Before even discussing the strategies, let me tell you the title isn't a clickbait at all! After the beginner's guide to PhD, I was asked this question for 100+ times across different platforms!! And for some strange reason, the timeline was 20 days.. Based on that, I have chalked out the plan for 20 days but my personal suggestion would be to take at least 30 to 45 days for thoughtful preparations, practice and better results.
Now, coming to how you can nail this exam. Well it’s pretty simple to sound and even simpler to execute. Sounds ridiculous isn’t it!! Please follow each of the below process as I take you through the alleys to success.
Firstly, do a quick fact check. Take one mock test from ETS. Test your level of preparation. Find out areas where you are lacking and keep in mind that’s the worst possible thing to happen. Be honest to yourself as you analyse your strengths and weaknesses. You will only rise from here on.
Once the Q&A session of introspection is over its work time. I am assuming you are novice in both the aspects of GRE viz Quant and Verbal and got the least score in the Mock I suggested. Hence, start with Quant and Verbal simultaneously.
Verbal Reasoning: Download the Magoosh app and start preparing the vocabulary from there. You can also refer to the Barron’s GRE high frequency words. Look for grammar a bit. The book High School Grammar by Wren and Martin comes quite handy. Please ensure you just don't mug up the words rather you understand the roots. It will help you cover more words as you go ahead. This section consists of three different segments.
Sentence Equivalence
Reading Comprehension
Text Completion
While vocabulary serves as the building blocks to success, it's equally important to get yourself acquainted with different forms of reading materials. Editorials by leading newspapers like The Hindu is good to start. But the more diverse kind of textual information you read, the better you are at grasping the essence of them. Try to understand the essence, the tone and the intricate details of the passages that you go through. Concurrently, start solving the Official ETS Book.
Quantitative Aptitude: Although there are many books available in the market, I will recommend you to take NCERT Maths Text book for class 8 and 9. Brush up all the concepts, practice few sums from every chapter. Wondering of class 8 and 9 !! Trust me they are the best resources and GRE Quant is that much easy. This section primarily consists of the following:
Arithmetic
Algebra
Geometry
Data Analysis
Once you are comfortable with the concepts, like the previous section, it's Official ETS Book time!
A quick pro tip here! Please don't assume anything in the problem stem. Whatever mentioned within the lines, kindly stick to that. It's easier said than done. Hence, try to follow while you practice.
Analytical Writing: The ultimate section is this analytical writing one. Ironically, this is the very first segment that you will encounter in your test. Practice writing on several writing tasks. For topics you may refer to YouTube. There are lots of good stuffs over there. Consult some person who has command over English to get your essays checked.
Another pro tip!! While you practice this segment, please ensure your ideas are quite clear, your reasoning is well organised and there is a reasonable amount of cohesion between the topic and your argument. You should analyse as critically as you can. For PhD aspirants, this writing part is very important.
Last step is Mocks. Take as many mocks as you can to get accustomed to the scenario and analyse your performance properly. Official mocks are must. You can try one free mocks from all the leading coaching enterprises. Make this as a habit so that the D-Day becomes cake walk for you.
One very important last minute pep talk. Keep in mind this is just an exam and you are competing against yourself only. Don’t allow any external factors to manipulate you. It’s should be you, preparation and the exam. Efforts are the only parameter that's controllable. Hence, work on the controllable, let universe take care of the outcome.
Hope this helps. For any further information, please reach out to us. We will be happy to help you. And those aspirants who are willing to take GMAT for their programs, stay tuned for the next post. We will be back soon...
-Kush..
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