The Keys Program can help you master these 7 tips… and more!
1. Develop a study plan.
Once you have registered for the GRE and have a confirmed test date, create a study schedule. Plan out what you are going to study on a particular day, when you will study, where you will study, how long you will study and your goals for each day. Stick to your plan.
2. Review key foundational Math concepts.
A thorough review of concepts in Math subjects – arithmetic, algebra & statistics, and geometry- is very important! It is essential to have a strong foundation and understanding of key terms and equations before you begin applying this knowledge to GRE Quantitative problems.
3. Identify areas of weakness.
Focus on turning your weaknesses into strengths.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice!
Similar to anything in life that you do well, learning how to excel in GRE Math is no exception. It takes hard work, practice, and time to become fluent in a new language or to learn how to swim. Similarly, it takes hard work, practice, and time to master the level of Math on the GRE.
5. Simulate a real testing environment when studying.
The Computer-Based General GRE contains four sections, one of which is an unidentified pretest section. Total testing time is up to 3 ¼ hours. Treat your study time as if you are taking the real exam. Block out all distractions, limit interruptions, and focus throughout your study hours. This is great training for the real exam.
6. Time yourself.
You have 45 minutes to answer 28 Quantitative questions for the Computer-Based General GRE. That is an average of 1 minute 36 seconds per question. Identify the shortest method to get to the correct answer. Sometimes solving the problem algebraically is the quickest way to get to the answer. Other times using a strategy such as Pick-A-Number or Back-Solve is the most efficient.
7. Take as many computer-based practice tests as possible.
In certain areas of the world, computer-based testing is not available. Determine whether you will be taking the Computer-Based GRE or the Paper-Based GRE. Practice problems in books are great; however, if you will be taking the computer-based CAT, it is important to become familiar with answering Quantitative problems from computer screen to paper. You can download ETS’s free online test-preparation software, GRE POWERPREP Software, to your PC by visiting www.ets.org/gre. This software provides practice with real GRE questions and the CAT format.