The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) can be a challenging test for those planning to pursue graduate studies. With only 30 days left, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start your preparation. But don’t worry! With the right study plan and strategies, you can ace the GRE even with a tight schedule. This one-month GRE exam prep plan will guide you through each step to help you achieve your target score. The key is to stay focused, practice consistently, and review your progress throughout the preparation. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the GRE Exam
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is a multiple-choice test for applicants seeking higher education abroad. The test is intended to help graduate schools assess an applicant’s ability for advanced study. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the GRE, which is sponsored by the Graduate Record Examinations Board.
| Section Name | Number of sections | Number of questions | Time allotted |
| Analytical Writing | 1 Section | 1 Essay task | 30 Minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 2 Sections | 27 Questions | 47 Minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 2 Sections | 27 Questions | 41 Minutes |
| Total time | 1 Hour and 58 Minutes | ||
Key Strategies for GRE Exam Prep in Last 30 Days
- Take a GRE Practice Test
Kick-start your GRE exam prep with a full-length practice test to assess your current skills and identify strengths and weaknesses. This will provide a benchmark for your study plan, helping you set realistic goals. After taking the practice test, review the results and determine the areas where you need the most improvement. Use these insights to customize your study plan to focus on weak areas while still maintaining your strong points.
- Understand the Format of the GRE
Besides knowing the sections, understanding the GRE’s adaptive nature is essential. The Verbal and Quantitative sections are adaptive at the section level, meaning your performance on the first section determines the difficulty level of the subsequent section. To excel, you should aim to do well in the first section, setting yourself up for success with more challenging questions that carry higher point values. Incorporating this awareness into your GRE classes or study sessions will help you strategize more effectively.
- Setting up Your Schedule to Incorporate Your GRE Study Plan
With only a month to prepare, your schedule should be both intensive and manageable. Here’s a suggested study schedule:
| WEEK | FOCUS AREAS | TASKS |
| Week 1 | Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning Basics | Practice writing essays; study vocabulary and reading comprehension strategies. |
| Week 2 | Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Practice | Review math concepts; practice problem-solving; continue verbal practice. |
| Week 3 | Mock Tests, High-Difficulty Questions | Take full-length mock tests; review mistakes; focus on high-difficulty questions. |
| Week 4 | Final Review, GRE-Like Testing, Relaxation Techniques | Revise important concepts; focus on GRE test-taking strategies; practice staying calm and confident. |
- Practice High-Quality GRE Questions Daily
Consistent practice is the cornerstone of GRE exam prep. Make it a habit to practice GRE questions daily, ideally from sources that simulate the actual GRE exam format. Focus on quality rather than quantity. Working on fewer high-quality questions will help you understand the concepts better than rushing through hundreds of low-quality ones. To ensure your GRE prep is airtight, join GRE classes that offer access to a curated set of questions, detailed explanations, and performance tracking.
- Review Your Performance
As you progress with your GRE exam prep, regularly review your performance. Set aside time at the end of each week to go over the questions you answered incorrectly, understand why you made those mistakes, and learn the correct approach. Reviewing your performance consistently helps you identify patterns of error and adjust your study plan accordingly. It also reinforces the learning process, making sure you retain what you’ve studied.
Top Tips for Acing the GRE in Last Days
- Set Realistic Goals: Break down your target score into section-wise goals. Aim for incremental improvements each week.
- Study Vocabulary Daily: Building a strong vocabulary is vital for the Verbal section. Use flashcards, apps, or word lists to expand your vocabulary.
- Incorporate Time-Based Practice: While accuracy is important, managing time effectively can make a significant difference in your score. Time yourself during practice tests to improve your speed.
- Focus on Strengths and Weaknesses: Allocate more time to your weaker areas while not neglecting your stronger subjects.
- Take Care of Your Health: A healthy body and mind are crucial for effective learning. Get enough sleep, eat balanced meals, and engage in relaxation activities to stay stress-free.
- Leverage GMAT Techniques: If you’re familiar with GMAT classes, you can apply similar quantitative and verbal reasoning strategies to the GRE for a competitive edge.
Conclusion
Preparing for the GRE in just one month may seem daunting, but with a structured plan and dedication, it’s entirely achievable. Focus on understanding the GRE format, practicing high-quality questions, and reviewing your performance to stay on track.
Jamboree has a proven track record of helping students achieve high GRE scores through expert coaching, a strategic study plan, and quality GRE exam prep resources. They offer a combination of GRE classes, online modules, and personalized tutoring to suit your learning style and schedule. With the guidance of Jamboree’s experienced faculty, you can streamline your preparation and boost your confidence. Jamboree’s online GRE prep classes are designed to cover essential concepts, improve speed and accuracy, and teach test-taking strategies to help you excel on the exam.
Book a call today to explore our GRE courses and start your journey toward acing the GRE with Jamboree!