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Many graduate programs require that you take the GRE test before applying to your desired master’s program. Your score from the GRE can be your ticket to higher education and advancing your career. Properly preparing for the GRE test requires that you do the following:
Know the Test
Understanding the test format is the first step to obtaining a good score on the GRE. The test is divided into 3 different sections: a verbal question section with 30 questions, a quantitative section with 28 questions, and a 2 part analytical essay writing section.
Develop a Strategy
Since the GRE is timed it is best to have a test taking strategy lined up before hand. Have the directions to each section memorized beforehand so you do not waste time reading them during the test. Become familiar with the question format. Be ready to skip problems you aren't sure about to go back later and take time to use the process of elimination and guess at your best answer. There are other test pacing strategies available in books and online. Choose the one that is right for you.
Study for each section
It is best to purchase a GRE study guide from your local bookstore or online. The study guides give you detailed information about what is included in each section of the GRE and gives you practice tests on each section.
- The verbal section questions you on antonyms, analogies, sentence completion and reading comprehension. There are GRE vocabulary words that are important to study. Seek to understand the logic behind the sentence completion questions, you often do not need to know the vocabulary or understand the sentence to know if it is written correctly.
- The quantitative section asks you to make quantitative comparisons and data interpretations. Review and practice arithmetic, geometry and algebra. Practice interpreting data from charts and graphs.
- The analytical writing section will ask you to write 2 essays, one on a point of view and another on an argument. Practice with various sample essay questions listed on the GRE website. Remember that you only have 45 minutes during the test to write the essays. Never bring personal views into the essays, try to evaluate evidence that is provided in the essay question itself.
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