GRE Preparation Strategies in 2022: The internet is full of information about GRE preparation resources and strategies. While it is helpful for some, it can actually be a hurdle for many. With a thousand resources, it becomes difficult to sift through the ones that will actually be helpful to you.
But not to worry, because there are some effective strategies that you can take to prepare for your GRE in the most efficient way possible. The below listed strategies are written with thoughtfulness, and have been tested time and again through thousands of test-takers belonging to multiple backgrounds.
Without further ado, here are the five most effective GRE preparation strategies to use in 2022:
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Take a Diagnostic Test
The first step to preparing for the GRE is to take a diagnostic test. A diagnostic test assesses one’s current skills and abilities without any sort of prior preparation. You will take the full-length GRE test to see where you currently stand, what your strengths and weaknesses are, and how you will improve. Taking that into account, you will set a target score, factoring in the time available for preparation as well.
Basically, a diagnostic test will help you develop a workplan or a GRE study guide for yourself based on the score you get and the target score you want to achieve. You can find a FREE diagnostic test at the Scholarden website which replicates the real GRE format and difficulty-level.
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Personalized Learning Approach
You will find a plethora of resources on the internet, all of which are very enticing and appealing. They will give you a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month study plan that is standardized across individuals. Here, you have to remember that your strengths and weaknesses are completely unique to you, and a standardized study plan will not be effective for your GRE preparation. On the contrary, it could even result in a lesser score on the actual GRE exam.
Once you have taken the diagnostic test, assess your strengths—maybe you are very good at comprehending complex sentences and information, and your real struggle is with the algebraic portion of the Quantitative Reasoning section. Identify patterns of error if there are any.
Then, plan your own personalized schedule. Scholarden is one of the only GRE test preparation platforms that prioritizes the uniqueness of the individual and provides customized study plans for each user through the guidance of their expert mentors.
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Strategy for Verbal Reasoning section
Traditionally, the Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE laid emphasis on difficult vocabulary. However, that is not true for the current GRE. Now, the emphasis is more on understanding complex sentences and information, whereas, direct vocabulary questions only make up 20% of the Verbal Reasoning section questions.
Thus, focus not on rote-learning or memorizing difficult vocabulary words, rather, reading up on different academic and other articles, ranging from multiple subjects, such as, literature, history, science, philosophy, etc. and brushing up on overall reading and comprehension skills.
This will not only help you with reading, but also with acquainting yourself with newer words and vocabulary, especially in a context, which is what you eventually are required to do on the actual test.
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Identify Relevant Resources
As we mentioned above as well, that there is no “one size fits all” situation that works for GRE preparation, identify resources that will help you most in achieving your target score.
Unfortunately, a lot of resources that you find online are outdated and redundant. Luckily for you, Scholarden takes the changes of the GRE test into account to provide the most relevant and new resources and practice questions to help you prepare for the exam.
The Quantitative Reasoning sections of the GRE have become trickier, where focus is more on conceptual understanding than calculation. For that reason, Scholarden provides a pool of practice questions which mimic the format and difficulty-level of the real GRE questions.
Not only that, but Scholarden also provides detailed video and text lessons on each of the topics pertaining to the Quantitative Reasoning sections.
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Take 10 Mock Tests
Before you take the actual GRE exam, take at least 10 full-length mock tests. This is a number that we have arrived at after successful consultations with thousands of test-takers.
Consider this number a ballpark figure, and schedule it over your study period. Remember to start off by preparing your conceptual understanding well before you dive into any practice questions. That will give you ample time to schedule your mock tests without getting bogged down each time to go back to understanding concepts.
Conclusion:
Thus, with these strategies, you are sure to achieve your target score within your available study time. If you are unsure exactly where to start, we recommend seeking guidance from experienced mentors, such as the Scholarden GRE mentors, who have worked with thousands of test-takers before.
With their consultation, you will get a customized study plan and be one step closer to successfully acing the GRE!