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The Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is a significant stage in the application process for graduate school or business school. The GRE is a computer-based, multiple-choice standardized test that is frequently required for admission to graduate programs and graduate business programs (MBA) around the world. The GRE measures your command of basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis as well as college-level vocabulary. More importantly, it measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, think critically, and solve problems.
Quantitative Reasoning Section (Quants/Maths Section)
This section comprises questions of high-school level in geometry, algebra, arithmetic, applied maths, data interpretation, and data analysis. In this part, students have to answer 20 questions within a duration of just 35 minutes. The six topics to be covered for this section are Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis, Applied Maths, and Data Interpretation.
Verbal Section
This section intends to test your ability to comprehend written text, form conclusions, and figure out relationships between two or more parts of a sentence. This section includes topics like reading comprehension, antonyms, analogies, sentence completion, and vocabulary. You get 30 minutes to answer 20 questions. The three types of questions that come in this section are Text Completion (TC), Sentence Equivalent (SE), and Reading Comprehension (RC).
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
This is an important, but often overlooked aspect of GRE Preparation. The AWA measures the critical thinking ability and analytical writing skills of a candidate. This section intends to test your ability to form a convincing theory and how persuasively and coherently you defend it over the course of several paragraphs. You are required to frame 2 essays in an hour, with roughly 30 minutes to devote to each:
Issue-Based Essay
This question would test your convincing skills. Its topic will be based on a general everyday issue, and you would be required to express your view on the said topic. You should provide sound reasoning to support your views and use examples to make your point.
Argument-Based Essay
This question would require you to pick a side (for/against) and then explain your choice through a written response.
Background: GRE - 328; B.Tech Chemical Engineering (NIT Durgapur); Deputy Manager - Batch & Furnace at Saint-Gobain India Private Limited - Glass Business, Jhagadia (~3 years)
Preparation strategy:
Success in the GRE is dependent on your ability to prioritize the information presented to you and organize it in ways that allow you to problem-solve efficiently.
Effective GRE preparation will make you smarter and more adaptable. The rules for improving your GRE study habits are timeless, and in retrospect, obvious. By finding a dedicated study space where you can focus without distraction, you will be able to invest your full effort into achieving optimal GRE scores.
Quant was pretty easy for me but I needed to work on the Verbal section. The first step was to improve my vocabulary and I decided to learn Barron's 3500 Master word list for GRE. To help me memorize these words, I used an app called GRE Cloud. It's a pretty cool app that helps you to remember the word meanings through mnemonics. In addition, I had also purchased the GRE Prep subscription from Magoosh to practice questions. 2 months of rigorous preparation are sufficient for GRE. In total, I took 3 full-length mock tests. In all the mock tests I took, my score was lower than my actual score in the GRE. The key is to not give up and keep practicing.
Advice for the GRE takers:
Practice, practice, and practice. Memorize Barron's 3500-word list as it helped me immensely. Don't get bogged down by low scores in mock tests. Keep your cool and keep practicing. Magoosh is an excellent platform and I would recommend it to all GRE test takers who want some good practice for the exam.
All the best!
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