Let’s talk about what you can do today to prepare for the GRE.
The very first thing you should do is to take a practice test. This will give you a point of reference as to how you might do on test day, and will also give you an experience of what the test is like. For this “baseline” score, it is important to use materials published by the Test Maker, so go to gre.org and download the free powerprep software provided by ETS. Since they make the GRE, their practice tests are obviously the best ones to take, but especially when you are gaining your point of reference. If you have already taken the GRE, you already have a baseline score.
The second thing you want to do is to find out your prospective school’s policy regarding the GRE. If you have not already done so, make a list of the top 3 to 5 schools you will be applying to and visit their specific department’s webpage to find their GRE policy.
Find out if a minimum GRE score is required for their program. Find out if they will take your average score or your best score. It is vitally important for you to know your school’s policy on the GRE, and there is not one universal policy.
If by chance you go to their website and can’t find their specific GRE policy, send an inquiry email to the contact listed on the webpage. Be polite but straightforward. You could also use the inquiry email as a fore into building a relationship with the department. Thus, it will not only be a wise move to find out your school’s GRE policy, but also will show the people in the program that you are serious about admission.
Finally, write down your target score. We cannot stress this enough. Do not just have it in your head. Write it down somewhere where you can see it. You must have a target you are aiming at in order to channel your efforts, to motivate your mind, and to evaluate your progress.
Scientific research demonstrated the effectiveness of writing down goals. A study was done regarding the graduates of Harvard Business School for 1964. Of those that wrote down their goals, 95% were able to achieve them within 20 years. Of those that did not write them down, only 5% were able to achieve them. (Interesting to note is that only 5% of the original group wrote down their goals!)
So, make sure you write down your target score.
Do these three things today. Do not waste any more time. Begin to build momentum in the right direction.
After you have completed these things, you are well on your way towards more effective GRE preparation!
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Tags: gre course, gre target score, important steps, prepare, prepare today, study