How to score good in GRE
In order to score well, we 1st need to understand the paper pattern and syllabus of the GRE. After knowing that, we can make a proper plan and can execute the plan.
Paper pattern of GRE
Students taking the GRE test from India can only appear from the GRE Computer-based module, despite the fact that the GRE exam pattern is offered in both the GRE Computer-based mode and the GRE Paper-based mode. Only locations where the use of computers is restricted can take the GRE on paper. Knowing the variations between the GRE formats is helpful.
Each of these GRE sections is then broken into two sub-parts for the computer-based GRE paper layout,with a total of 40 questions (Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning). There is just one component of analytical writing, and it comprises two projects of an hour each in length. The computer-based pattern test has two additional variable portions in addition to these major ones. The Quantitative Reasoning portion is followed by a ten-minute break before this segment. However, the Research component and the Unscored section are not counted toward the final GRE scores.
| Computer – based | Total duration | No. of sections | No. of questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal reasoning | 30 minutes | 2 | 20 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 35 minutes | 2 | 20 |
| Analytical Writing | 60 minutes | 1 | 2 |
| Research | Varies | 1 | Varies |
| Unscored | Varies | 1 | Varies |
| Total | 3 hours 45 Minutes | 7 | 82 |
Syllabus of GRE
Verbal Reasoning
The verbal reasoning section of the exam assesses the test-capacity taker’s to analyze and draw conclusions from the discourse, reason from incomplete data, recognise the author’s assumptions and/or point of view, choose important points, separate important from minor or relevant points, summarize text, comprehend text structure, comprehend the meanings of words, sentences, and entire texts, and comprehend relationships between words and concepts.
The following is a list of the subjects included in the GRE verbal syllabus:
- Verb Tense
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Parallelism
- Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions
- Basic Sentence structure: Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives
- Pronoun Agreement
- Modifiers
Quantitative Reasoning
The quantitative reasoning section of the exam assesses the test-capacity taker’s for comprehending, interpreting, and analyzing quantitative data, as well as for using mathematical models to solve problems and apply fundamental mathematical abilities and concepts from arithmetic to algebra to geometry to probability and statistics.
The following is a list of subjects included in the GRE Quant Syllabus:
| Ratio and proportion | Profit and loss | Lines and angles |
| Simple and compound interest | Speed, distance and time | Triangles |
| Permutation & combination | Linear equations | Polygon |
| Quadratic equations | Sets Theory | Probability |
| Statistics | Powers and roots | Pipes, cisterns, work, time |
| Circles | Coordinate geometry | Order of operations |
| Percentage | Number properties | Volume and surface area |
Now we know the paper pattern and syllabus, and let us know how to score well in the exam.
What is a good score?
The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning portions of the GRE have a score range of 130 to 170. On the other hand, the Analytical Writing Assessment has a scale from 1 to 6. Therefore, the needed GRE minimum AWA score falls between the range of 1-6. Analytical Writing scores rise by a half-point increment whereas Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning scores rise in one-point increments.
The highest possible score for analytical writing is 6, while the lowest is 0. You must be aware of the composite scores in order to determine the maximum GRE score. The minimum and highest GRE scores are 260 and 340, respectively. While the AWA section score is provided individually, the Verbal and Quantitative sections’ scores are combined to get the composite score. However, the GRE requirement for each university varies, so you should confirm this before submitting an application to the schools of your choosing.
Here are some tips that help you score well
Begin early and extend your time to prepare
The GRE is probably not your only exam issue. Maintaining your grades is a top priority since you are striving to get into graduate school. So, in addition to preparing for other exams for your various classes, you are also thinking about and studying for the GRE. Starting your GRE preparation early will reduce stress as you prepare for other exams and will probably boost your final result. Set up an hour or more every day, or as much time as you can, to prepare for the GRE test starting three to four months in advance.
Take practice exams frequently and early.
Your capacity for critical analysis and quantitative reasoning will be evaluated on the GRE. The test seeks to determine how well you evaluate and apply knowledge, not your capacity for memorization, so you cannot pass it by stuffing your head with facts. By taking sample exams, you may get a sense of how the test is structured, what kinds of questions are given, and where your weaknesses lie. Your studies may be more focused if you use this as a tool. There are many other sources that provide practice exams; consider taking examinations from several sources.
Create a successful test-taking plan for yourself.
Even in the computer version, the GRE is designed so that you can skip questions and come back to them later. Practice tactics such as skipping lengthier, tougher, or questions you don’t fully understand and coming back to them later in the test when taking practice exams. The most effective approach will entail not only correctly answering questions, but correctly answering more questions. Take the practice exams frequently enough to have a clear understanding of the approach that yields the best results. Having a strategy reduces stress and improves performance on the test.
Create a successful test-taking plan for yourself.
Even in the computer version, the GRE is designed so that you can skip questions and come back to them later. Practice tactics such as skipping lengthier, tougher, or questions you don’t fully understand and coming back to them later in the test when taking practice exams. The most effective approach will entail not only correctly answering questions, but correctly answering more questions. Take the practice exams frequently enough to have a clear understanding of the approach that yields the best results. Having a strategy reduces stress and improves performance on the test.
Self-care is important
This is covered in practically every post on “how to study for an exam,” but we’ll repeat it here since it’s crucial. The night before your test, get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast. When you study, take good care of your body. Your test-taking performance will be improved by maintaining mental clarity.
Be ready to retake the exam several times.
Sometimes we simply aren’t at our best on exam day. When you receive your exam results in other cases, you just feel like you might have performed better. ScoreSelect, a component of the GRE exam, lets you not only retake the test but also decide which results are sent to the institutions you’re considering. For additional information on this function, see the ETS website. The chance of retaking the test is eliminated as a result. You may utilize the score from your second or third attempt if it is higher. You may use your original score if it isn’t.