If you're pursuing a graduate degree, you've heard how important the GRE score is for some programs. Getting a higher GRE score can improve your chances of getting accepted into your dream graduate school and program.
Pro Tip: Check if WVU requires the GRE for your preferred program.
Maybe you’ve just received your scores and you’re not happy with the results. How can you improve your GRE score to stand out among other applicants? It won’t happen overnight, but we have some tips for improving your GRE score that you can get started on today.
Master Your Time Management
One of the biggest challenges you might face during the GRE is completing all the questions within the time frame. Effective time management is important to getting a good GRE score. Focus on these action items to master your time management:
Take Practice Tests
Familiarize yourself with the test format and build your time management skills by taking timed practice tests. This will help you develop a sense of pacing and identify areas where you need improvement.
Create a Study Schedule
Develop a structured study plan that allocates specific time slots for each section of the GRE. Set realistic goals and stick to the schedule to ensure consistent progress.
Use Time-Saving Strategies
Prioritize questions you can answer quickly to maximize your overall score. Consider skipping difficult questions and revisit them later. This is a proven strategy to move quickly through the GRE.
Strengthen Your GRE Content Knowledge
While time management is crucial, it's also important to have a solid understanding of the content covered in the GRE. Enhancing your content knowledge will give you the confidence to tackle challenging questions. Here are a few strategies:
Identify Weak Areas
Are you confident in your verbal reasoning but get nervous when it comes to quantitative reasoning? Focus your study efforts on the areas where you need to improve your score, but don't neglect your strengths entirely.
Study from Trusted Resources
Utilize official GRE study materials, prep books, online resources, and practice questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the content. These resources will get you familiar with the format and develop effective problem-solving techniques.
We’ve vetted lots of online resources.
Download our guide: GRE Cheat Sheet to find our select list.
Develop Your Test-Taking Strategies
Strategy is a big part of taking the GRE. Using effective test-taking strategies can significantly impact your score.
Read Carefully
Before diving into the answer choices, make sure you understand the question thoroughly. Underline keywords and eliminate obviously wrong answers. We know it’s tough to balance efficiency and accuracy; try to find a good pace for yourself.
Utilize the Process of Elimination
In multiple-choice questions, eliminate answer choices that are clearly incorrect. This increases your chances of selecting the correct option even if you're unsure.
Efficiently Pace Yourself
Practice time management by dividing each section into smaller segments, ensuring you allocate enough time to answer all questions. Maintain a steady and focused pace throughout the exam by avoiding rushing through questions.
Cultivate a Healthy Test-Taking Mindset
Your mindset plays a vital role in improving your GRE score. Maintaining a positive and focused attitude can help you stay calm, confident and perform at your best. If this isn’t your first time taking the GRE, don’t let your previous score psych you out.
Browse our downloadable resource. Knowing how to improve your GRE score is the first step to acing the test.
