How to prepare for GRE in India

GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a standardized test that students take for admission to numerous graduate and PhD programs. Preparing for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is an important step for students who want to pursue their education abroad or pursue a PhD program. Not only international students but also local students take the test if the GRE test score is included in the admission requirements of the program. In this article, we will cover the key aspects of GRE preparation for students in India.

1. Understanding the GRE Format

The GRE consists of three main sections:

• Verbal Reasoning: Involves reading, analyzing, and working with texts.

• Qualitative Reasoning: Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.

• Essay: Includes two writing tasks — “Analyze an Issue” and “Analyze an Argument”.

Understanding the structure of the test will help you manage your preparation time effectively.

2. Register for the GRE

• To register for the exam, create an account on ETS, then choose whether you want to take the General or Subject version. You can take the test from your home computer or at one of 1,000+ test centers.

• Pay attention to registration deadlines and choose a date that works for you.

3. Create a Study Plan

a. Determine Your Goals

• Set a target score based on the requirements of the universities you plan to apply to.

b. Create a Schedule

• Develop a study schedule, allocating time to each section of the test.

• Spend more time on areas where you have weaknesses.

4. Study Resources

a. Study Materials

• Books: Use books from ETS, Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Manhattan Prep.

• Online Courses: Consider platforms like Magoosh, Khan Academy, and more.

b. Practice Tests

• Take full practice tests in a realistic setting.

• Use official ETS resources to get up-to-date test questions.

5. Skill Development

a. Verbal Reasoning

• Read a variety of texts (research articles, literature, newspapers) to improve vocabulary and comprehension.

• Practice solving analogy, antonym, and fill-in-the-blank questions.

b. Qualitative Thinking

• Review basic math concepts and formulas.

• Solve timed problems to get used to the time limit on the test.

c. Essays

• Practice writing essays, paying attention to the structure and logic of the presentation.

• Read sample essays and analyze their strengths and weaknesses.

6. Exam Preparation

a. Emotional Preparation

• Make sure you get enough sleep before the test.

• Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.

b. Test Day

• Arrive at the testing center early.

• Make sure you have all the necessary documents and supplies (ID, calculator).

7. After the Test

• Analyze your results and determine if you need to retake the test.

• Use your scores to apply to your chosen universities.

After you take the exam, you will receive a GRE Score Report. This report contains all the necessary information: contact information, date of birth, gender, test dates, the prospective graduate's major, test scores with percentiles, and a complete list of score recipients or corporate sponsors.

In addition, official score reports are sent to the institutions of your choice and contain your personal information, major, and individual scores for specific sections. Speaking of the last point, the GRE offers the ScoreSelect option, which allows you to decide which results you are willing to share with the selected universities and which you are not. This applies to both the General and Subject versions of the test.

Thanks to this option, depending on your performance, you can mark the scores that, in your opinion, help increase your chances of passing the entrance exams. The scores remain valid for 5 years. It takes about two weeks for the results to be delivered online to your personal account on ETS.

After passing the general test, you will receive the following scores:

for Verbal Reasoning: from 130 to 170 points in 1-point increments;

for Quantitative Reasoning: similarly;

for Analytical Writing: from 0 to 6 points in half-point increments.

If all the questions in the section are unanswered, the No Score (NS) entry will appear in the report.

How much does it cost to take the GRE General exam?

The GRE is different from the GMAT, a similar exam, in that it costs less. The price is around $200 (the GMAT costs about $50 more).

Preparing for the GRE takes time and effort, but with the right approach and resources, you can achieve your goals. Start preparing early, follow a plan, and stay confident in your abilities.