If you are taking the GRE, then this page will give you some helpful tips on how to study for the GRE.

The Graduate Record Examination also known as the GRE is a test that students going into graduate school often have to take. There are 2 different tests: the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Tests. There is also a writing section, though not all schools require the writing score.

The GRE General Test is made up of three different sections: analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning.http://www.ets.org/gre/general/about/ Each section has a 30 minute time limit and roughly 25-30 questions for each section. In addition, some schools require the writing section. This section of the exam is 45 minutes long. You will be given two topics to write on, and you pick one of them. The two different types of writing prompts are issue and argument.

The GRE Subject Test is given in 8 different subject areas: biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, biology, chemistry, computer science, literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.

The best preparation for study is to familiarize yourself with all of the sections and to practice as often as possible. The internet is a great resource for this.

• In the United States and Canada, the GRE is a computer-adaptive test, where the difficulty of questions offered depends on how well you answer the first few questions on the exam. Also, with computer-adaptive tests, you are scored based on the number of questions that you are able to complete within the alloted time period and the difficulty of the questions asked. http://www.ets.org/gre/general/about/ Traditional paper and pencil based tests are still offered in other areas of the world and are scored based on the number of correct answers.

The test has three types of sections:

1. Verbal reasoning: this tests the candidate's ability to read and understand information. The Analogy section tests the candidate's ability to recognize relationships between word sets. The antonym section asks you to pick out words opposite to the ones presented. The sentence completion section wants you to chose the correct word from the given choices to complete the sentence. And, the reading comprehension questions ask you questions about short reading topics, including recalling information presented or analyzing the information given in the passage.
2. Quantitative reasoning: asks candidates to demonstrate their abilities in algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and mathematical reasoning. Many of the questions are asked as word problems and therefore require reading comprehension skills as well.
3. Analytic writing asks candidates to demonstrate their ability to write and analyze in English fluently. One writing task is the issue topic. Here candidates are asked their opinions about the topic. The essay should explain their stance and develop it with relevant examples. The second writing topic is an argument paper. Here the candidate is presented with a short paragraph of information. The writing task is to explain how the ideas do or do not work as presented. The logic of the paragraph should be examined.http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/GRE/pdf/awintro.pdf</ref>

• General Test score range: 200-800 for combined verbal and quantitative sections
• General Test writing score range: 0-6 (This is scored using a holistic writing rubric)

Polish your computer skills (Creative Commons photo by lapideo)

• Although the GRE General Test is not a test of academic knowledge you can study for, there are some methods you can use to prepare to help maximize your score.

1. Use the free preparation materials on the GRE website: The best source for testing information is the company that produces and administers the test. Educational Testing Service out of Princeton, NJ maintains general information on their website about all of the tests as well as test preparation materials.
2. Consider taking a prep class: Classes can help you by explaining the different sections of the test and allowing structured time to actually take practice exams. These classes are often taught by people who have performed well on the tests themselves.
3. Study vocabulary words: You can take two approaches to studying vocabulary. The first is using practice exams and studying individual words and their definitions. Unfortunately, you have no idea what words are actually going to be on the test, therefore the second way to study might be better. The second way to study vocabulary is to read a variety of materials, making sure to understand all vocabulary when you come across it.
4. Review the fundamentals of arithmetic, algebra and geometry:
5. Take practice tests under test conditions: You don't really know how you will perform under timed testing conditions unless you specifically practice it. This is true for the writing sample as well. Since you only have 45 minutes for the writing section and 25-30 minutes for each of the multiple choice sections, you need to know if you will be able to finish in the alloted time. Practicing under actual test conditions will allow you to the opportunity to test without the pressure of the score that may determine your admission chances.
6. Review specific strategies to help with the types of questions you'll encounter:
   1. Analogies
   2. Sentence completion
   3. Reading comprehension
   4. Math multiple-choice
   5. Quantitative comparisons

The fact that you are presented with one question at a time means that you can't go back and change an answer. Check your work before moving on, and pay attention to the time to make sure you will get through all the questions in the allotted time.

While you really can't do much more to make yourself feel more relaxed, proper preparation is key to feeling confident going into the test. Also, you might want to bring some peppermint with you. Studies have shown that peppermint has a calming effect, which might be helpful before and during the test.

• Studying for the GRE is primarily a matter of familiarizing yourself with test and the type of questions answered. Taking practice tests and working on specific skills can help make sure you're ready to succeed on the GRE.

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