If you are planning on attending graduate school, you will have to take the GRE. (GRE stands for Graduate Record Exam.) Taking the GRE scares many college students. For many of them, it looms like a dark, ominous cloud on the horizon.
There are several things that you can do to alleviate your fear and trepidation of the GRE. One of the best things to do is read. This doesn’t mean that you can read mystery books or thriller novels. The purpose of reading is to improve your reading comprehension. Instead, go to the library and spend time reading different types of journals and magazines– business, economics, scientific. After reading an article, take a few minutes to think about and summarize what you read. This helps you to think critically about what you have read.
The next thing you should do is increase your vocabulary. There are websites that provide lists of words to learn for the GRE. Make flashcards with the word on the front side and the definition on the back. Drill these words over until you have them memorized.
Practice your writing. Pick a topic and write a two-page paper on the topic. Write about current events. Take a topic that is controversial and write a short paper in support of the topic. Then, write a paper against the topic. Being able to write in a logical organized manner is critical to passing the GRE with a good score.
Consider taking a preparation course. If you are currently enrolled in college, see if your university offers a GRE preparation course. Taking a prep course provides a review of math skills that you will need to have.
Organize a study group with other university students who are planning on taking the test. Purchase GRE study guides and books. Drill each other and take the practice exams that come with the books.