Are You a Grad Prep Classroom Junkie or a Lone Wolf Studier?

Are you looking to be accepted into graduate school? If so, most graduate schools require that you take a standardized test like the dreaded SAT you sat through during high school. The GMAT and GRE are the two qualifying exams for graduate school admission. You may be thinking that it has been a long time since you have taken a standardized test. Here is some advice for test preparation whether you are taking the GMAT or the GRE.

First, you need to decide which exam you need to take. Business schools typically require that you have taken the GMAT. Most other graduate programs, such as those offering science, math, literature and psychology degrees ask that you take the GRE. Some business schools will consider a GRE score. Take a look at your school’s website to make sure you are planning and studying for the right exam.

Make sure you have all the technical details prepared in advance. Sign up for your exam a few months ahead of time to avoid late fees. Signing up early will also allow you to obtain a testing center close to your home. Choosing a testing center you are familiar with will help to reduce stress on your testing day!

You should determine your study plan. Companies offer GMAT prep classes and GRE prep classes. If you can afford a course and feel as though you are not a great test-taker, a course may be your best study route! However, if you are self-disciplined and need to save some cash, there are ways to study on your own! There are many GMAT study guides and GRE study guides available for purchase for a fraction of the cost of taking a course.

While studying and practicing GMAT questions or GRE questions, you should try to look for patterns in the questions. Often, standardized tests will follow certain patterns, so pay attention. When you do not know the answer to a question, knowing the typical question patterns will make guessing the correct answer easier and help you to achieve the best score you can!

Timing can sometimes get in the way of getting a great score on standardized tests. You don’t want to feel pressured while taking the exam. After taking a few practice exams, start timing yourself. Timing yourself will allow you to determine how quickly you are moving through the exam and help you to figure out the best way to pace yourself.

It may sound obvious, but you should make yourself as comfortable as possible on the day of the GMAT or GRE. Do not do anything drastically different from what you normally would the week before the exam (such as any major life change like buying a house), as you do not need any unexpected stress! Do not study the night before the exam and get a full eight hours of sleep. Wake up early, eat breakfast, and give yourself plenty of time to fully awaken. Make sure you have plenty of time to arrive at your testing center. If you are unfamiliar with the location, take a drive to it the day before to make sure you are not late on the test day! Dress in what makes you comfortable and wear layers. You never know what the temperature will be like in at the GMAT or GRE test center, so be prepared to be cold or hot.

Your GMAT or GRE score could be your ticket for admission into the graduate school of your choice. The key is to be well-prepared for the test itself and mentally. Good luck!