When it comes to opening up career prospects, going to graduate school is a great way to widen your options. A graduate degree can lay down the foundation for a high-paying job and a successful career, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, getting admitted into grad school is no cakewalk. But as long as you have been consistent with your studies throughout college, getting into grad school is quite achievable.

If you’re preparing to take the GRE in order to apply for graduate programs, just studying hard isn’t going to get you into your dream school. Without a good preparation strategy, it isn't easy to get a good score on the GRE.

First Things First

GRE is the abbreviation for Graduate Record Examinations. It is the primary pre-requisite for getting into grad school. The GRE is an international certification exam with over 1,000 test centers spread across 160 countries. For graduate and business school applicants, taking this examination is vital to gaining admission to the best educational institutions around the world.

The GRE tests an applicant's aptitude in three major areas: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Tests are taken in two formats, either paper-based or on a computer. Paper-based tests are held three times a year in October, November, and February. The computer-delivered GRE test takes place once every 21 days after the paper-based tests. If you take the test on a computer, you can take the test up to five times in any rolling twelve-month period.

You can register for the exam three different ways: by registering online, calling your country’s GRE test center, or by email.

How to Get Started

Now that you know how the GRE is structured and how to enroll, it's time to touch on the basics. The first thing you need to work on is your study plan. For performing well in GRE, you need to be well-versed in writing, reading, and math. Plan your schedule in such a way that you allow equal time for each component unless you're particularly weak in one. Prepare a study plan for at least three months before making your first attempt at the GRE.

Technology has made studying more accessible, so use your smart devices, computers, and books. Podcasts and online materials can be accessed and used anytime, anywhere, making them extremely convenient. Use them to your advantage.

And last but not least, don't forget to take a GRE practice test every week. This habit allows you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, helping you improve in your weakest areas. Also, this will reduce your exam jitters and help you stay focused during the real exam.

Test-Taking Strategies

When it comes to the actual day of the test, consider the following advise:

■    Don’t Cram Right Before– Cramming with notes and slides before the exam is possibly the worst thing you can do. According to studies, instead of helping you remember something, cramming often results in you forgetting things. Instead of cramming, properly follow through with your study plan. That way, you won't find yourself stressed right before exam day.

■    Go Through the Rules– As you might expect, there are a lot of guidelines for GREs that you need to follow to a T. Go through the guidelines multiple times at least a few weeks before the exam and at the beginning of the test.

■    Pack Properly– Despite being the most basic tip you've heard since childhood, this cannot be stressed enough. You can't just go around bothering people in the middle of a GRE test asking for stationary or waltz right in without an ID. Make sure you have everything you need for the exam packed and ready the night before.

■    Eat, Drink and Rest– Don't ignore your health before your exams. The biggest culprit of exam jitters is lack of rest and fluids, so make sure to rest and drink enough water the night before.

The Wind-Up

Hopefully, this article gives you a better idea of what to expect on the GRE and how to prepare. If you follow these tips and dedicate enough time and effort, you’ll have no problem getting through the GREs and qualifying for admissions at the graduate school of your choice.  

When it comes to opening up career prospects, going to graduate school is a great way to widen your options. A graduate degree can lay down the foundation for a high-paying job and a successful career, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.