How can students study for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?

Students who want to study for their Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, should first find out the cut off scores for their chosen program of study. In addition, it is a good idea to avoid taking it during the senior year of undergraduate studies, as this may not leave enough time to prepare.

Ways to prepare for the GRE include:

• Taking a practice test via the Princeton Review or Kaplan website. This gives students an idea of what their current score is, which in turn tells them how much preparation they need to do.
• It is necessary to invest in preparation materials for the GRE. Use the CDROM that comes free when registering for the test. In addition, try the Kaplan and Princeton Review books, as well as "GRE: Practicing to Take the General Test Big Book," which includes 27 practice papers.
• Students can prepare themselves for entrance exams using personal study, most institutions do not recommend paying for expensive courses.
• Some colleges offer on-campus resources. Wherever possible, students should make the most of them.
• Try to avoid studying for the GRE when during busy academic periods. For example, students who take the GRE during their senior year may find it clashes with their busy exam and assignment timetable.
• When studying for the GRE, focus on one subject at a time rather than covering them all at once.
• Time practice tests to ensure scores reflect the conditions set within the GRE itself.