Every MS aspirant who wishes to go abroad to pursue the same needs to register for the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). It is certainly an uphill task right from the registration, preparation for the actual exam, SOP, LOR and Resume creation to finally applying to the universities which one would like to get admitted into. GRE takes its place among one of the most hard to crack competitive exams. Nevertheless with the right practices and preparation GRE can be successfully navigated.
The GRE syllabus comprises of the following sections:
1) Quantitative Reasoning
2) Verbal Reasoning
3) Analytical Writing
Each of the sections requires different approaches to tackle it.
Quantitative Reasoning would be a cause of concern for a select group if they are like me, a bit wary when it comes to numbers. Luckily this should not hamper your performance in the exam since it evaluates only the ability of an individual’s reasoning skills and not their computational skills. Rest assured that there will be a calculator available during the exam. Ensure to invest time daily to study the important concepts under: Arithmetic (29% of quantitative reasoning questions), Algebra (29% of quantitative reasoning questions), Geometry (14% of quantitative reasoning questions) and Data Analysis (28% of quantitative reasoning questions). Make a simple list of basic terms covering all of the mentioned topics; this would be a very easy reference point to check back on when you are revising. Keep in mind that the test is basically designed to check fundamental mathematical skills, understanding elementary mathematic concepts.
Verbal Reasoning comprises of 3 types of questions:
Reading Comprehension, Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence.
The art of deciphering an entire passage in Reading Comprehension (RC) and breaking down the content is not always easy. Firstly one must note that RC passages focus mainly on 3 things: understand what the author is trying to convey, understand the central theme of the passage and the purpose of the passage. Generally when we read most of us are passive, we do not pay attention to the finer details of the passage. On the other hand, we must not dwell on the entire passage since we have limited time. RC requires one to do active reading, to identify phrases and words significant to the central theme of the passage. One must be well equipped to identify the correct answer since in some cases all answers seem equally appropriate. In such cases it is safe to select the simplest option.
Text Completion requires the candidate to complete blanks in a short passage. You need to select the appropriate words from the options given so that the passage appears coherent. In a similar fashion to RC concentrate on every minute detail to understand what the passage is trying to convey. This will enable you to answer quickly and effortlessly. Finally do ensure to check that the entire passage appears logically and grammatically correct after you have made your selections.
Sentence Equivalence is focused on the capability to come to a decision on how the passage must be completed based on the limited information given. Read the entire passage to understand the meaning of it. Identify words which could mean contradicting statements. Finally select the most appropriate words to complete the passage.
Analytical Writing:
This comprises of 2 sections: Analyze an issue and Analyze an argument.
In Analyze an issue you would be presented with a topic of common importance which is then followed by precise instructions on how to respond. You will be asked to take a stance whether you support or are against the issue, consequently you will have to elaborate on why you have selected that choice. This test aims at evaluating a candidate’s critical thinking ability.
While in Analyze an issue you are allowed to choose your position on the topic, in Analyze an argument you will be given an argument on which you will have to write on. You will have to explain why you support that view. This test is primarily used to evaluate a candidate’s logical thinking ability.
Every candidate must be well prepared while attempting this section. You must be able to write within the stipulated time and also ensure to keep in mind to validate the topics you have been given.
Thus, GRE preparation can be easily maneuvered by all candidates attempting it with the right practices and rigorous training.
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