Tips before your GRE exam Final Thoughts Tips before your GRE exam

Nobody gets all the GRE questions right! It is possible to score 170 on verbal and not answer all questions correctly Computer Adaptive Test starts everyone at ‘average’ difficulty; adjusts level up or down depending on your answers Some questions may be ‘unscored’ questions for test research Don’t be deterred by ‘easy’ questions!

Significant score improvement is possible! Do not panic if your first practice exam score is disappointing. Take multiple complete practice exams to prepare yourself for this marathon. Familiarity brings level of comfort and confidence. The average of the last 2-3 practice exams before your GRE gives a fair estimate of your actual score

Laser-focus a few problems Instead of doing hundreds of practice problems, focus on a smaller number of representative problems from each section. Really review these problems. Understand Why the answer is correct Concept behind the problem How to recognize this type of question Strategy to approach Guessing strategy

GRE score is NOT everything! Score is only one piece of your application Schools consider application in a holistic sense Other factors: Essays Letters of Recommendation GPA Entire application

Retakes are OK! Second or third attempts at the GRE do not usually have a negative effect on your application Schools may view multiple attempts as seriousness, commitment to program Don’t overdo it though! More than 4 tries?....maybe not… Aim for median score range for your target schools, around 80% range

Just before the exam Try to keep external stress as low as possible (life!) Get adequate sleep Day of exam, do not try to learn anything new! Light review only A few practice problems to keep your limber Nothing intense Arrive at test site early- minimize stress Take the full 10 minute break- you will be glad you did! Breathe! Frequently and deeply!