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Getting Started with GRE

Book Materials

10-Step Process​

Step 1 - Get the Materials​

ETS Official Materials
  • The SuperPower Pack - 3 books.
  • GRE Big Book - 27 old GRE tests.
  • PowerPrep Test - 2 free tests
  • 3 paid tests - $40 → most recent, also grades your writing.

For the Verbal section, ETS materials are the best, much better than any third-party material. For the Quant section, besides ETS resources, also refer to Manhattan 5-lb Book.

Step 2 - Learn Structure of the Test​

There can be 2 varieties:

  • IeAeQVQVQ
  • IeAeVQVQV

It might be better to approach the GRE test as 7 small tests (each lasts for 30m) instead of one big test.

Step 3 - Learn the Question Types and Take a Diagnostic Test​

Taking the diagnostic test after knowing the question types in the GRE tests can help you know where you at before you start learning anything. Use the free PowerPrep Tests for this.

You can look at the ETS Math Review Guide to brush up on your math if needed, but don’t put off doing the diagnostic test for too long, don’t study for a month then take the test. You should do it before the 1 month mark and see what you can do prior to actual prep.

Step 4 - Use Diagnostic to Determine Strengths and Weaknesses​

For the Verbal section, divide the questions into two categories, Reading (~10Q) and Vocab (~10Q). For the Quant section, the questions can be divided into categories such as: Arithmetic (~5Q), Algebra (~4Q), Geometry (~4Q), Data (~7Q).

By determining how many questions did you get right/wrong for each category, you can get valuable data will indicate which category you should focus on practicing.

When having problems with Quant concepts, take a look at ETS Math Review Guide for a better understanding.

Step 5 - Make a Personalized Study and Practice Test Schedule​

  1. How much time do you have in a day?
  2. How long until your test?

Everyone’s schedule is different, so make adjustments as needed, don’t try to be overly ambitious and burn yourself out.

It’s best to do 1 practice test a month. Treat this like the real test, try to mimic the actual exam experience as much as possible.

Step 6 - Scaffold your Practice​

What this means is build skills on skills. For Verbal and Quant, you need a good foundation to get started (vocabulary, basic math concepts). With this foundation, you can then learn strategies to approach the question types better.

After this, do deliberate practice. Essentially, this means plan you practice and be intentional about what you what to improve. Be specific and intentional with aspects of the test that you want to work on. Take notes, jot down new vocabs, new concepts, new approach.

Then, timed practice. The goal here is to maximize the score in the allotted time using strategies/skipping difficult questions, etc.

The Big Book has 2 verbal in a test, so you can use one test for deliberate practice and the other for timed practice.

Step 7 - Pay Attention to Feedback and Data​

Data here refers to the questions you’re doing correctly and questions you’re getting wrong. Keep an “error log”, keeping track of your weaknesses, and using them as feedbacks to navigate through your strategies better.

Step 8 - Experiment with your Study and Strategies​

Don’t be afraid to try something new.

Step 9 - Join a GRE Community​

  • /r/gre, GRE Prep Club

The best way to learn is to teach it. Teaching a problem to somebody can help you understand it better.

Step 10 - Don’t Neglect Your Emotional Health​

At the end of the day, it is just a test. Just play the game the best you can.

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