GRE Self Preparation with Study Plan
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Content Curator | Updated On - Dec 20, 2023
GRE Self preparation is the most affordable and convenient way to prepare for the exam. The preparation involves GRE prep books, online resources, practice tests and social media groups that make the learning fun. Also, you get to save a lot of time and money by avoiding the coaching classes. Since you will be self-studying, it is very important to manage time and resources. In our opinion, creating a study plan, setting specific goals, and dedicating time to regular practice will help to ace GRE. GRE self preparation can be challenging and time taking. The success stories of candidates who topped GRE will provide inspiration for your self study.
Another significant factor that can affect self preparation is in depth study of the GRE exam pattern. GRE can be divided into three sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. Students are allowed about 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete the test.
The self-paced GRE prep and the study plan will always depend on the targeted score. If you are aiming for high scores like 330-340, it might require 3-4 months or more of GRE preparation. Candidates aiming for 300-320 can practice for 2–3 months. Hence, GRE self preparation solely depends on the targeted score and how well you are prepared.
GRE Self Study Plan
To prepare a GRE Self Study plan, the most important aspect is the knowledge of GRE Syllabus. A study plan can only be effective if followed properly. So it is important for you to know the schedule and allow dedicated time to study. Candidates can opt for GRE self preparation without visiting Coaching classes and spending a fortune. A GRE study plan will help you in managing time, understanding weaknesses and working on them.
GRE Self Study Plan for 3 Months
A 3 month GRE self study plan provides just about the right time to prepare for GRE. More than 70% of the students usually start preparing 3–4 months before the exam. Since it is an extended plan for self-paced GRE prep, the study time is 2.5–3 hours. The best self paced GRE prep study plan is:
Study Time — 2.5-3 hours daily
Month 1 | Week 1 | Learn about GRE exam pattern and GRE syllabus Take mock test to understand where you stand Check the score and the mistakes |
|---|---|---|
| Week 2 | Learn GRE Quant Concepts and sections Practice GRE Quant questions Review practice papers and GRE Quant sample questions Take 2 Mock tests, keeping the time in mind Review mistakes and work on them | |
| Week 3 | Learn GRE Verbal concepts and sections Review the types of questions Take 2 mock tests Review yourself and rework on the mistakes | |
| Week 4 | Learn GRE AWA pattern Follow the GRE AWA format for easy understanding of the essay Write two GRE AWA essays Score and review yourself | |
Month 2 | Week 1 | Take a full GRE Mock Test Review all answers and identify the mistakes Revise all the GRE sections |
| Week 2 | Learn basic Math Increase your vocabulary for GRE prep Watch videos of how GRE Exam is taken Read different topics and learn to analytically write on it | |
| Week 3 | Record time while taking the test Take 2 or more GRE Quant and GRE Verbal mock tests Score yourself and check the results | |
| Week 4 | Take 2 GRE AWA and record time while taking the test Score yourself and check the results | |
Month 3 | Week 1 | Revise all the sections of GRE |
| Week 2 | Take 2 mock tests of each section GRE Quant, GRE Verbal and GRE AWA | |
| Week 3 | Learn GRE tips and tricks Take one full GRE test Review the final GRE scores and identify areas of improvement | |
| Week 4 | Revise all sections and take a final test |
GRE Self Prep Books
GRE preparation books can be considered the Bible of GRE self study material. The first idea of GRE exam pattern can be obtained from the books. You can find books online or get a physical copy. We have listed a few GRE Preparation books that can be considered while preparing for GRE.
- GRE Prep by Magoosh - Check PDF
- Barron’s GRE WordBook - Check PDF
- Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems - Check PDF
- ETS’s GRE Official Guide - Check PDF
- Kalli’s SAT Pattern Strategy - Check PDF
- ETS’s Official GRE Practice - Check PDF
GRE Apps for Practice
While books can help candidates prepare, GRE apps help candidates solve questions on a time based manner. The GRE preparation time also reduces if you are using an application. GRE Apps provide a variety of study materials, practice papers, and interactive features to help you prepare for the GRE exam. The free GRE apps are:
- Magoosh GRE prep
- Ready4 GRE
- Manhattan Prep GRE
- Magoosh GRE Vocabulary Flashcards
- GRE Daily vocabulary (The Economist)
GRE Self Study Preparation Tips
GRE self study is only possible if you follow the correct schedule and are dedicated to the exam. Keeping the resources handy and a well executed study guide will help you ace the GRE. You must be aware of the GRE percentile, which must be kept in mind while preparation. We have provided some tips that will accelerate the process of GRE self preparation for you.
- Revise: Remembering what you have read two days ago needs revision. Hence, keep notes of the important sections and revise during free time and breaks.
- Sources: Use flashcards, notes, books, and other resources to practice new GRE questions
- Practice: Practice with and without a calculator. This is essential to save time during the GRE examination.
- Community Help: There are multiple social media groups available. If you are stuck at some point, these groups can help to solve the query.
- Statistics: Read the previous year GRE questions. This will help to understand the pattern.
- Inspiration: Success stories of students who prepared for GRE can help inspire and work on your weakness. You can follow their plan or preparation time.
GRE Test Sample Paper
After going through the best practices, you need to practice GRE sample papers. We have provided a list of sample practice papers that you can practice for free. The GRE test sample papers for different sections are:
GRE self preparation allows candidates to research and get the study materials that they want. You can explore many options and books to study. There are multiple online resources and free classes that can be checked for preparation.
FAQs
Ques: Can I study GRE by myself?
Ans: Yes, you can definitely study GRE by yourself. There are multiple resources like books, online tests, videos and testimonies available for preparation. Hence, candidates can follow those and self study for GRE.
Ques: Can I prepare for GRE without coaching?
Ans: Yes, you can prepare for GRE without coaching. Though GRE Coaching classes are a great option to prepare, they can be costly and not feasible. Hence, preparing for GRE without coaching is possible.
Ques: Is 2 months enough for GRE prep?
Ans: Yes, it is possible to prepare for GRE in 2 months but not easy. Candidates can extend their time if they feel that 2 months is not enough to prepare for GRE.
Ques: How long should I give myself to study for the GRE?
Ans: This is a very relative question, as the preparation time depends on many factors. Candidates need to understand where they stand, the time that they can allocate. Based on these, the GRE preparation time will depend. However, most students take 3-4 months to prepare.
Ques: What is the highest GRE score?
Ans: The highest GRE total score is 340. Candidates can get a score from the range of 260-340. This is a combination of 2 sectional scores of 130-170 each.
Ques: How long is a GRE score valid?
Ans: The GRE score is valid for 5 years from the date of taking the exam. After 5 years, the scores will expire and will not be sent to any university.
Ques: What if I fail the GRE exam?
Ans: if anyone fails the GRE exam, there is nothing to worry. You can prepare again and retake the test in 21 days. Remember that you can take only 5 attempts in one year.
Ques: Can we go to MS without GRE?
Ans: Yes, we can go for MS without GRE in many countries. Many courses like MS in agriculture or any Arts subjects do not require GRE.
Ques: Can I apply for MS without GRE?
Ans: Yes, students can definitely apply for MS without GRE. Most universities and colleges do not accept GRE for their masters of science degrees.
Ques: Can I score 320 in GRE in 1 month?
Ans: Scoring 320 in 1 month is very tough and almost unattainable. Hence, to score 320 in one month, you will require a lot of study hours and preparation.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.