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The Ultimate Guide to the GRE: 100 Free Tools, Practice Tests and Resources

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Making the decision to attend grad school is an important one and one to be carefully considered. In the same way, preparing for the GRE to get into grad school will take plenty of forethought and preparation. The following resources will help you do just that and won’t cost you a penny. From sites that offer a wealth of GRE information to vocabulary builders to practice tests, you’ll find everything you need to prepare for the GRE and succeed on test day.
Information about the GRE
Get to know the GRE and what to expect so that you will not have any surprises when it comes time for test day.
  1. Introduction to the GRE. Read the five parts of chapter one from GRE Prep Guide here for free.
  2. The GRE Computer Interface. See screenshots of the computerized GRE and become familiar with how to use this test before the big day.
  3. About the GRE. Learn what the GRE measures, and get information on format, pacing, guessing, and more.
  4. How to Study for the GRE. This simple overview provides the basics emplaning what the GRE test is like and how best to prepare for taking it.
  5. How to Ace the GRE. Follow the practical advice offered in this About.com article to do your very best on the GRE.
  6. Tackle the GRE Verbal Section. Learn what parts make up the verbal section, how to prepare beforehand, and what to do during the test to maximize your score.
  7. GRE Analytical Writing Section. Find out what the analytical writing section assesses and how it does so with this article.
  8. GRE–Complete Information–Test Tips. Get the breakdown of the GRE as well as interesting facts about the GRE.
  9. The GRE Scoring Scale Explained. This article does an excellent job of describing the scoring scale and helping you understand what your scores mean.
  10. When to Take the GRE. Find out what this article suggests for timing your GRE test-taking.
  11. Institution Codes. This listing of includes every school that accepts GRE scores and the codes necessary to get your scores to them.
  12. What’s the Score?. This article discusses how important time management is to your score, looks at the scoring method of the GRE, and more.
GRE Study Sites
These sites all offer multiple resources for preparing for the GRE.
  1. ETS.org GRE - Graduate Record Exams. Get an overview of the test, sign up for bulletins, find test dates and register, plus much more with this official GRE resource.
  2. Peterson’s GRE Central. Find quizzes, word of the day, a practice test, tips, and more to help you prepare for the GRE.
  3. Kaplan GRE Free Events. Among the free offerings from Kaplan, you can find a sample class, seminars, a GRE practice test, personal statement workshop, and more.
  4. TestMagic The GRE. Map out a study plan, find helpful books, get online study help, and more here.
  5. Yahoo! Education GRE Test Prep. You will find practice verbal and math questions as well as helpful articles here.
  6. My GRE Tutor. A great site with plenty of resources, My GRE Tutor offers tutorials, practice tests, vocabulary builders, and study plans all designed around the GRE.
  7. Online GRE Preparation. This blog provides GRE study resources, many of which are free.
  8. majortests.com Prepare for the GRE. Find practice exercises and lots of tools to help with problem solving, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and more.
  9. The Test Prep Center. Under the GRE section, you can find information about the GRE as well as about the different sections of the test. Sample questions are included.
  10. Sparknotes Free GRE Test Prep. You can do everything at this site from register for the GRE, read an online copy of their study book, take both mini tests and sample tests, and connect with others on the message boards.
  11. Happy Schools Blog GRE. Get study help with vocabulary, find out information about the GRE, learn what you can do if your GRE score is lower than you expected, and more at this site.
Vocabulary Tools
Many claim that knowing the appropriate vocabulary for the GRE can make a significant difference on your score, so take advantage of these resources to boost your vocabulary skills.
  1. Number2.com. Get a word of the day, question of the day, vocabulary builder, and a free tutorial here.
  2. Top 100 Words for GRE and TOEFL. This list includes 100 words to study as well as their definitions.
  3. GRE Antonym Test. Improve your vocabulary by testing yourself on these 1208 antonyms.
  4. GRE Vocabulary Builder. Download these wordlists as flashcards or printable lists to practice your vocabulary.
  5. Wordhacker Free GRE Word List. With over 3200 commonly-used vocabulary words from past GRE tests, this site will surely help you expand your vocabulary.
  6. GRE Test Vocabulary and SAT Test Vocabulary High Frequency Words. Study these words and their definitions to become familiar with many common vocabulary words from the GRE.
  7. GRE Word List. Scroll through this huge list of vocabulary words and click on them to get definitions.
  8. GRE_Vocab. Download this freeware to get a customizable word list specifically for studying GRE vocabulary.
  9. Vocaboly. Take these vocabulary tests where you can select from 10, 20, or 40 questions and choose whether you find the definition or the word.
  10. English-Test.net GRE Prep. Choose from the many vocabulary tests and exercises here to improve your vocabulary for the GRE.
  11. Vocabulary Games. Take these 15 vocabulary quizzes, and don’t forget to check out their tips for improving your vocabulary.
Resources for Sharpening Skills
Strengthening specific skills such as logic, math, and test-taking can help improve your performance on the GRE, so spend some time with these resources to work on your specific area of need.
  1. Sample Logic Game. This game is designed to practice analytical skills for the LSAT and GRE.
  2. University of Oregon Academic Learning Services. Get links to several resources to help practice your study skills, writing, and reading.
  3. Amby’s Work Site - Test Taking Skills. Scroll through all the resources here that can help you prepare for taking any sort of test, including the GRE.
  4. Logic Puzzles. Practice doing these logic puzzles to sharpen your critical thinking skills.
  5. gre math games software. Download these math games to help prepare you for the GRE. Some are free, but others are available for a fee.
  6. VocabKing. Work your way from white belt to black belt as you gain vocabulary skills in this game.
  7. GRE StudyStacks. Choose from the many GRE games, quizzes, and vocabulary builders to help prepare for all the elements of the GRE.
  8. Virtual Math Lab. Texas A&M University provides online help for anyone needing math help, including those studying for the GRE.
  9. GMAT and GRE Math. This blog offers answers to readers’ questions about GMAT and GRE Math.
  10. Analytical Section: Analytical Reasoning. Practice with these sample questions to help sharpen your reasoning skills.
Practice Tests and Exercises
After all that studying, take some time to measure your progress and get accustomed to the format of the actual test with these practice exercises and tests.
  1. GRE Practice General Test. This is a full-length paper test and also includes strategies, sample analytical writing topics, scored samples, and more.
  2. Sample GRE CAT Download. Try this free sample from the GRE Math section that replicates the computerized version of the test.
  3. Free Online Demo and Practice Test. The Princeton Review offers this free test to get familiar with the computerized GRE.
  4. GRE Practice Test. Find 26 different practice tests at this site.
  5. GRE Test Preparation Practice Exercises. Get exercises for vocabulary building, comparison tests in quantitative ability, and analytical writing prompts.
  6. GRE Test Online Course. Take the practice questions provided here to test your knowledge in everything from analogies to algebra to writing.
  7. EnglishMaster. Download the free version of this program to help you practice for the GRE.
  8. GRE Timer. Time yourself with these sample questions to see how your pace stacks up.
  9. GRE Quantitative Ability. Broken down by arithmetic and number theory, algebra, geometry, and data analysis, find out how well you are prepared with these 34 questions.
  10. GRE Verbal Ability. Complete the four sets here to see how you are progressing in sentence completion, antonyms, analogies, and reading comprehension.
  11. Analytical Writing. Get prompts to present your perspective and analyze an argument, then follow the tips to score yourself.
  12. GRE Sample Verbal Test. Answer these 30 questions to practice sentence completion, reading comprehension, and analogy.
  13. 4Tests.com Practice GRE. Take this free test that covers analytical, qualitative, and verbal questions.
  14. Free Online GRE Test!. This site offers a verbal sample test with results provided in the same format as the actual GRE.
General Subject Test Resources
If you are preparing to take one of the subject tests in addition to the general test, then check out these resources for information and practice tests.
  1. GRE Subject Tests Overview. Get the latest information on all the subject tests from the official site of the GRE.
  2. GRE Subject Tests: An Overview. Take a look at the breakdown of each of the eight subject tests here.
  3. GRE Subject Tests: Overview and Content Material for all 8 Exams. Read this comprehensive article to better understand the subject tests.
  4. The GRE Subject Tests at a Glance. This overview of the subject tests explains what they are and helps you determine if you need to take one.
  5. GRE Subject Tests. This site offers a detailed look at exactly what types of questions and how many will be offered on each of the subject tests.
Specific Subject Test Resources
Find help studying for your subject test from these resources, whether you are taking the Psychology, Literature in English, Physics, or one of the other subject tests.
  1. GRE Subject Test in Psychology. This page offers information about what is on the GRE psychology subject test as well as some helpful advice for taking it.
  2. Preparing for the Physics Subject GRE Test. OSU offers this resource, and while some of the information is specifically for students there, at the bottom of the page, you will find four physics sample tests.
  3. Physics GRE Resources. Get tons of useful information about taking the physics subject test from this Harvard resource.
  4. PhysicsGRE.com. Visit this forum for students studying for the physics subject test and graduate students in Physics as well.
  5. Mathematics GRE - Math Subject Test Preparation Advice. PhysicsGRE.com has provided this information to help you prepare for your math subject test.
  6. GRE-Subject-Tests.com. Join a forum for your specific subject test to learn from others.
  7. Approach to Studying for the English Literature Graduates Records Exam. Visit this page for a wealth of information on taking the Literature in English subject test.
  8. How to Prepare for the GRE Literature Subject Test. This article offers suggestions for specific materials to read in preparation for this test as well as other helpful information.
  9. GRE Subject Biochemistry. This blog, while not being currently updated, provides plenty of helpful information from what to study to how to study for the biochemistry subject test.
  10. How to Pass the GRE Chemistry Subject Test. Get the breakdown in percentages of what will be covered as well as suggestions for what to study in this article.
  11. How to Pass the GRE Computer Science Subject Test. Learn what will likely be on this subject test, how to prepare, and more with this resource.
Strategies for Success
Follow these useful strategies offered by professionals and past test-takers to make the most of your GRE testing experience.
  1. GRE Test Tips and Techniques. Learn test-taking strategies here with sections on the overall test as well as verbal, math, and analytical sections.
  2. Test-Taking Strategies. Check out these Do’s and Don’ts to find out how best to take the GRE.
  3. Useful GRE Preparation Resources. This blog post offers tips and a few resources for preparing for the GRE without enrolling at a fee-based test prep company.
  4. GRE Test-Taking Tips and Techniques. Find tips that range from the practical to strategic on this list.
  5. Quick Tips–GRE Quantitative Comparison. Get the edge on the quantitative ability section with these helpful strategies.
  6. GRE Essay Section. This article offers solid tips and strategies for approaching the essay section of your GRE.
  7. All About the GRE Essays. Not only can you get tips and strategies for writing the essays, you can also get practical advice on using the GRE word processor.
  8. Suggested Approach to the GRE’s Analytical Writing Section. This advice from CliffsNotes provides clear suggestions to formulating and writing your essay.
  9. Tips for GRE takers. Read the suggestions on this blog post from a recent GRE taker.
  10. CBT GRE. Under GRE Details, you can find tips, suggestions, and strategies for each portion of the GRE.
  11. GRE Analytical Writing Tips. Follow the suggestions here to help create well-thought-out and well-constructed essays.
  12. 10 Steps to Earn a High GRE Score. From relaxing on test day to ample preparation beforehand, take this advice to ensure success.
Test Day Tips
You’ve worked hard to know as much as possible to excel on the GRE, so don’t let a few simple mistakes make you stumble on the actual test day. Follow these suggestions to give yourself the chance to show what you know.
  1. Breakfast. Before heading out the door for your test, make sure you eat a healthy breakfast with plenty of protein.
  2. Be comfortable. Wear comfortable clothing and consider dressing in layers in case the temperature at the testing site is too warm or cold.
  3. Back up plan. Have a back up plan in place to cover any unexpected events such as car trouble or oversleeping. Set an extra alarm and put friends on notice for any help you might need in case of an emergency.
  4. Arrive early. There is nothing worse than getting lost and realizing you are running late for your test. Avoid this scenario by arriving early to your testing site.
  5. Bring ID. Remember to have your ID with you and be prepared for other forms of identification which may include thumbprinting or videotaping.
  6. Breathe. If you start feeling overwhelmed or panicky, take several deep breaths and let them out slowly. Slow down your thinking and refocus in order to stay calm and on track.
  7. Read carefully. Read through each question carefully. If the question seems confusing, trying to re-word the question in a different manner may bring clarity.
  8. Answer before looking at options. See if you know the answer to the question before you look at the options given. You may find your answer more easily this way.
  9. Take advantage of your breaks. There is an optional ten-minute break after the analytical writing section of the general test. Take advantage of this time to stand up, stretch, and get your blood flowing. There are also one-minute breaks after each additional section. Stretch your arms and hands, take some deep breaths, and relax your eyes for a moment before starting up again.
  10. Celebrate. After the test is finished, do something special for yourself. Indulge in a professional massage, go to dinner at your favorite restaurant, or just kick back with some movies knowing you don’t have to worry about studying.
Resources for Graduate School Preparation
All that studying for the GRE is just the beginning. Find out what you need to do to prepare yourself for graduate school after you complete the GRE.
  1. Testing the Water: Are You Ready for Graduate School?. This article provides important points to consider before deciding if graduate school is for you right now.
  2. GradSchools.com Get Informed. The resources on this site range from what you should do before applying to grad school to the grad school road map.
  3. Is Graduate School for You?. Ball State University offers several informative articles to help you choose the best time for grad school and to understand what you need to do to make it happen.
  4. Make Your Target Graduate Program a Reality. From evaluating graduate programs to submitting applications to financial aid, you’ll find plenty of information on making grad school work for you with these resources.



Image...
Making the decision to attend grad school is an important one and one to be carefully considered. In the same way, preparing for the GRE to get into grad school will take plenty of forethought and preparation. The following resources will help you do just that and won’t cost you a penny. From sites that offer a wealth of GRE information to vocabulary builders to practice tests, you’ll find everything you need to prepare for the GRE and succeed on test day.
Information about the GRE
Get to know the GRE and what to expect so that you will not have any surprises when it comes time for test day.
  1. Introduction to the GRE. Read the five parts of chapter one from GRE Prep Guide here for free.
  2. The GRE Computer Interface. See screenshots of the computerized GRE and become familiar with how to use this test before the big day.
  3. About the GRE. Learn what the GRE measures, and get information on format, pacing, guessing, and more.
  4. How to Study for the GRE. This simple overview provides the basics emplaning what the GRE test is like and how best to prepare for taking it.
  5. How to Ace the GRE. Follow the practical advice offered in this About.com article to do your very best on the GRE.
  6. Tackle the GRE Verbal Section. Learn what parts make up the verbal section, how to prepare beforehand, and what to do during the test to maximize your score.
  7. GRE Analytical Writing Section. Find out what the analytical writing section assesses and how it does so with this article.
  8. GRE–Complete Information–Test Tips. Get the breakdown of the GRE as well as interesting facts about the GRE.
  9. The GRE Scoring Scale Explained. This article does an excellent job of describing the scoring scale and helping you understand what your scores mean.
  10. When to Take the GRE. Find out what this article suggests for timing your GRE test-taking.
  11. Institution Codes. This listing of includes every school that accepts GRE scores and the codes necessary to get your scores to them.
  12. What’s the Score?. This article discusses how important time management is to your score, looks at the scoring method of the GRE, and more.
GRE Study Sites
These sites all offer multiple resources for preparing for the GRE.
  1. ETS.org GRE - Graduate Record Exams. Get an overview of the test, sign up for bulletins, find test dates and register, plus much more with this official GRE resource.
  2. Peterson’s GRE Central. Find quizzes, word of the day, a practice test, tips, and more to help you prepare for the GRE.
  3. Kaplan GRE Free Events. Among the free offerings from Kaplan, you can find a sample class, seminars, a GRE practice test, personal statement workshop, and more.
  4. TestMagic The GRE. Map out a study plan, find helpful books, get online study help, and more here.
  5. Yahoo! Education GRE Test Prep. You will find practice verbal and math questions as well as helpful articles here.
  6. My GRE Tutor. A great site with plenty of resources, My GRE Tutor offers tutorials, practice tests, vocabulary builders, and study plans all designed around the GRE.
  7. Online GRE Preparation. This blog provides GRE study resources, many of which are free.
  8. majortests.com Prepare for the GRE. Find practice exercises and lots of tools to help with problem solving, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and more.
  9. The Test Prep Center. Under the GRE section, you can find information about the GRE as well as about the different sections of the test. Sample questions are included.
  10. Sparknotes Free GRE Test Prep. You can do everything at this site from register for the GRE, read an online copy of their study book, take both mini tests and sample tests, and connect with others on the message boards.
  11. Happy Schools Blog GRE. Get study help with vocabulary, find out information about the GRE, learn what you can do if your GRE score is lower than you expected, and more at this site.
Vocabulary Tools
Many claim that knowing the appropriate vocabulary for the GRE can make a significant difference on your score, so take advantage of these resources to boost your vocabulary skills.
  1. Number2.com. Get a word of the day, question of the day, vocabulary builder, and a free tutorial here.
  2. Top 100 Words for GRE and TOEFL. This list includes 100 words to study as well as their definitions.
  3. GRE Antonym Test. Improve your vocabulary by testing yourself on these 1208 antonyms.
  4. GRE Vocabulary Builder. Download these wordlists as flashcards or printable lists to practice your vocabulary.
  5. Wordhacker Free GRE Word List. With over 3200 commonly-used vocabulary words from past GRE tests, this site will surely help you expand your vocabulary.
  6. GRE Test Vocabulary and SAT Test Vocabulary High Frequency Words. Study these words and their definitions to become familiar with many common vocabulary words from the GRE.
  7. GRE Word List. Scroll through this huge list of vocabulary words and click on them to get definitions.
  8. GRE_Vocab. Download this freeware to get a customizable word list specifically for studying GRE vocabulary.
  9. Vocaboly. Take these vocabulary tests where you can select from 10, 20, or 40 questions and choose whether you find the definition or the word.
  10. English-Test.net GRE Prep. Choose from the many vocabulary tests and exercises here to improve your vocabulary for the GRE.
  11. Vocabulary Games. Take these 15 vocabulary quizzes, and don’t forget to check out their tips for improving your vocabulary.
Resources for Sharpening Skills
Strengthening specific skills such as logic, math, and test-taking can help improve your performance on the GRE, so spend some time with these resources to work on your specific area of need.
  1. Sample Logic Game. This game is designed to practice analytical skills for the LSAT and GRE.
  2. University of Oregon Academic Learning Services. Get links to several resources to help practice your study skills, writing, and reading.
  3. Amby’s Work Site - Test Taking Skills. Scroll through all the resources here that can help you prepare for taking any sort of test, including the GRE.
  4. Logic Puzzles. Practice doing these logic puzzles to sharpen your critical thinking skills.
  5. gre math games software. Download these math games to help prepare you for the GRE. Some are free, but others are available for a fee.
  6. VocabKing. Work your way from white belt to black belt as you gain vocabulary skills in this game.
  7. GRE StudyStacks. Choose from the many GRE games, quizzes, and vocabulary builders to help prepare for all the elements of the GRE.
  8. Virtual Math Lab. Texas A&M University provides online help for anyone needing math help, including those studying for the GRE.
  9. GMAT and GRE Math. This blog offers answers to readers’ questions about GMAT and GRE Math.
  10. Analytical Section: Analytical Reasoning. Practice with these sample questions to help sharpen your reasoning skills.
Practice Tests and Exercises
After all that studying, take some time to measure your progress and get accustomed to the format of the actual test with these practice exercises and tests.
  1. GRE Practice General Test. This is a full-length paper test and also includes strategies, sample analytical writing topics, scored samples, and more.
  2. Sample GRE CAT Download. Try this free sample from the GRE Math section that replicates the computerized version of the test.
  3. Free Online Demo and Practice Test. The Princeton Review offers this free test to get familiar with the computerized GRE.
  4. GRE Practice Test. Find 26 different practice tests at this site.
  5. GRE Test Preparation Practice Exercises. Get exercises for vocabulary building, comparison tests in quantitative ability, and analytical writing prompts.
  6. GRE Test Online Course. Take the practice questions provided here to test your knowledge in everything from analogies to algebra to writing.
  7. EnglishMaster. Download the free version of this program to help you practice for the GRE.
  8. GRE Timer. Time yourself with these sample questions to see how your pace stacks up.
  9. GRE Quantitative Ability. Broken down by arithmetic and number theory, algebra, geometry, and data analysis, find out how well you are prepared with these 34 questions.
  10. GRE Verbal Ability. Complete the four sets here to see how you are progressing in sentence completion, antonyms, analogies, and reading comprehension.
  11. Analytical Writing. Get prompts to present your perspective and analyze an argument, then follow the tips to score yourself.
  12. GRE Sample Verbal Test. Answer these 30 questions to practice sentence completion, reading comprehension, and analogy.
  13. 4Tests.com Practice GRE. Take this free test that covers analytical, qualitative, and verbal questions.
  14. Free Online GRE Test!. This site offers a verbal sample test with results provided in the same format as the actual GRE.
General Subject Test Resources
If you are preparing to take one of the subject tests in addition to the general test, then check out these resources for information and practice tests.
  1. GRE Subject Tests Overview. Get the latest information on all the subject tests from the official site of the GRE.
  2. GRE Subject Tests: An Overview. Take a look at the breakdown of each of the eight subject tests here.
  3. GRE Subject Tests: Overview and Content Material for all 8 Exams. Read this comprehensive article to better understand the subject tests.
  4. The GRE Subject Tests at a Glance. This overview of the subject tests explains what they are and helps you determine if you need to take one.
  5. GRE Subject Tests. This site offers a detailed look at exactly what types of questions and how many will be offered on each of the subject tests.
Specific Subject Test Resources
Find help studying for your subject test from these resources, whether you are taking the Psychology, Literature in English, Physics, or one of the other subject tests.
  1. GRE Subject Test in Psychology. This page offers information about what is on the GRE psychology subject test as well as some helpful advice for taking it.
  2. Preparing for the Physics Subject GRE Test. OSU offers this resource, and while some of the information is specifically for students there, at the bottom of the page, you will find four physics sample tests.
  3. Physics GRE Resources. Get tons of useful information about taking the physics subject test from this Harvard resource.
  4. PhysicsGRE.com. Visit this forum for students studying for the physics subject test and graduate students in Physics as well.
  5. Mathematics GRE - Math Subject Test Preparation Advice. PhysicsGRE.com has provided this information to help you prepare for your math subject test.
  6. GRE-Subject-Tests.com. Join a forum for your specific subject test to learn from others.
  7. Approach to Studying for the English Literature Graduates Records Exam. Visit this page for a wealth of information on taking the Literature in English subject test.
  8. How to Prepare for the GRE Literature Subject Test. This article offers suggestions for specific materials to read in preparation for this test as well as other helpful information.
  9. GRE Subject Biochemistry. This blog, while not being currently updated, provides plenty of helpful information from what to study to how to study for the biochemistry subject test.
  10. How to Pass the GRE Chemistry Subject Test. Get the breakdown in percentages of what will be covered as well as suggestions for what to study in this article.
  11. How to Pass the GRE Computer Science Subject Test. Learn what will likely be on this subject test, how to prepare, and more with this resource.
Strategies for Success
Follow these useful strategies offered by professionals and past test-takers to make the most of your GRE testing experience.
  1. GRE Test Tips and Techniques. Learn test-taking strategies here with sections on the overall test as well as verbal, math, and analytical sections.
  2. Test-Taking Strategies. Check out these Do’s and Don’ts to find out how best to take the GRE.
  3. Useful GRE Preparation Resources. This blog post offers tips and a few resources for preparing for the GRE without enrolling at a fee-based test prep company.
  4. GRE Test-Taking Tips and Techniques. Find tips that range from the practical to strategic on this list.
  5. Quick Tips–GRE Quantitative Comparison. Get the edge on the quantitative ability section with these helpful strategies.
  6. GRE Essay Section. This article offers solid tips and strategies for approaching the essay section of your GRE.
  7. All About the GRE Essays. Not only can you get tips and strategies for writing the essays, you can also get practical advice on using the GRE word processor.
  8. Suggested Approach to the GRE’s Analytical Writing Section. This advice from CliffsNotes provides clear suggestions to formulating and writing your essay.
  9. Tips for GRE takers. Read the suggestions on this blog post from a recent GRE taker.
  10. CBT GRE. Under GRE Details, you can find tips, suggestions, and strategies for each portion of the GRE.
  11. GRE Analytical Writing Tips. Follow the suggestions here to help create well-thought-out and well-constructed essays.
  12. 10 Steps to Earn a High GRE Score. From relaxing on test day to ample preparation beforehand, take this advice to ensure success.
Test Day Tips
You’ve worked hard to know as much as possible to excel on the GRE, so don’t let a few simple mistakes make you stumble on the actual test day. Follow these suggestions to give yourself the chance to show what you know.
  1. Breakfast. Before heading out the door for your test, make sure you eat a healthy breakfast with plenty of protein.
  2. Be comfortable. Wear comfortable clothing and consider dressing in layers in case the temperature at the testing site is too warm or cold.
  3. Back up plan. Have a back up plan in place to cover any unexpected events such as car trouble or oversleeping. Set an extra alarm and put friends on notice for any help you might need in case of an emergency.
  4. Arrive early. There is nothing worse than getting lost and realizing you are running late for your test. Avoid this scenario by arriving early to your testing site.
  5. Bring ID. Remember to have your ID with you and be prepared for other forms of identification which may include thumbprinting or videotaping.
  6. Breathe. If you start feeling overwhelmed or panicky, take several deep breaths and let them out slowly. Slow down your thinking and refocus in order to stay calm and on track.
  7. Read carefully. Read through each question carefully. If the question seems confusing, trying to re-word the question in a different manner may bring clarity.
  8. Answer before looking at options. See if you know the answer to the question before you look at the options given. You may find your answer more easily this way.
  9. Take advantage of your breaks. There is an optional ten-minute break after the analytical writing section of the general test. Take advantage of this time to stand up, stretch, and get your blood flowing. There are also one-minute breaks after each additional section. Stretch your arms and hands, take some deep breaths, and relax your eyes for a moment before starting up again.
  10. Celebrate. After the test is finished, do something special for yourself. Indulge in a professional massage, go to dinner at your favorite restaurant, or just kick back with some movies knowing you don’t have to worry about studying.
Resources for Graduate School Preparation
All that studying for the GRE is just the beginning. Find out what you need to do to prepare yourself for graduate school after you complete the GRE.
  1. Testing the Water: Are You Ready for Graduate School?. This article provides important points to consider before deciding if graduate school is for you right now.
  2. GradSchools.com Get Informed. The resources on this site range from what you should do before applying to grad school to the grad school road map.
  3. Is Graduate School for You?. Ball State University offers several informative articles to help you choose the best time for grad school and to understand what you need to do to make it happen.
  4. Make Your Target Graduate Program a Reality. From evaluating graduate programs to submitting applications to financial aid, you’ll find plenty of information on making grad school work for you with these resources.