The Pitfalls of taking the GRE Lightly preparations
What plagues GRE preparations test-takers? Not an easy question to answer. Each of my 17 years in the training industry has enlightened me about what exactly in the GRE triggers disillusionment and helplessness in test-takers: The test is not for the frivolous. So in case you opted for the GRE believing that it is an easier alternative to the GMAT, or in case you opted for it relying on your exemplary math skills, or last but not least, you opted for it spurred on by the mind-boggling performance of a peer – you started on the wrong foot.
Take on the GRE only if you have all the following skills.
- Immense tenacity for hard work: Despite all the math or English (or both) prowess you may have, make sure that you do not lose the battle to GRE because of lack of exposure. The test has a knack of throwing up questions that belie their real worth. Under the garb of a seemingly simple exterior lie couched concepts that only the best can tackle. Plan study in such a manner that it requires you to put in regular and long hours of practice. Tire yourself, in a way push yourself to overreach because that is exactly what the GRE, especially in Verbal, expects you to do.
- The right attitude: Honestly, it is not usual for our academics, nor for our careers, to expose us to the level of vocabulary, reading material content, writing proficiency and even math that the GRE expects of us. So, preparing for the GRE does eventually turn out to be an amazing learning experience that can raise our levels of language, reading, writing and analysis. Stop complaining and start acting. Get hold of the right materials, find yourself a good mentor/trainer who can get the best out of you and love the experience for what it will leave you equipped with in the long run.
- Savviness: This skill is imperative. Even the brightest test taker is of no worth without practical smartness. In the case of the GRE this savviness manifests itself by the way one prepares for the test in terms of the intangibles. Acquiring vast knowledge, cramming long and torturous vocabulary lists and burning the midnight lamp are important but they are hollow and worthless in the absence of the common sense and insight that one must cultivate while preparing. This savviness comes from managing time, learning short cut techniques and most importantly figuring out what one is brilliant at, just good at and weak at. Remember no one knows it all. Be smart and work to make your strengths your assets and to control damage by working to make your weaknesses less fatal.
Option Training Institute is a respected name in the field of GRE training. We as a team of very aggressive and professional trainers have evolved ways to make your GRE experience worthwhile and rewarding. We work by the philosophy of skill-building and instead of focusing just on scores, we work on enhancing core skills in all the areas of the test and in thus ensuring that the scores are a by-product of hard work.