAT Math Workbook
Thinking about going back to grad school but your math skills are a little rusty? Kaplan's GRE & GMAT Math Workbook includes the proven test-taking strategies and the targeted math training you need to sharpen your skills and improve your GRE and GMAT math scores.

GRE Verbal Workbook
From the creators of the #1 GRE course... Kaplan's GRE Verbal Workbook comes complete with a targeted, intensive review of the verbal section of the GRE, plus our exclusive test-taking strategies to help you maximize your score on every question type.

Higher Score GMAT/GRE/LSAT -- 15 user Lab Pack

This powerful 3-CD set provides your students with intensive preparation for the GRE, GMAT, and LSAT - all of it based on their skills and abilities. With personalized performance feedback, students know the exact areas on which to focus.

GRE Classroom Course
*Targeted classroom instruction using an effective, problem-solving approach that immerses you in the content and strategies you need to score higher.

*Convenient class sessions led by one of Kaplan's expert teachers at more than 160 centers and thousands of classroom sites worldwide.

GRE Online
*Dynamic instruction from one of Kaplan's expert teachers.
*Extensive practice under test-like conditions, including 3 full-length, computer adaptive exams, quizzes, and more.
*A customized study plan to address your strengths and weaknesses.

*Kaplan's comprehensive home study kit.

GRE Writing Assessment Grading
*2 essays, submitted by you, from topics listed on the GRE web site or from a list of Kaplan topics.
*Extensive evaluation, scoring, and comments by Kaplan experts on 2 Analyze an Argument essays or 2 Present Your Perspective essays or one of each.
*Candid advice and suggestions on meeting.

GRE Basic Math Workshop
*Dynamic instruction from one of Kaplan's expert teachers.
*A refresher review of the fundamental concepts of basic algebra, arithmetic, and geometry.
*Effective practice on every basic math question type, plus Kaplan's exclusive strategies to help you score the most points in the least amount of time.

Powell's Books - Books on GRE Preparation

Cliffnotes - Be Prepared with Wiley's Leading Test Prep Guides