The GRE: Tips, Tricks, and Resources

by Cecilia Allan (2020-2022 Communications Officer)

For many of us, the most dreaded part of applying to graduate school is taking the GRE. Here are some tips, tricks, and resources – recommended by other students who successfully completed the GRE and began graduate programs in psychology and law – to help make the process a little less stressful.

Tips & Tricks

1. Practice, practice, practice.
   “Use the practice tests offered by ETS!”
   “Take as many practice tests as you can. Familiarity with the test style is helpful when you are taking the test.”
   
   
2. Time yourself.
   “Practice writing the essays on a timer…maybe even give yourself less time than you will have when taking the GRE. This helped me to be less worried about the countdown clock when it came time to take the test.”
   
   
3. Use flashcards.
   “Flashcards genuinely work! They are helpful for vocab, and for learning math formulas.”
   
   
4. Tutors/instructors.
   “Getting a tutor/instructor was really crucial for me. This isn’t feasible for everyone, so getting in a group and seeing about hiring a tutor and splitting the cost could be helpful.” 
   “If you can’t afford a tutor, try asking a friend. You may know someone who excels in one area (for me this was math) who would be happy to give you some assistance free of charge (or at a much lower rate).”
   
   
5. Ask around.
   “Do you have a friend or family member who has taken the GRE? Ask them about their experience and what they think might be helpful for you. Plus, they might still have workbooks and other resources you could borrow or buy used. This process can get pricey, so saving money anyway you can is always recommended.”
   
   
6. Think ahead.
   “Take the test earlier than you think you need to. For example, if grad school applications are due in December, don't wait until October or November if you can help it. There is always a chance that you won't get the score you want, and you might want to take it again before you apply.” 
   “Know what scores you would want/need for certain programs, and know which schools you plan to send your scores to. If you know right away, you will be able to send to 5 schools for free when you finish the test.”
   
   
7. Know the test environment.
   “Go to your testing location a day or two before the exam so you don't get lost the day of.”
   “Make sure you know how the structure of the exam will be set up at your location. They sometimes include an extra subtest on the real administration (this is for research purposes), and you don't want to be surprised to have to complete an extra subtest when you think you're finished.
   
   
8. Know yourself.
   “Know yourself as a test-taker. Are you great at standardized testing? Awesome! You probably don't need to stress out too much (but definitely still do some studying!). Have you always struggled with standardized testing? You might want to invest in an in-person tutor or do some extra prep. Everyone is different, and these tests only measure a specific form of knowledge and skill.” 
   
   

Resources

ETS

• Free online practice tests (timed and untimed versions)
• Provide practice prompts for analytical writing section
  
  

Manhattan Prep 

• The 5lb book of GRE practice problems (this one is especially helpful for the quantitative section!)
• Free app with practice questions, quizzes, and flashcards. (this can help you study during commutes on public transport without carrying your materials/flashcards)
• Online and in-person classes (some are free of charge)

​Magoosh 

• Free 7-day trial offered
• Flexible, online courses 
• Free app with flashcards and practice questions
  
  

Kaplan

• Free daily question (will get an e-mail each day when you sign up)
• Free mini-practice exam
• 7-day free trial offered (take the practice test during this window!)
  
  

Other free practice tests:

• Manhattan review
• McGraw-Hill