During the GRE Exam

GRE99's Secret Tips for GRE

• Do you need to be computer literate?

  Well , not really. The ETS guys have made sure that their system of testing doesn’t give an advantage to computer-literate test-takers.Mostly the mouse is the only peripheral device used in the test, of course it would help a great deal if the test-taker(you!) knew how to type at a decent speed(for the AWA section) .So, for if you are not too comfortable with the idea of taking a test on the comp the tutorials and the practice tests on the ETS cd, which usually arrives after the exam date, can help.

• Do not guess randomly!!

  For any multiple option test , eliminating the wrong answer increases your odds of guessing the right answer. Always look for answers that you know for sure can never-ever-ever be right.

• Look out for the trap.

  Let it not be the primary focus, but do look out for small traps in the answers. It’s an ETS test and not Counter Strike, so there’s no need to be alarmed. Just make a mental note at the back of your head to treat on-the-face answers with caution.

• Use the scrap paper for solving

  It’s meant for that!!! They don’t let you smuggle out the scrap paper you used , because the same questions will be repeated , so you might as well use them.So, if you had any plans of making paper cones to put rice crispies in, bury that thought.

• Don’t be a perfectionist, not here atleast.

  Get the answer , listen to the often-suppressed gut feeling a little. DO NOT over-analyze, you are losing precious time to answer more questions.A compulsive disease to solve every numerical after writing down the formula ,then substituting and then re-checking it is the last thing you should have.

• Give ample time to the first few questions.

  The first few questions in the GRE carry the maximum weight age. It is of primary importance to answer get the first few questions right. The gains here are phenomenal and the loses are equally crushing. A test needs to be carefully paced and planned.

• Wear comfortable clothes.

  They take a picture of you just before you give the test. Anyway no need to dress-up or do dress-up .Whatever makes you happy.But be comfortable. Wear shoes that don’t bite, clothes that don’t make you sweat and are airy.And get your hair out of the way.

• Chill.

  It’s just an exam with a few questions about words and a few sums in maths and is known to be one of the easiest exams on the planet.

• Familiarise yourself with the test directions. the clock runs even when you read them.

  It’s unfair alright!! ETS times you while you read the instructions. So your clock starts ticking right from the time the instructions flash on the screen. It is advisable to read these instructions at home, very clearly, during the practice tests.There will be no difference( in the instructions) in the real test, if there is , then don’t worry you can sue ETS and will have enough money to bury yourself with gold ..ten times over.And please ,without wasting another second in the exam, click on DISMISS DIRECTIONS.Read them up at home.

• Respect the AWA.

  It’s not what we would like to call as the “timepass” section. AWA scores matter.As opposed to popular –belief preparing for the AWA is a good idea.Why? Because it shows us how to analyze , correlate and express our opinion and analysis.Reason enough for the admissions committee to judge your thought process.

• There could be a second time.But try not to have one.

  DO NOT take the gre with the notion of taking it the second time if you don’t do well. That, is not an option. Give it the first time like it’s your last shot at the exam. You might also want o consider the time- constraint. ETS allows you to take the test only in the next calendar month .Unless you want to practice in “real-time” then go ahead, if you can afford it.Will definitely calm you and make you more confident.

• Confidence-Over Confidence

  Be confident.It helps, but take the test seriously.The GRE is easy but it’s not a cake-walk. Give it it’s respect and prepare for the exam.

• Driving Force.

  The mental trauma that people put themselves through to go through the otherwise simple concept of taking a test and applying to universities. We wish to lessen the anguish felt, by providing useful tips/gyaan/vital information to help people cross troubled waters.Our motto is to help fellow humans/ peers/ juniors/confused people get acquainted with the whole system and to squash weird rumors about the test which have a high belief-quotient