How to Study for Standardized Exams
I am far from taking the GRE and the GMAT, but it would be foolish (not to mention out of character) for me not to at least think about the future. I didn’t do that for the SAT and the ACT. I simply went into the exams, winging it. Although I did okay, I know that if I had prepped for them early and properly, I would’ve done much better. Hindsight is 20/20. So I’ve researched effective ways to study for standardized exams:
Take practice exams
It’s the best way to establish a baseline and measure where you need to improve. Mimic exam day conditions as best as possible when taking the practice exam and just do the best you can. The test results will include not just your scores but also information about what types of questions you did well on and which ones gave you trouble. This information will help you design your study plan. Kaplan recommends that you schedule 4 hours to take the test if you write the essays and 3 hours if you choose to skip the essays. Also plan to invest at least 1.5 hours in reviewing the test later the same day or in the next day or two.
Set your study schedule
I’m personally beginning the process of GRE/GMAT prep next January after I have four semesters of accounting and calculus under my belt. Studying so far in advanced might sound unnecessary, and it probably is, but I feel like I would be more confident in my abilities to score higher on the standardized exams with the knowledge that I excessively prepped for it. Below is a suggested timeline:
Studying most days of the week will improve your score more than studying one or two days a week. Many students find that studying for 5 days a week in three 30-minute segments, for an hour and a half each day, helps them make significant progress. In addition, if the vocabulary is an area you have targeted for improvement, plan to carry flashcards (physical cards or a phone app) with you and work on GRE vocab throughout the day.
Develop your study plan
There’s no right way to do this. For me, I would probably spend a considerable amount of time reviewing and practicing the math section. It’s my weakest section, but I might section off an hour of each study session and a whole session reviewing my stronger subjects (vocabulary, reading comp, and writing). Kaplan suggests blocking out time to take practice tests to measure progress, become more familiar with the test’s timing and format, and build mental endurance. After each test, invest at least 1.5 hours in reviewing the answer explanations. I would most likely schedule a weekly or biweekly practice test on my calendar and keep those appointments with myself.
Other resources to consider:
Hiring a private tutor or take a prep class- Even though that is pricey, I believe it’s worth the investment. It would help me curate an individualized study plan, teach me how to take the exam, and provide me with a comprehensive study strategy of my weaker subjects. They’re usually over $1500 in my area, but I fully believe I’d personally be better for it and get a much better score than if I were relying on my own, inexperienced abilities. Kaplan Test Prep offers an eight-week GRE prep course for $1,099 in person or $799 online. With that, you receive free practice tests and questions and Princeton Review offers GRE prep courses for $799 online or $999 in person. The class sizes are typically small, and the online course includes some one-on-one tutoring sessions.
Test Prep Books- Test prep books cover the structure of the test, the types of questions asked, and tips for hacking your way to a great score. Most large bookstores have a test-taking book section where you can find great GRE prep books. You also can purchase them online at Amazon or any booksellers' website. GRE prep books are ideal for self-motivated learners willing to spend a few hours at a time absorbing the dense information offered. These books typically cost around $15-$30.
Study Apps- The growing pool of study apps offers new, interactive ways to prepare for the GRE, usually through quiz-based challenges, flashcards, or short videos. Typically, these apps are free. They're ideal for on-the-go studiers who prefers to learn by doing, rather than parsing through a 700-page test prep book.
Online Resources:
Gradschools.com
TestPrepPractice.net
Powerscore.com
