Why is it important to know the best GRE test taking strategies?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is conducted by the ETS (Educational Testing Service) to measure the competence of students aspiring to study masters or doctoral programs in universities around the world. It is not just required to get your foot in the door but it is also one of the important parameters based on which the university will decide whether to offer you a scholarship or not, if yes, how much. It is a standardized test that gives the admission committee a measure of your capabilities as a student compared to the thousands of applicants vying for the seats and scholarships from various countries. Naturally, since these universities are highly ranked, the number of students who wish to pursue higher studies there is high. However, only a few make the cut.
Because of this competition it becomes important that your preparation is optimal, your trainers are well equipped with the knowledge to guide you and the material you are practicing on reflects the difficulty and pattern of the actual GRE accurately.
By the end of this article you will be equipped with some GRE test taking strategies and tips to use which will help you approach the test confidently and ultimately land you in the university that you have always dreamt of!
Understanding the GRE Structure in 2025
The GRE 2025 consists of three major components: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Ability, and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA).
Verbal Reasoning
The verbal reasoning section tests your logical reasoning and reading comprehension skills. Unlike what most people think, verbal reasoning does not equal English. There are no questions on grammar, syntax, or tenses. Instead, this section evaluates how well you can understand and analyze written material.
Quantitative Ability
The quantitative section does not test you on advanced mathematical concepts. Instead, it assesses how you approach and solve problems. Most of the math concepts tested here are what you might have studied in school or college, making it approachable but not necessarily easy. With the right techniques and guidance, you can tackle this section effectively.
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
The AWA section is measured on a scale of 0-6 with increments of 0.5 and is marked separately on your GRE scorecard. This section evaluates your critical thinking and analytical writing skills, which are crucial for success in graduate and business schools.
An important point to note here is that GRE has no negative marking. This impacts how you approach the test vis a vis other competitive tests which have negative marking for marking the wrong answer choice.
Want to Know Detailed GRE Test Taking Strategy?
Optimised Learning – Optimal Results
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Before booking an exam date ensure that you have a realistic and efficient study plan in place. A good mentor should be able to guide you on that after looking at your strengths, weaknesses and other work/study commitments. Going into the test unprepared and never attempting the test because of not feeling prepared enough are two extremes which students often fail to balance between.
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Build a strong foundation in the basics of both verbal and quants. This is one most important GRE test taking strategy. The basic know-hows of grammar should be clear and one must keep revising the word lists provided by Jamboree for Verbal Reasoning.
It is also highly recommended to go through the foundation webinars for both the subjects which are available to Jamboree students. Jamboree offers the best GRE courses and you can choose the same as per your requirement and convenience for your GRE prep.
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It’s of paramount importance to simulate test-day conditions during your practice phase. Attempting practice tests beforehand is the best GRE test taking strategy.
Very often students are able to score well on topic wise tests because they are conceptually clear however they stumble in the full-length test due to issues like lacking the ability to focus for 2 hours straight, unfamiliarity or discomfort in the exam centre etc. Try to attempt more full-length tests and replicate the test day conditions – same time slot, no extra open tabs on the device, keep only the stuff that’s necessary and don’t give it at home.
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Develop time management skills during the practice phase and if there are multiple approaches, see what works better for you and stick to one. For ex- you could either attempt it chronologically or do the reading comprehension passages first and then come back to TC and SE. Whatever experiments you might want to try, do it in the initial few tests and stick to any one method. Allocate time per question or section and stick to it. Learn when to skip a question to save time for easier ones.
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Ace the AWA. Write a minimum of 5-8 AWAs before the exam.
Practice structuring essays: introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion and get them evaluated by a mentor. Develop templates or outlines for quick organization on test day.
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The D-Day dilemma. Don’t lose your sleep fretting over the test. It’s super important to get enough rest the night before. Ensure that your sleep pattern is aligned with your test timing by rectifying any issues at least 15 days in advance. For ex- if you are a morning person and have an afternoon slot when you usually feel sleepy, you might want to catch up on a couple of extra hours of sleep in the morning.
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One of the super common mistakes students make is taking the test egotistically. If they find a difficult question they will spend too much time trying to get it right and then the sunk cost fallacy comes into play – I have already invested 1 minute into this, let me put another and get it right – and what if you get it wrong after investing 2 or 3 minutes? It’s like starting a section with 3 less minutes in hand than everyone else.
The correct approach is to first do the easy questions then come back to hard ones. Let’s say even if you are going chronologically, and you encounter a difficult question, try to attempt it but if a minute has passed and you still don’t have an answer in sight, mark it for review and tackle the easy ones. If time permits you later, you can come back and give it another shot.
Carry all necessary documents and ensure familiarity with the test center. You can pay a visit to the centre a few days before so that you are not fumbling around finding the address on your exam day.
GRE is a life altering examination – a good score can mean acceptance, scholarships worth tens of lakhs of rupees and what not – which is why it’s important to invest in a good coaching offering a great GRE course that will provide you competent mentors whose guidance can change the course of your entire 50-60 years of life after studies.
Success in the GRE is not just about the hours you invest but also about the GRE test taking strategies you employ. By understanding the exam format, crafting a comprehensive study plan, and engaging in consistent practice, you set the foundation for achieving your desired score.
“Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.” ~ Randy Pausch in The Last Lecture
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