Setting Realistic GRE Goals
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Before you start GRE test preparation, set a goal for yourself. What score are you going to aim for? Setting a high (and attainable) goal for yourself will help motivate your GRE studies and provide a guage of how much you have left to study.
Set the GRE Goal
If you have a specific graduate program in mind, oftentimes, you'll be able to find average GRE scores online and you'll know what to shoot for. Even if you're not sure what graduate school you're going to apply to, you do know the type of field. Is it more technical or more humanities? You'll want to focus more on the sections (Quantitative, Verbal, and/or Writing) and plan accordingly.
If you have no clue what kind of GRE goal you should be setting, take a GRE pratice test . Use the practice test as your base score and try to improve by, say, 100 points on each section.
Reaching your GRE Goal
Take GRE practice tests periodically to see where you are and how close you are to reaching your goal. If you're score is steadily improving, good job, continue what you're doing. If your score seems to have reached a plateau, try changing your GRE study routine. Study vocabulary in context instead of from a vocabulary list or study more math concepts before trying a bunch of math problems. After each practice test, pay special attention to your weak areas and change your study focus accordingly.
Now You're Ready for the Real GRE
Once you are consistently scoring at or around your GRE goal, you're ready for the real GRE. By this time, hopefully you've already registered for the GRE. If there's a time gap between the time you reach your goal and your GRE test date, be sure to review daily so that you don't lose any information.
Where to Find GRE Practice Tests
As you can see, a source for GRE practice tests is very important in reaching your GRE goal. The best book for GRE practice tests is from ETS, Practicing to Take the GRE . This book contains seven real full-length GRE tests. Use them wisely.