Use the available resources to prepare for the Graduate Record Exam.
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is a post-undergraduate exam used by graduate programs and business schools to evaluate prospective students. The general test examines analytical writing, verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning skills non-specific to any particular field of study. GRE subject tests are offered as well, and may be required by certain institutions. The GRE is used as a supplemental tool of evaluation for the acceptance or rejection of prospective students into a post-graduate program or business school.
Know Exactly Which Test You Will Be Taking
Before gathering materials in preparation of taking you GRE, you need to find out which type of GRE you will take. The general GRE tests your acumen in analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning, but is not catered to any one field of study. GRE subject test may be required by particular institutions and will be noted in the program or school's acceptance policies if they are needed. GRE Subject tests include Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology.
Gather Study Materials and Resources
There are several GRE study guides you may purchase, such as the ETS test book, the Bara Sapir guidebook and Barron's GRE guide. There are also several free test preparation guides available online, some of which include a wide variety of practice questions, such as the Study Guide Zone guidebook. It is advisable to purchase or use more than one study guide, as some guides will better prepare you for different portions of the test. See the Resources section for a list of free and purchasable GRE guidebooks.
Set a Timeline for Yourself
Most GRE guidebooks will strongly advise you to set up a timeline for your study habits. The GRE is a large test covering three or more different skill sets, each of which require plenty of thorough study and preparation. Setting a timeline for your studies allows you to gauge what you have learned, how far you have come since beginning your studies, and allow you to gauge how much more you will need to prepare.
Take Practice Tests
The GRE may be taken more than once, but this can be costly and nerve-racking. Most purchasable guidebooks will include at lease one preparation test. Taking a preparation test will give you a better idea of what the real test will be like, and you can take it at a fraction of the actual GRE's cost. GRE preparation tests will also allow you to gauge which areas of study you excel in, and which require further work.
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