GRE New Year's Resolutions

Saturday, December 31, 2005

I'm not a big fan of new year's resolutions. If you have a goal, why not start trying to acheive it right away? But hey, I'm all for setting goals, and if a new year is what it takes for some to get going, sure, why not?

GOAL: Earn a high GRE score.

This one isn't going to be achieved overnight. The key is careful planning and most importantly, execution. One of the most difficult parts about GRE preparation is it's difficult to see the big picture--you're not sure if all your time spent studying is going to pay off in the end. If you study regularly for the GRE, your score will improve. For GRE starters, check out the StudyBeans GRE study guide.

GOAL: Memorize a billion GRE vocabulary words.

Okay, maybe not that many, but a lot nonetheless. Don't let the long GRE vocabulary list bring you down. Make flashcards, and carry them around in your pocket. Study words while you're waiting for the bus. Try setting aside a little bit of time each day to study a certain number of words. How many words and how much time to study each day will vary depending on how good a student's memory is. If you have no clue, 30 words for one hour a day is a good start. Don't know what words to study? Try our free vocabulary flashcards .

GOAL: Get into graduate school.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The GRE isn't everything in GRE admissions. Although a high GRE score will certainly help push the results in your favor, letters of recommendation and statement of purpose are especially important because they tell graduate schools what you are about...the student behind the scores and grades. Make a list of possible professors/employers who you could ask for letters and make several revisions (at least four) to your SOP.

GOAL: Find a way to pay for graduate school.

Graduate school does NOT have to be expensive. Look for possible research assistantships or teaching assistantships that are available to you. Oftentimes, research assistantships won't be offerred anywhere, so you'll need to ask around. Look for professors who are working on something you are interested in, and kindly ask if they're looking for anyone or know of anyone looking for RA's. Of course, also let them know your skills, and how you can contribute to their projects.

In the end, it all comes down to how much you want to achieve the goal. Set it and don't forget it. Good luck, and happy new year! Until next time, let the StudyBeans grow...