By Kevin 
So, you’ve set your sights on graduate school. Congratulations! That’s a significant and exciting step. But before you can delve into fascinating research or advanced coursework, there’s that one looming hurdle: the GRE. For many, the thought of tackling the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing sections can feel like staring down a linguistic and mathematical dragon. The good news? You don’t need to slay it unprepared. Understanding how to study for the GRE for graduate school is the key to transforming this challenge into a conquerable quest.
Think of your GRE preparation not as a chore, but as an investment in your future. It’s the gateway to your academic aspirations, and with the right approach, you can absolutely shine. This isn’t about cramming last-minute facts; it’s about building a solid understanding, honing your skills, and approaching the exam with confidence.
The Crucial First Step: Understanding the GRE Landscape
Before diving headfirst into practice questions, it’s vital to understand what you’re up against. The GRE isn’t just a test of knowledge; it’s a test of your ability to apply that knowledge under timed pressure.
Verbal Reasoning: This section assesses your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, as well as your command of vocabulary. It includes Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, and Reading Comprehension.
Quantitative Reasoning: This section measures your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information. It covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
Analytical Writing: This section requires you to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of arguments and to articulate your own ideas clearly and logically. You’ll write two essays: the “Analyze an Issue” task and the “Analyze an Argument” task.
Knowing the format, question types, and scoring for each section is foundational to developing an effective study plan. Don’t underestimate the power of this initial reconnaissance!
Crafting Your Personalized GRE Study Schedule
One of the most common pitfalls when learning how to study for the GRE for graduate school is adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. Your schedule should reflect your strengths, weaknesses, available time, and learning style.
Honest Self-Assessment: Begin by taking a diagnostic test. This will give you a baseline score and highlight areas where you need the most improvement. Don’t be discouraged by initial results; they are simply data points.
Set Realistic Goals: Determine your target score based on the programs you’re applying to. Then, work backward to set achievable weekly study goals. Consistency is far more effective than sporadic marathon sessions.
Allocate Time Wisely: Dedicate specific blocks of time each week to GRE prep. A balanced approach is crucial, ensuring you spend adequate time on all sections, not just your perceived “weakest” one.
Incorporate Review: Schedule regular review sessions to revisit concepts and reinforce learning. Spaced repetition has been proven to be highly effective for long-term retention.
In my experience, creating a visual study calendar, whether digital or on paper, can be incredibly motivating and help keep you accountable. Seeing your progress laid out can provide a real sense of momentum.
Mastering the Math: Quantitative Reasoning Strategies
The Quant section can feel daunting, especially if math wasn’t your favorite subject. However, it’s often more about logical reasoning and careful application of fundamental concepts than advanced calculus.
Brush Up on Fundamentals: Ensure you have a strong grasp of basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis principles. Many GRE prep books offer excellent refreshers.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Work through a wide variety of quantitative problems. Focus on understanding the why behind each step, not just memorizing formulas.
Learn to Pace Yourself: The GRE is a timed exam. Practice solving problems under timed conditions to develop efficiency. Don’t get bogged down on one question; learn to recognize when to skip and come back later.
Utilize the On-Screen Calculator Sparingly: While the calculator is available, many problems can be solved more quickly and accurately by hand. Develop your mental math skills for simpler calculations.
A key strategy I’ve found helpful for many is to approach Quant problems like puzzles. Break them down, identify the given information, and then strategize the most efficient path to the solution.
Sharpening Your Verbal Skills: Beyond Vocabulary Lists
While a robust vocabulary is undoubtedly important for the Verbal Reasoning section, effective strategy goes far beyond memorizing word lists.
Active Reading: When tackling Reading Comprehension passages, engage actively. Highlight key points, identify the main idea, and understand the author’s tone and purpose.
Deconstruct Sentence Structure: For Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence, pay close attention to the logical flow of the sentence and the relationships between different parts. Look for transition words and contextual clues.
Contextual Vocabulary Learning: Instead of rote memorization, learn new vocabulary words in context. Understand their nuances, common collocations, and how they are used in sentences.
Practice with Diverse Texts: Expose yourself to a variety of reading materials, including academic journals, opinion pieces, and literary excerpts, to build your comprehension stamina.
I often tell students to think of sentence completion questions as filling in the blanks in a logical argument. What word makes the most sense grammatically and contextually?
Tackling the Analytical Writing Section: Structure and Substance
The Analytical Writing section is your opportunity to showcase your critical thinking and writing prowess. It’s not about having a perfect opinion, but about constructing a well-reasoned argument.
Understand the Prompts: Carefully analyze both the “Analyze an Issue” and “Analyze an Argument” prompts. Identify the core task and any specific instructions.
Outline Your Essays: Before writing, create a clear outline. This ensures a logical flow and helps you organize your thoughts effectively. For the “Analyze an Argument” task, specifically identify the argument’s assumptions and logical fallacies.
Develop Strong Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on a single point, supported by clear reasoning and relevant examples or evidence.
Refine Your Language: Pay attention to sentence structure, word choice, and clarity. Proofread meticulously for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
One piece of advice that never fails is to practice timing yourself on these essays. Getting comfortable with the time constraints for planning and writing is as important as the content itself.
Leveraging Resources and Staying Motivated
The journey of how to study for the GRE for graduate school is significantly smoother with the right tools and a resilient mindset.
Official GRE Materials: ETS, the creators of the GRE, offer official practice tests and study guides. These are invaluable for understanding the test’s design and difficulty.
Reputable Prep Courses and Books: Numerous companies offer GRE preparation resources. Choose those with proven track records and materials that align with your learning style.
Study Groups: Collaborating with peers can provide different perspectives, reinforce concepts, and offer mutual support.
* Stay Healthy and Balanced: Don’t neglect sleep, exercise, and downtime. Burnout is the enemy of effective studying. Remember why you’re doing this – your graduate school dreams!
Wrapping Up: Your GRE Journey, Your Success Story
Ultimately, mastering how to study for the GRE for graduate school is about a strategic, disciplined, and consistent approach. It’s about understanding the exam’s architecture, tailoring your preparation to your unique needs, and diligently honing your skills across all sections. Don’t let the GRE intimidate you; see it as a stepping stone, a challenge you are fully capable of overcoming with the right game plan. Embrace the process, stay committed to your goals, and approach test day with the confidence that comes from thorough preparation. Your graduate school aspirations are within reach, and this GRE journey is a vital part of making them a reality.