Are you planning to pursue a Master’s degree from a prestigious university in the USA or Canada but feeling overwhelmed by the thought of preparing for the GRE exam? With the advent of technology, online GRE preparation courses have become increasingly popular and offer several advantages over traditional classroom courses, such as flexibility, convenience, and access to a wide range of study materials.
In this blog, we will provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step guide for GRE preparation online, including tips on selecting the best GRE course and maximizing your study time.
Step 1: Determine Your Goals and Needs
The first step in any GRE preparation journey is to assess your goals and needs. What score do you need to get into your desired graduate program? What areas of the test are your strengths and weaknesses? How much time do you have to prepare?
Once you have a clear idea of your goals and needs, you can start researching GRE courses and online resources that align with them. Some popular GRE prep options include Magoosh, Kaplan, and Manhattan Prep. These courses offer comprehensive video lessons, practice questions, and customizable study plans to help you get the most out of your preparation.
Step 2: Establish a Study Schedule
One of the biggest challenges of preparing for the GRE online is staying disciplined and accountable. To help combat this, it’s important to establish a study schedule that works for you. This should include dedicated blocks of time for studying each day or week, as well as specific goals and milestones to track your progress.
When creating your study schedule, be realistic about your availability and energy levels. If you work full-time or have other commitments, it may be best to spread your study time out over a longer period rather than trying to cram everything into a few weeks.
Step 3: Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format
Before diving into your GRE course or study materials, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the test format and structure. The GRE is divided into three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each section has its own unique format and question types, so it’s important to understand what to expect.
Take the time to read through the official GRE test format and question types, and make a note of any area that you’re unsure about. This will help you prioritize your study time and focus on the areas where you need the most improvement. And make sure to check the previous year’s papers and questions to get an in-depth analysis of the paper- pattern.
Step 4: Focus on Your Weaknesses
Once you’ve identified your areas of weakness, it’s time to start working on them. This is where your GRE course or study materials come in handy. Most online courses offer practice questions and quizzes that can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses within each section of the test.
Focus your study time on the areas where you need the most improvement. This might mean spending extra time on difficult math concepts or practicing strategies for tackling tricky reading comprehension questions. As you work through your GRE course, be sure to track your progress and celebrate small wins along the way.
Step 5: Practice as Much as You Can
The key to success in the GRE is practice. The more practice questions and tests you take, the more comfortable you’ll become with the format and the more confident you’ll feel on test day.
Most online courses offer a variety of practice tests and questions to help you prepare. Make sure to take advantage of these resources and practice as much as possible. As you work through practice questions, make a note of strategies or techniques that work well for you, and incorporate them into your study routine.
Step 6: Stay Motivated and Accountable
Preparing for the GRE can be a long and challenging process, but it’s important to stay motivated and accountable throughout. This might mean finding a study buddy or accountability partner to help keep you on track or setting up a reward system to celebrate your progress. You can join communities and groups, which would enable you to push yourself at times when you don’t feel like it. These communities not only provide motivation but help with doubt-solving, updates, tips, etc.
Final Words!
GRE preparation online can be a highly effective way to achieve your desired score, but it requires dedication, discipline, and a solid study plan. By following the steps outlined in this guide, including setting clear goals and needs, establishing a study schedule, familiarizing yourself with the test format, focusing on your weaknesses, practicing regularly, and staying motivated and accountable, you can increase your chances of success.
Remember to take advantage of the many online GRE courses and resources available, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or support along the way. With the right approach and mindset, you can conquer the GRE and achieve your academic and professional goals.