If you suddenly realised that the application deadline for your dream graduate school is less than a month away, you may decide to start panicking. After all, you have to prepare your transcript, letters of recommendation, admissions essay and your GRE’s scores. Although you may start organising your transcript, getting your letters of recommendation and working on your admissions essay right away, you may have to wait a few weeks before taking the next available GRE test. With the amount of time you have (or lack of), you may not be able to get a second chance before the application deadline passes. In dire situations such as this, it’s imperative that you breeze through your GRE’s on the first try.
1) Always be aware of the time
This should be a no brainer for you. As a potential graduate student, you must have already gone through hundreds of tests throughout your academic life. Still, don’t be over confident. Always be aware of how much time you have left and plan accordingly. Never spend too much time on one question. This will result in loss of precious time and you may miss other questions you could have easily answered. Even if you are well aware of the time however, try not to rush. Devote just the right amount of time to each question right from the start. Rushing may cost you valuable marks.
2) Don’t leave any questions blank
You will not be penalised for any wrong answers, so make sure you answer all the questions given. Even if you don’t know the answers to some questions, use the method of elimination. More often than not, you will have a good idea of which option(s) cannot be the answer. You can then make a logical choice. Take note though the questions at the beginning of the test will affect your score more than those towards the end so make sure you don’t leave them blank. Getting these questions correct will most likely already give you good scores.
3) Only key your answer in when you are absolutely sure
Since you will be using the Computer Adaptive Test for GREs, you cannot return to a previous question once you’ve keyed your answer in. It will not be possible for you to leave the difficult questions later or check your answers at the end of the test if you have time to spare. This is why the first tip on pacing yourself right from the start is very important. Be extremely certain of your answers before answering it.
4) Be prepared
Being prepared is more than just having enough practice before the test. It involves getting adequate rest the night before the test instead of cramming until 4am in the morning. Being prepared includes knowing how to get to the test venue about fifteen to thirty minutes before time and wearing comfortable clothes to your exam.
5) Do not panic
Be calm and keep your cool even if you are encountering questions you don’t know the answers to. If you panic, you risk the chances of getting even the easiest question wrong. If you’re beginning to feel tensed, don’t be afraid to take a short break; ask for a glass of water, close your eyes for a few seconds and take deep breaths to calm down.
Of course, besides all these given tips, it’s also important for you to practise as much as possible before your test date. If you’ve prepared well by combining both your hard work and the above tips, chances are high that you will ace your GRE’s on your very first try.
Author Resource:
Joel Lee is an independent test preparation consultant (http://www.icon-plus.com/ ) specialising in GRE preparation, with over 8 years of experience. Apart from helping candidates to improve their scores through a customised GRE course, he actively contributes to websites related to GRE Singapore.
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