MASTER THE GRE

Your Path to GRE Success

GRE Preparation for Freshers: Book Suggestions and Strategies

Achieving a high GRE score as a fresher requires a strong foundation, systematic preparation, and consistent effort. Below is a comprehensive guide tailored for someone new to the GRE.

Step 1: Understand the GRE Structure

Familiarize yourself with the test format:

• Verbal Reasoning (2 sections): Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, and Reading Comprehension.

• Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections): Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis.

• Analytical Writing (1 section): Issue Task and Argument Task.

Spend 1–2 days reviewing the official ETS GRE guide or online resources to understand what the test demands.

Step 2: Gather the Right Books

1. General Preparation:

   • Official GRE Guide by ETS: The most accurate resource for GRE-style questions.

   • Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems: Best for building problem-solving skills.

2. Verbal Reasoning:

   • Barron’s GRE Vocabulary Flashcards: Excellent for learning high-frequency words.

   • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis: Perfect for building a solid vocabulary foundation.

   • Manhattan Prep GRE Verbal Strategy Guides: In-depth strategies for tackling all verbal question types.

3. Quantitative Reasoning:

   • Manhattan Prep GRE Quantitative Strategy Guides: Clear explanations of GRE math concepts.

   • Kaplan GRE Math Workbook: Great for foundational practice.

   • Nova’s GRE Math Bible: Ideal for advanced quantitative practice.

4. Analytical Writing:

   • The Official Guide to the GRE Analytical Writing Section: Includes sample essays and tips.

   • Online forums like ETS GRE Argument Task Prompts for a repository of writing prompts.

Step 3: Preparation Strategy

Phase 1: Build Fundamentals (Weeks 1–4)

• Daily Study Time: 3–4 hours.

• Goals:

  • Familiarize yourself with GRE question types.

  • Build a strong foundation in math and vocabulary.

1. Quantitative Section:

   • Review basic math concepts: fractions, decimals, percentages, algebra, and geometry.

   • Solve 15–20 problems daily from Manhattan Prep Quant Guides or Kaplan GRE Math Workbook and BigBook.

2. Verbal Section:

   • Learn 20–30 new words daily using Barron’s Flashcards or Word Power Made Easy.

   • Practice Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions from the Official GRE Guide.

   • Start reading high-quality articles from The Economist, Scientific American, or The Atlantic

3. Analytical Writing:

   • Understand the structure of Issue and Argument essays.

   • Write one essay per week and compare it to official ETS samples.

Phase 2: Skill Development (Weeks 5–8)

• Daily Study Time: 4–5 hours.

• Goals:

  • Master key concepts.

  • Start practicing timed problem-solving.

1. Quantitative Section:

   • Focus on advanced topics like data interpretation, probability, and combinatorics.

   • Solve 30–40 problems daily. Use Nova’s GRE Math Bible for challenging questions.

2. Verbal Section:

   • Increase vocabulary by adding synonyms and antonyms to your word lists.

   • Focus on Reading Comprehension. Practice 2–3 passages daily.

   • Solve mixed sets of Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions.

3. Analytical Writing:

   • Write two essays weekly.

   • Focus on improving clarity, structure, and examples.

Phase 3: Advanced Practice (Weeks 9–12)

• Daily Study Time: 5–6 hours.

• Goals:

  • Simulate test conditions.

  • Fine-tune weaknesses.

1. Full-Length Mock Tests:

   • Take 1 test every week under timed conditions (use ETS PowerPrep or Manhattan Prep).

   • Analyze mistakes and identify weak areas.

2. Quantitative Section:

   • Focus on time management.

   • Solve GRE-level questions from the 5 lb. Book of Practice Problems.

3. Verbal Section:

   • Continue practicing full-length Verbal sections.

   • Focus on accuracy and eliminating traps.

4. Analytical Writing:

   • Write essays under timed conditions.

   • Aim for a clear thesis and logical argumentation.

Step 4: Final Preparation (Weeks 13–14)

• Goals:

  • Review concepts.

  • Build confidence.

1. Light Review:

   • Go over key formulas, vocabulary, and strategies.

   • Revisit questions you got wrong during practice.

2. Take Final Mock Tests:

   • Schedule 2–3 full-length tests.

   • Focus on pacing and reducing careless errors.

3. Rest and Recharge:

   • Avoid studying the day before the test.

   • Get a good night’s sleep and stay calm.

Additional Tips for Freshers

1. Consistency is Key: Study regularly, even if for shorter durations.

2. Use Online Resources: Platforms like Magoosh, Khan Academy, and GRE Prep Club offer free resources.

3. Track Progress: Keep a notebook to log mistakes and learnings.

4. Stay Motivated: Celebrate small milestones to keep yourself engaged.

By following this plan with dedication, you’ll be well-prepared to score high on the GRE and secure admission to your desired program. Good luck!

Phase 1: Start with Foundations (Weeks 1–2)

1. Set Up Resources:

   • Download flashcard apps like Magoosh GRE Flashcards or Quizlet.

   • Buy Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis to understand word roots, prefixes, and suffixes.

   • Get a high-frequency word list from Barron’s GRE Word List or Magoosh Vocabulary List.

2. Daily Learning Routine:

   • Learn 20–30 words daily from your chosen list or app.

   • Write each word in a sentence to understand its context.

   • Group words by themes (e.g., "talking" words: loquacious, verbose).

3. Use Spaced Repetition:

   • Review words using apps like Anki to reinforce retention over time.

   • Repeat previously learned words after 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, and 1 month.

4. Practice Contextual Reading:

   • Read articles from The Economist, Scientific American, or New York Times.

   • Identify 5–10 new words daily and guess their meanings from context.

   • Confirm meanings using a dictionary and add these words to your flashcard deck.

Phase 2: Build Depth and Application (Weeks 3–6)

1. Combine Vocabulary and Verbal Practice:

   • Solve 5–10 Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions daily from Manhattan Prep or the Official GRE Guide.

   • Identify why certain answer choices are correct or incorrect.

2. Learn Word Roots and Affixes:

   • Dedicate time to study common roots, prefixes, and suffixes.

   • Example:

     • Prefix: Pre- (before): Precede, Premonition.

     • Root: Chron- (time): Chronic, Anachronism.

3. Engage in Active Writing:

   • Use 5–10 new words to craft a short paragraph or essay.

   • Example: Write a brief opinion piece using "abate," "anomaly," and "zeal."

4. Group Study and Quizzes:

   • Join a study group or quiz yourself with friends.

   • Play vocabulary games like Wordle, Scrabble, or Boggle.

Phase 3: Intensive Practice and Long-Term Retention (Weeks 7–12)

1. Mock Test Integration:

   • Take one GRE practice test weekly (e.g., ETS PowerPrep).

   • Focus on identifying unfamiliar words in Verbal sections and add them to your list.

2. Revisit and Reinforce:

   • Set aside time every weekend to review all words learned during the week.

   • Create a "challenging words" list and focus on these during review sessions.

3. Advanced Contextual Learning:

   • Read complex texts (e.g., scientific research papers, editorials) and challenge yourself to identify and learn nuanced words.

   • Example: From an article, pick words like "perfunctory," "anachronistic," or "parsimonious."

4. Engage with Multimedia Tools:

   • Watch GRE vocabulary YouTube channels like Magoosh GRE or GregMat.

   • Use tools like Google Assistant to practice word meanings and synonyms interactively.

Tips for Retention and Motivation

1. Daily Routine: Spend 1–1.5 hours daily on vocabulary, spread across learning, practicing, and reviewing.

2. Visualization: Associate words with mental images or stories for better recall.

3. Reward Progress: Celebrate milestones, like mastering 500 or 1000 words, to stay motivated.

4. Stay Consistent: Even if you’re busy, review 5–10 words daily to maintain momentum.

Sample Daily Schedule (1.5–2 hours)

1. Morning (30 mins):

   • Learn 20 new words using flashcards or apps.

2. Afternoon (30 mins):

   • Practice 5–10 Text Completion or Sentence Equivalence questions.

3. Evening (30–60 mins):

   • Review previously learned words using spaced repetition.

   • Read a high-quality article and extract new words.

By combining consistent vocabulary learning with contextual reading, spaced repetition, and verbal practice, this strategy maximizes both word acquisition and retention. Stick to it, and you'll be well on your way to mastering GRE vocabulary! 🚀

Comprehensive GRE Vocabulary Strategy