GRE;any advice ??

Those who did this exam, what is your advice regarding the best strategy to approach it ?

Do you think cramming about 2000-3000 vocabulary words over a month or two would do me any good?

Come on guys

The math section is no problem, English is the main issue!

Hi Saif,

Eid Mubarak, I'm not sure if your are taking on a GRE-subject or general, and how far are you in your preps.

While cramming 200 - 300 words can be nice but it won't cut it, reading some articles on daily basises would be essential to boost your Verbal Reasoning score (i.e) New Times, Washington Post, ...etc.

Also Kaplan they have an good Vocab. App. on Apple Store (incase you have iphone / ipad) would come handy.

ETS offers FREE official test prep tools to help you prepare for the GRE revised General Test, check them out at www.ets.org, I will revisit with plans and strategies.

I hope this helps

Thanks Ibrahim, that is really helpful.
First of all, I am very honored by the fact that your first post on Sudanesonline is in this topic,and I would like to take the opportunity
to welcome you here and wish you a good and productive stay looking forward to your coming back with more useful stuff.

Dear, Saif

Thank you for the warm welcome and the honor is mutual to meet y'all vertually.
Yep you guessed it right, it was my first post ever on this DB -:).
Still not sure if you are taking the GRE general or Subject though but I will assume its general until you say otherwise.
As you might already know, the revised test is a (BEAST) and yes you mentioned the Quantitative (Math) part ain't an issue but make sure you have it down real well they have changed it quite a bit from prior to August 2011 and practice, practice, practice.
I recommend obtaining ETS/Kaplan workbooks and or register for a class if at all possible.

FYI, the score has been changed as well, Quantitative reasoning is now 170, Verbal Reasoning is also 170 and the 2 essays = score of 6 combined.

GRE VERBAL SESSION
This is a quick plan or Method for GRE Issue Essay
1. Take the issue apart
a. 2 minutes
2. Brainstorm and select the points you will make
a. 4 minutes
3. Organize, using the ETS / Kaplan essay template
a. 2 minutes
4. Type your essay
a. 20 minutes
5. Proofread your work
a. 2 minutes
b. Do not work on organization – that was done before you typed; work on correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, and flow.

When brainstorming, you need to think of examples that will support and counter your position.
• Examples can come from:
o History (i.e. Revolutionary War, WWII, American Civil Rights movement, etc.)
o Contemporary Events (i.e. Haitian Earthquake, President Obama, etc.)
o Personal Experience (Lower level; try not to reference self—1 maximum)
• Examples must be relevant
o Do not use a great example if it doesn’t support your essay
• You must explain your examples and tie them to the prompt.
o Do not make the reader/grader guess how your essays are related to your point

Review these if you happen to have Kaplan GRE Verbal Workbook:
• Kaplan GRE Verbal Workbook Chapter 9 -- writing style exercises
• Kaplan GRE Premier Chapter 16 – in-depth review of the principles of effective writing
• Strategy Sheet – for Issue essay template

Essay Resources
• Kaplan GRE Verbal Workbook - Chapter 7
• Kaplan GRE Premier – Chapters 16 & 17
• www.gre.org
• Your MSTs
• Online Syllabus: Analytical Writing Workshop


TEST DAY READINESS (it might a little early but good to add to the to do list)

If you have not done so already
• register for the test: www.gre.org
• create a study schedule
• use additional GRE resources Google, Facebook, and tons on Youtube)
• www.gre.org: download free PowerPrep II software
o Only works on PCs (sorry MAC users!)

The week before the test
• Take a full-length practice test
• Reinforce your strengths
• Time yourself
• Visit the testing center

Timing/Section Management
• Skip long/time consuming questions
• Use strategic guessing
• Think critically
• Utilize your review screen

On Test Day
• Dress comfortably and in layers
o Cannot remove layers one in the computer room
• Bring a snack for the break
o Brain food (i.e. no sugar packed candy bars): Granola, banana, etc.
• Review the GRE Methods and Strategies (on any GRE books)

During the Test
• Read each question stem carefully
• Don’t get bogged down on individual questions
• Don’t worry about your score


Good luck!

Ayad