GRE Test Taking Tips

By Alyssa Laffitte on July 29, 2017

Taking the GRE is a very important step in the graduate school application. Here are some tips to help you do your best on test day!

Image via Isorepublic.com

The night before

Go to bed early

You want your brain to work at peak performance the morning of the test, so let it rest the night before. Make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep and account for the fact that you’ll have to wake up early the next morning.

Have all the necessary materials ready

It’s a good idea to prepare your bag the night before so that you are not rushing to do it in the morning. In this bag, you should have your ID, a water bottle, a snack, and a jacket in case the testing room is cold.

Choose your universities

Before the test, you will be asked to choose four universities to send your test scores to free of charge. To save time, make this list (even if it’s at least in your head) before you get to the testing center. This way, you will get to your computer knowing which schools you will pick and you don’t have to spend precious time deciding where you will send your scores.

The day of

Have a good breakfast and drink water

In order for your mind to work at peak performance during the test, feed it well! Have a balanced, protein/fruit and veggie-filled breakfast to keep you full and happy until lunchtime. It’s also important to stay hydrated and drink water!

Do not study

It’s very tempting to keep studying until the last possible minute, but with a standardized test like the GRE, it’s not a good idea. It will only make you more anxious, and chances are that you will probably forget what you just read. Put an endpoint to your studying. Resist the urge to keep your books open until the last minute. Also, definitely do not bring your book to the testing center!

Get there early

Leave the house early. You need to have some extra time in case anything unexpected comes up (like traffic accidents, bus schedule delays, etc.). The last thing you need is to be caught up because of something you can’t control. Also, getting there early will ensure that you are not in the back of the long registration line at the testing center!

Generally, getting to the testing center early will prevent a lot of anxiety.

During the test

Take your time

Don’t rush yourself during the test. It’s better to use up all the time and be careful about your answers. Remember, you don’t get a bonus for being the first to finish.

Be organized

Especially during the math section, be organized with your scratch paper. It’s way too easy to confuse problems when you’re solving a bunch of them on the same paper. Instead, number each problem and draw a box around it so you know that’s a separate problem.

Take advantage of the breaks

Some people work during the break rather than take the time to disconnect and relax. Don’t do this! It’s important to give your brain a break during such an intense and long day. Use those few minutes to have a snack, drink water, and go to the bathroom. Just like finishing early, you don’t get a bonus for not using the break, either.

After the test

Forget about it

The best thing you can do after the test is to forget about it. It’s done. You can’t change it, so there is no point in worrying about it. If you get your scores back and are unhappy with them, THEN you can start worrying about re-taking it. But don’t beat yourself up too much after taking the test!

Celebrate!

Regardless of your score, finishing the GRE is something to celebrate. Treat yourself to a nice lunch after the test. You’ve earned it! (It’ll also help you forget it!)

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