Cracking the GRE: Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Students
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test required for admission into most graduate schools in the United States and various other countries. As an Indian student aiming for higher education abroad, acing the GRE is crucial to getting into your dream university.
However, preparing for the GRE can be intimidating, given the vast syllabus and the pressure to score well. Follow this comprehensive step-by-step GRE study guide to learn effective strategies to crack the GRE as an Indian student.
If you’re an Indian student planning to take the GRE, this guide will help you navigate your university selection process.
What is GRE?
The GRE is a standardised test crucial for admissions in most graduate schools in the United States and several other countries. It is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). GRE evaluates the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills of a candidate wanting to pursue higher education abroad. The format of the GRE is summarised in this table.
Section | Sub-Section | Description | Allotted Time | Number of Questions |
Analytical Writing | One “Analyse an Issue” task | Write an essay stating your opinion on an issue, supported with arguments and examples. | 30 minutes | 1 Task |
Verbal Reasoning | Section 1 | Reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence. | 18 minutes | 12 |
Section 2 | Reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence. | 23 minutes | 15 | |
Quantitative Reasoning | Section 1 | Problem solving, data interpretation using algebra, geometry, data analysis, and basic statistics. | 21 minutes | 12 |
Section 2 | Problem solving, data interpretation using algebra, geometry, data analysis, and basic statistics. | 26 minutes | 15 |
High GRE scores can enhance your profile and open doors to prestigious universities with lucrative scholarships.
Conquer GRE: Step-by-Step Guide
GRE preparation requires a comprehensive roadmap to achieve the desired score. Here is a GRE study guide to help you conquer this crucial exam in your journey to study abroad.
Step 1: Analyse Your Needs and Set a Timeline
- First, determine your target programs and schools to understand their required minimum GRE scores. This will help you set realistic goals and allocate sufficient time for studying.
- A typical timeline for GRE preparation is 3 to 6 months, depending on your starting point and goal.
Step 2: Take a Diagnostic Test
- Take an initial practice test in realistic conditions without preparation to diagnose your strengths and weaknesses. This will help focus your study plan on areas needing improvement.
- Stay calm, take your time, and set the right mindset to avoid anxiety affecting your performance.
Step 3: Build A Strong Foundation
- Use practice exercises and review materials to improve your math and grammar skills.
- Practice basic arithmetic, primes & divisors, fractions & decimals, percentages, ratios, and basic geometry for quant.
- Understand roots, prefixes & suffixes, grammar rules, nuances between similar words, and reading comprehension tactics for verbal reasoning.
Step 4: Familiarise Yourself with Test Format:
- Take practice tests and review sample questions to understand the GRE test format and expectations.
- Know data analysis, quant comparisons, integers, and real numbers questions for quant.
- For verbal, focus on text completion, sentence equivalence, reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and others.
Step 5: Pay Special Attention to Vocabulary
- Expanding vocabulary is imperative to ace the verbal section covering antonyms, analogies, sentence equivalence, and text completion questions.
- Make flashcards for essential words. Use handy memory techniques like associations, visualisations, songs, anecdotes, etc., to recollect words easily. Read editorials covering diverse topics to absorb new vocabulary.
Step 6: Choose your Study Materials and Resources
The next step is to choose your study materials and resources for your GRE preparation.
- Many options are available, such as books, online courses, apps, videos, podcasts, etc. You should choose the ones that suit your learning style, budget, and availability.
- Consider Career Launcher for a comprehensive blend of expert materials and interactive teaching tailored to fit diverse learning styles and goals, ensuring test preparedness and overall skill enhancement.
Step 7: Master Strategies:
- Learn time management skills and develop strategies for tackling different question types. You can also learn legit shortcuts and strategies to work smartly.
- Avoid getting overwhelmed with the endless questions online. You must focus on understanding solutions rather than guessing randomly.
Step 8: Attempt Mock Tests:
- Simulate the test environment to build stamina and reduce test anxiety. Periodically attempt full-length computer-based GRE mock tests in controlled conditions.
- Analyse mistakes, identify areas of struggle, modify your study plan accordingly, and work on them.
After Test: Understand Your Score
Once you receive your GRE scores, understand how they align with the requirements of your target universities.
- While a good GRE score is essential, it’s one of several aspects of your application, including academic records, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
- With your GRE score, the following steps involve shortlisting universities, preparing your application, and applying for scholarships or financial aid if needed.
Final Thoughts
Cracking the GRE is not impossible if you follow these steps and work hard. Remember that the GRE is a test of not only your knowledge but also your skills. So practice as much as possible, learn from your mistakes, and improve yourself daily. With the proper GRE preparation, you can turn your GRE endeavour into a stepping stone for academic and professional success.
Shaifali Bhardwaj
Content Writer
About Author
A people- and story-person, Shaifali enjoys crafting narratives inspired by the life of people she meets. She likes to read autobiographies and fiction, indulge in some YRF drama, and even spin stories inspired by everyday objects (like her work desk). Stories being her oxygen, she began her career with HT Media, where she wrote health and entertainment news stories, and later started helping students write and edit essential application documents like statements of purpose. This fulfilled her desire to uncover unique stories and articulate them in the most compelling manner, while forming lasting bonds with her students. Presently with Career Launcher Study Abroad, she’s expanding her skills in website content and copywriting to advance in her field. On weekends, you may find her at a dance workshop or requesting weekday leaves for trekking adventures.
