The Interfolio Blog

It's almost fall, and many people are starting to consider the idea of going back to school and applying to graduate programs. One major element in the graduate school application process is preparing for and taking the Graduate Record Exam, or GRE, and although few enjoy the process of standardized test-taking, we've prepared some thoughts on how to make the GRE as successful as possible.

First, it is helpful to understand the exam. Most students have taken time off, or at the very least have not taken a standardized test since high school, so the thought of refining those basic geometry and vocabulary skills once again can be a little intimidating. However, if you know what to expect, it becomes a much for manageable process. The GRE measures skills acquired during the high school and college years, and is one of the most important parts of your application, as it is meant to measure your potential for success in graduate school. It is divided into three sections: verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing, and is administered in an online format. Each section begins by asking a relatively easy question, then chooses the next question based on whether or not you got the first one right. If you did, you'll get a harder question, if not, you'll stay in the easier questions. Your score is determined by how many questions you get right and how difficult those questions are, so the harder the questions you're able to answer, the better. For more details about the exam, about.com provides important information regarding what each section tests and what types of questions are asked.

The second step is to prepare for the test. Even those who are just graduating from an undergraduate institution and feel they have a good grasp on GRE topics should take a least a couple of practice tests. These allow you to familiarize yourself with the test format, and prepare for the kinds of questions that are asked. There are several companies that offer test-preparation materials and classes, the most well-known of which are usually The Princeton Review and Kaplan. Both provide a number of appealing options such as private and small group tutoring, classroom courses, online tutorials, and a series of GRE books that you can use to prepare on your own. We highly recommend choosing an option that includes supplementary online material so that you can get used to taking the test on the computer. 

There are also some free resources out there, like number2.com, a company offering free GRE prep classes and resources. In addition the Educational Testing Service, the organization that administers the exam, offers some excellent resources for test takers that are free on their website. Ultimately, there are a number of great test prep options available to you, so it's worth taking a look even if you opt to prepare solely on your own.

Finally, be sure to register for the test promptly, as many test centers fill up months in advance. We hope your experience with the GRE is as low stress as possible, and that you found some of these resources helpful. If you have recommendations on other test prep ideas or resources, please let our readers know in the comments section.