Conquering the GRE: Strategies for Test Preparation and Success

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Tumblr
Telegram
Strategies for GRE test preparation and success
The GRE General Test is a common requirement for graduate school admission. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.

The GRE General Test is a common requirement for graduate school admission. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Knowing the current format helps you prepare for the right test.

The test changed in September 2023. It now takes about 1 hour and 58 minutes, down from nearly four hours. There are five sections: two verbal reasoning, two quantitative reasoning, and one analytical writing. The old second writing task was removed. Analytical Writing now asks for a single essay, the Analyze an Issue task, in 30 minutes.

Scoring did not change. Verbal and quantitative sections are each scored from 130 to 170 in one-point steps. The writing section is scored from 0 to 6 in half-point steps. Scores stay valid for five years, so you can test before you are ready to apply.

The fee is about $220 in the United States and varies by country, so check the current price for your location on the ETS website before registering. ETS offers a fee reduction program for test takers with financial need.

Preparation starts with a study plan. Take a practice test early to find weak areas, then split study time across sections based on the results. Use official ETS materials plus reputable prep books. Practice under timed conditions, since pacing decides many scores.

For verbal reasoning, build vocabulary through reading and learn the question types: reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. For quantitative reasoning, review algebra, geometry, and data analysis, and practice with the on-screen calculator you will get on test day. For writing, practice building a clear argument with examples in 30 minutes.

Register early to get your preferred date and location. On test day, answer every question, since there is no penalty for guessing.

For more on admissions tests, read college entrance exams: everything you need to know and what the SAT exam is. Build your plan with effective study strategies for college exams and time management tips for students.

Related Posts
Higher education is changing quickly, and accreditation has to keep pace with it. Artificial intelligence is already reshaping teaching, assessment, academic integrity, governance, and student support.
Awareness

Continents International University Fully Accredited by AAC Through the AI-Native University Accreditation Framework

Continents International University is fully accredited by the Americas Accreditation Council (AAC) through its AI-Native University Accreditation framework. The designation reflects an institutional review focused on academic quality, governance, student learning outcomes, integrity, and the responsible use of AI in higher education. For Continents International University, accreditation is part of a broader commitment to building a university model that responds to technological change without losing sight of academic standards. More information about the University’s status is available on its Licensing and Accreditation page. The Americas Accreditation Council (AAC) is also developing its role around the future of quality assurance. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into universities, accreditation agencies will need to evaluate not only traditional academic standards, but also how institutions use AI responsibly, transparently, and effectively. That forward-looking approach may become increasingly important as higher education continues to change across borders, delivery models, and technologies. The University’s current accreditation record can be reviewed directly in the Americas Accreditation Council (AAC) Directory.

Read More
Awareness

Problem with Outdated University Education

University courses are only useful if they keep up with the field. Textbooks take years to write and publish. Curriculum review boards move slowly too. In fast-moving subjects like technology, health care, and public policy, a syllabus written five years ago can leave students studying ideas the industry has already moved past. This gap matters because employers hire people who can use current methods, not old ones. Students can graduate, start work, and find that their training does not match what the job requires. The cost falls on the graduate. Universities close this gap by reviewing course content often instead of waiting for a full curriculum overhaul. They check reading lists against recent research. They bring working professionals in to teach and advise. They ask graduates and employers what the program missed. Schools that do this through curriculum design that responds to feedback stay relevant longer. Students can protect themselves before enrolling. Ask when the course materials were last updated. Read the reading list and check the publication dates. Ask whether the program consults industry advisers, and what a competency-based curriculum looks like in practice. A school that cannot answer these questions is not paying attention to the problem. Before choosing any program, review how to judge whether a curriculum fits your goals. And consider delivery format as well: flexible online learning can make it easier to study while working, which matters most when the content is current.

Read More