GRE stands for Graduate Record Examinations and is a standardized test that’s widely accepted as an admissions requirement by most graduate schools in the United States. GRE scores are used by admissions committees to differentiate between applicants because they show the extent of your abilities. It can be tough to estimate how long you will need to study for the GRE, but this article will assist you in determining what speed studying method is best for you.
First of all, the amount of time needed depends on your current skill level and how many hours per week you can dedicate to studying. It’s difficult to answer this question with an exact timeline because everyone has different methods of studying for this exam. But, it’s still possible to estimate how long it will take you to study for the GRE using a few simple steps. Let’s dwell on it.
1. What Is a GRE?
The GRE or the Graduate Record Examination is a test that measures verbal reasoning skills and quantitative analysis skills. It is mandatory for all graduate school admissions in the United States. The test was developed by Educational Testing Service (E.T.S.) and was first offered to students in 1962.
The GRE has two sections: Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. The Verbal section consists of questions testing reading comprehension, critical reasoning, sentence completion, paragraph completion, analogies, antonyms, word definitions, spelling words that are given orally but not written on paper (i.e., hear it then spell it), vocabulary usage questions about context clues for meaning or definition of words within sentences or paragraphs; while the Quantitative section tests math concepts such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis; it consists of math concepts such as arithmetic (fractions, decimals, percentages), algebra (word problems or equations with constants like x and y), geometry (shapes like triangles and circles) and data analysis.
Depending on the section taken, the GRE takes an average time of 3 hours and 45 minutes for all sections.
Although the test is administered by Educational Testing Service, it is not an ETS-made test per see; rather than made by high school students who are potential testers. You may take either the computer-based or paper-based GRE exam, depending on where you live. Computer-based testing (C.B.T.) is more popular in large cities, while paper-based testing (PBT) is more common in rural areas.
Although the GRE aims to be objective, it is very subjective about marking answers wrong or right. If you find that certain questions are ambiguous and unclear, they are most likely to either be omitted from scoring or simply marked incorrect even if they were the right answer.
The Grad Record Exam is a standardized test that’s used for graduate school admissions in the United States. It is mandatory for all schools, and it tests Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning skills. It was first offered to students in 1962, but its format has changed since then. There are two versions of the GRE: computer-based and paper-based. Computer-based tests (C.B.T.) are more popular in large cities, while paper-based tests (PBT) are most common in rural areas.
2. How Long Does It Take to Study for a GRE?
Studying for a test can be tedious and time-consuming. There are many methods of studying, each with its own merits. People have different learning styles, so some people will find one method more effective than another. When deciding what type of study program to follow in the weeks running up to your exam date, think about how you learn best.
A common misconception is that cramming all your studying into a short period of time on the weekends or after work is most helpful. Actually, it’s more efficient to spread out your Study over a number of hours every day during the weekdays before your test date – this way you don’t need to spend an entire weekend worrying about studying for tests!
There are several viewpoints on how long it will take to prepare for the GRE. The majority of people would answer six months, but I believe it is far too long. The problem is that if you don’t use your time efficiently, six months could lead to burnout, and you may not retain all the information.
One thing to remember is that the GRE isn’t a test of rote memorization. While you will need to know some key facts and formulas by heart, in general, there are different strategies that can be used when answering a question on the exam. Studying a few hours a day every day for two weeks should be sufficient enough to help you feel confident about the test.
If you plan on studying for O.N.E. month at 6 hours a day, here is the Estimated Time Required to Study for GRE (E.T.S.R.):
30-34 Full Length Practice Tests (Magoosh Premium + Official Guides) – 545 Hours 55-59 Magoosh Lessons & 10 MGRE Practice Problems – 165 Hours 35-39 Magoosh Lessons & 20 MGRE Practice Problems – 210 Hours 25-29 Magoosh Lessons & 40 MGRE Practice Problems – 310 Hours 35-50 Official Guide Questions (1/2) + 30 Online GRE Exams (Magoosh Test Pack 1) – 490 Hours 50-59 Official Guide Questions (1/2) + 30 Online GRE Exams (Magoosh Test Pack 2) – 590 Hours 50-59 Official Guide Questions (1/2) + 60 Online GRE Exams (Magoosh Test Pack 3) – 700 Hours
50-54 Magoosh Lessons & 80 MGRE Practice Problems – 395 Hours 45-49 Magoosh Lessons & 100 MGRE Practice Problems – 450 Hours 40-44 Magoosh Lessons & 120 MGRE Practice Problems – 490 Hours 30-39 Magoosh Lessons & 150 MGRE Practice Problems – 545 Hours 25-29 Magoosh Lessons & 180 MGRE Practice Problems – 580 Hours.
15-24 Magoosh Lessons & 200 MGRE Practice Problems – 615 Hours
10-14 Magoosh Lessons & 220 MGRE Practice Problems – 640 Hours —– 25 Official Guide Questions (2/3) + 30 Online GRE Exams (Magoosh Test Pack 4) – 445 Hours
20-24 Official Guide Questions (2/3) + 30 Online GRE Exams (Magoosh Test Pack 5) – 465 Hours
15-19 Official Guide Questions (2/3) + 60 Online GRE Exams (Magoosh Test Pack 6) – 560 Hours
10-14 Official Guide Questions (2/3) + 90 Online GRE Exams (Magoosh Test Pack 7) – 635 Hours
10+ Official Guide Questions (2/3) + 120 Online GRE Exams (Magoosh Test Pack 8) – 725 Hours
The number of hours indicated is based on finishing all Magoosh lessons, taking all practice problems, and then doing each question at least twice. If you do just the Magoosh questions, it could take you much less than 30 days. If you do just the Magoosh lessons and official questions, it could take you more than 60 days, depending on how many practice problems you do outside of Magoosh.
3. What Are the Best Ways to Prepare for GRE?
There are various ways to prepare for GRE. The most important thing is that you must have a plan and stick with it. You need to know what you want from the test and then build your preparation around it.
Once you know what’s going on, make a study plan. There are many resources available online for GRE prep- these include free practice tests as well as paid courses offered by third-party vendors such as Kaplan or Princeton Review. If possible, find someone who has taken the exam before and ask them about their experience- they can offer advice on how much time should be spent studying each section of the exam based on their own experience taking it. It’s also helpful if you can find someone who is currently taking or has taken the GRE and ask them to meet you for a few sessions where they can help you work through some problems.
The most important thing is to establish a strategy and stick to it. You need to know what you want from the test and then build your preparation around it.
Before jumping in, be sure to check the official GRE website to make sure you are studying for the right GRE. There are three types of exams (paper-based, computer-based, and the new “Power” version). Also, check that your preferred test center is an authorized GRE testing center. You can find this information on the official GRE website as well, under Test Centers.
4. How Should I Study for GRE?
There are several ways to study for GRE, depending on budget and motivation. The first step is to take a practice test, preferably one of the tests available by E.T.S. or other major test preparation companies. You should note how long you were able to focus on each section of the test, how long it took you to answer each question, and whether or not you feel like there were any gaps in your knowledge. If you realize that some questions are too easy for you or that there are certain subjects that require more effort, then adjust your strategy accordingly.
Make sure you ask yourself what you actually need from the test. GRE requires a lot of concentration and time, so it is good to stay motivated while studying. I suggest using power-point presentations for your preparation. You will see all the information in a very clear way; pictures will help you visualize what’s going on. Also, I recommend that you can use flashcards for vocabulary. The flashcards should contain one word on the front and one definition of the same word written out on the back. Make sure that you can recognize and spell each word correctly, as well as understand its meaning.
There are many ways to study for GRE – this is just one suggestion that will help you pass the exam, but you can devise a strategy that works for you. If possible, try to study with a partner or a group- this will make you’re studying more fun and motivating.
5. Who Is Eligible for GRE?
Anyone who wants to apply to graduate school in the United States can take the GRE exams. Keep in mind that many applications need you to submit at least one GRE score.
6. Do You Need Prep Courses or Tutoring?
Competition for slots in top graduate programs is stiff. So, if you want to stay competitive and get into the best school possible, it’s not enough just to do well on your GRE test. You need to study hard and take advantage of all available resources- including prep courses and tutoring services.
The most important thing is that you must have a plan and stick with it. You need to know what you want from the test and then build your preparation around it. Before jumping in, be sure to check the official GRE website to make sure you are studying for the right GRE (paper-based, computer-based, or new “Power” version). There are also three types of exams (paper-based, computer-based, or the new “Power” version). Also, check that your preferred test center is an authorized GRE testing center.
The most affordable way to prepare for the exam is through a set of free GRE practice tests – they will give you a general idea about the scope and difficulty of the test. If you find these tests too easy or too difficult, find a preparation resource that is right for you.
You can take some practice tests on your own or pick up a GRE preparation book to study at home. If you’re a hands-on learner who prefers to do rather than read, action-oriented books with task lists and exercises are likely to be your best bet. I recommend that you consider finding a tutor or a test preparation center. It may be worth signing up for at least one or two practice tests given by an official E.T.S. center near you.
7. When Should I Start Studying?
If you’re studying for the GRE, you’re probably feeling a little overwhelmed by the amount of material you have to cover. You may have even started studying for it already and quickly realized that this is not an easy exam to prepare for.
The good news is that you don’t need to be concerned. There are many things you can do now in order to make your preparation easier later on down the road, so don’t give up hope just yet! Let’s take a look at some tips on how best to study for the GRE.
1. Develop a study schedule by first deciding when you want to take the exam and then mapping out how much time you’ll need on a weekly basis in order to be prepared.
While it may appear that there is no purpose in studying for the GRE if you don’t know when you’ll be taking it, knowing when you’ll be taking it will help you calculate how much time you’ll need on a weekly basis to prepare.
For example: If you would like to take the GRE sometime in May and want to achieve at least a 150 (Verbal) and 160 (Quantitative), you will need to study for approximately 6 hours per week in order to be ready.
2. Make sure you have all of the necessary resources before starting your preparation so that you won’t waste valuable time searching for them down the road when it’s crunch time – studies have shown that the more time spent searching for materials, the lower your score will be.
3. Focus on what you are lacking first, If you are having difficulty with a particular section, it is best to strengthen those areas before moving on to something else.
For example: If you are struggling with vocabulary questions in the Verbal section, concentrate on learning new words during your study sessions.
4. Make sure you are aware of the format of the GRE and familiarize yourself with both the Quantitative and Verbal sections so that you can save time later on in your studies by only studying questions that pertain to the area(s) in which you need more practice.
5. Take practice tests, It’s often said that practice makes perfect, so why not try taking a few GRE practice tests before the actual exam?
Also, taking practice tests will help you to determine your strengths and weaknesses so that you can focus on strengthening those areas during your studies.
6. Don’t panic, As stated before, the GRE doesn’t require much time for those who are well-prepared, so don’t feel as though you need to cram in all of your studying hours into a single day.
You can take breaks and continue your studies at other times during the week. Taking small and frequent study breaks will also help you remember what you studied, as opposed to cramming everything in the day before the exam.
7. Don’t forget that you can take a test prep class or hire a professional tutor to help you with your studies.
Such resources are available at most colleges and universities, so there’s no need to worry if you feel as though you need a little extra help in preparing for the exam.
8. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep every night before the exam so that you are well-rested and ready to take on the GRE!
With these tips, you should be able to put together an effective study schedule and prepare for the GRE in no time!
8. Is It Hard to Study for the GRE?
Many people believe that the GRE is an exam that tests intelligence. It is not. The GRE actually measures your ability to take standardized tests and how well you’re able to do on them.
The majority of test-takers find it hard to study for the GRE because they don’t know what’s coming, or they haven’t studied at all before taking the exam. But this isn’t the only reason they’re having trouble studying for this exam.
Experience shows that many people who study for the GRE don’t do well because their GRE prep classes are too long or because they use poor-quality books. Sometimes, students who have learned with a book can’t score as high as those who have had tutoring classes.
Nobody has ever explained why this happens, and the reason is: it’s because people learn in different ways! Many students use books, but they don’t diligently complete all the exercises in them, so their knowledge remains superficial. On the other hand, others who attend tutoring classes would score even higher if they had bought a good E.T.S. book. But, as I mentioned before, they fail to score as high as those who have had tutoring classes because their class duration is too long.
Why? Because learning is a process which goes from one level to another, and if it doesn’t go from the first level -which is basic- to the second -which is advanced-; or if it doesn’t go from the second to the third -which is mastery-; then, an insufficient amount of knowledge has been acquired. This can lead to score misalignment between what you’ve learned and the GRE’s test format.
If you haven’t carefully gone through a good book covering all aspects of the GRE, chances are you won’t score high and get into your top college choices.
9. What Is Your Overall Opinion about Taking the Exam – Do You Recommend It or Not?
I think it’s pretty safe to say that I’m in favor of the exam. It has its challenges, but ultimately, I believe that if you put in the work and study hard for it, you’ll get out of it what you had hoped to get. This, however, isn’t the only reason they’re having difficulty studying for the exam.
The benefits of taking the exam are numerous. You can document your penetration testing knowledge on your resume or CV, which will make you more marketable as an entry-level security tester. It will also help to legitimize penetration testing as a career in itself. You have the opportunity to learn from your peers who also took the exam, and you can share ideas, methods, and techniques with them. Lastly, it’s a great excuse to treat yourself after the grueling six months that you put into studying for it!
I recommend taking the exam.
Conclusion
The GRE is a tough exam, but with the right preparation and study techniques, you can get ready for it in less than two months. The best way to approach studying for this test is by breaking up your prep into manageable chunks of time that fit into your schedule and then focusing on mastering one skill at a time. You don’t need to know everything before taking the actual exam–just enough information about each section, so you’re not surprised when they come up during testing.
