GRE Prep 2 Month Comprehensive Study Guide

Preparing for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) in just two months might seem daunting, but with a structured approach and dedicated effort, it's entirely achievable. This comprehensive study guide will provide you with a roadmap to maximize your preparation, covering everything from understanding the exam format to mastering key concepts and test-taking strategies. Whether you're aiming for a top-tier graduate program or simply want to improve your standardized test scores, this guide will help you stay on track and confident on test day. Remember, consistent practice, targeted review, and a positive mindset are your greatest assets in this journey.

Understanding the GRE Exam

Before diving into the preparation, it's crucial to understand the GRE exam format, scoring, and question types. The GRE General Test assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills acquired over time and not specific to any field of study. The exam is administered year-round at Prometric testing centers and at home. Knowing what to expect on the test day can significantly reduce anxiety and improve your performance. The GRE is a standardized test used by graduate schools to assess applicants' potential for advanced academic work. It is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The GRE General Test consists of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are scored on a scale of 130-170, in 1-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6, in half-point increments. In addition to the General Test, ETS offers Subject Tests in various fields, such as mathematics, physics, and psychology. These tests are designed to assess knowledge and skills in a specific subject area. Many graduate programs require or recommend that applicants take the GRE General Test. Some programs may also require or recommend a Subject Test. Your GRE scores are an important part of your application to graduate school. They are used to assess your readiness for graduate-level work. A good GRE score can help you get into the graduate program of your choice.

GRE Sections Breakdown

• Verbal Reasoning: This section assesses your ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it; analyze relationships among component parts of sentences; and recognize relationships between words and concepts. It includes three types of questions: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence.
• Quantitative Reasoning: This section measures your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information; solve problems using mathematical models; and apply basic skills and elementary concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The question types include Quantitative Comparison, Multiple-choice Questions, and Numeric Entry.
• Analytical Writing: This section assesses your critical thinking and analytical writing skills, specifically your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively; support ideas with relevant reasons and examples; examine claims and accompanying evidence; and sustain a focused, coherent discussion. It consists of two separately timed analytical writing tasks: Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument.

GRE Scoring System

Each section of the GRE has a specific scoring range. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are each scored on a scale of 130-170, in 1-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6, in half-point increments. Understanding the scoring system can help you set realistic goals and track your progress during your preparation. Most graduate programs consider the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores more heavily than the Analytical Writing score, but it's essential to perform well in all sections to demonstrate your overall abilities.

Two-Month GRE Study Plan: A Week-by-Week Guide

Creating a two-month GRE study plan involves breaking down your preparation into manageable weekly and daily tasks. Consistency is key, so aim to study for a set amount of time each day, even if it's just for an hour. This section will guide you through a structured study plan, covering what to focus on each week, and how to track your progress. Remember to adjust the plan based on your strengths and weaknesses, and always prioritize areas that need the most improvement.

Week 1 & 2: Diagnostic and Foundation

The initial two weeks should focus on diagnostic testing and building a strong foundation. Start with a diagnostic test to identify your strengths and weaknesses in each section. This will help you tailor your study plan to focus on the areas where you need the most improvement. Spend time reviewing fundamental concepts in math and grammar. For verbal reasoning, focus on expanding your vocabulary and understanding common question types. For quantitative reasoning, refresh your knowledge of algebra, geometry, and data analysis. For analytical writing, familiarize yourself with the essay prompts and scoring criteria. In the first week, take a full-length diagnostic test under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam experience. This will provide a baseline score and highlight areas of concern. Review the test thoroughly, noting the types of questions you struggled with and the topics that need more attention. In the second week, concentrate on building a strong foundation in both verbal and quantitative skills. For verbal reasoning, focus on vocabulary building by using flashcards, mnemonics, and context clues. Read widely from various sources, such as newspapers, magazines, and academic journals, to improve your comprehension and vocabulary skills. For quantitative reasoning, review basic math concepts, such as arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Practice solving problems in each area to build confidence and accuracy. Work through textbooks, online resources, and practice questions to reinforce your understanding. Also, begin practicing analytical writing by reviewing sample essays and understanding the scoring rubric. Write practice essays on various topics to develop your skills in argumentation, analysis, and organization.

Week 3 & 4: Verbal Reasoning Mastery

Weeks three and four should be dedicated to mastering verbal reasoning. Spend a significant amount of time practicing Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence questions. Focus on understanding the logic behind each question type and developing effective strategies for answering them. Expand your vocabulary further by learning new words in context and using them in your own writing. Review common GRE word lists and practice using new words in sentences. Practice reading comprehension passages actively, taking notes and summarizing the main points. Identify the author's purpose, tone, and main ideas. Analyze the structure of the passage and understand how different parts relate to each other. For text completion and sentence equivalence questions, focus on identifying key words and phrases that provide clues to the correct answers. Use context clues to eliminate incorrect choices and select the most appropriate words. Learn to recognize common sentence structures and logical relationships. Work through practice questions and review the explanations carefully. Pay attention to the reasoning behind each answer and learn from your mistakes. Time yourself while practicing to improve your speed and accuracy.

Week 5 & 6: Quantitative Reasoning Proficiency

The focus shifts to quantitative reasoning proficiency during weeks five and six. Practice solving a wide range of quantitative problems, including those involving arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Review mathematical formulas and concepts as needed. Work through practice problems of varying difficulty levels. Focus on understanding the underlying concepts and principles. For arithmetic problems, review topics such as fractions, decimals, percentages, and ratios. Practice solving word problems and applying arithmetic concepts to real-world scenarios. For algebra problems, review topics such as equations, inequalities, functions, and graphs. Practice solving algebraic equations and inequalities. Learn to solve systems of equations and graph linear and quadratic functions. For geometry problems, review topics such as lines, angles, triangles, circles, and solid geometry. Practice solving geometric problems and applying geometric theorems and formulas. For data analysis problems, review topics such as statistics, probability, and data interpretation. Practice analyzing data sets and interpreting statistical results. Review different types of charts and graphs and learn to extract information from them. Identify your weak areas and spend extra time practicing those types of problems. Use online resources, textbooks, and practice tests to reinforce your skills. Pay attention to your timing and try to improve your speed and accuracy.

Week 7: Analytical Writing Excellence

Week seven is dedicated to analytical writing excellence. Practice writing essays for both the