How I Achieved a Perfect GRE Score in One Month: A Guide for Beginners on how to prepare for the GRE Exam!
Scoring perfectly on the GRE might seem like an impossible dream, but with the right approach and resources, it’s absolutely achievable. This student recently received his official GRE scores – 170V 170Q – and he wanted to share his study strategy that helped me reach his goal in just one month during his. university’s winter break.
The Verbal Section: Mastering Vocabulary
The verbal section of the GRE can be intimidating due to its extensive vocabulary requirements. Here’s what worked for me:
Quick-Fire Vocabulary Building
I used Quizlet as my primary tool for vocabulary practice. My approach was aggressive but effective: I tackled large sets of 500 words at a time, working through 200-300 words daily. This might sound overwhelming, but with the right flashcard system, it’s manageable and effective.
Long-Term Vocabulary Development
If you have more time to prepare, I highly recommend incorporating recreational reading into your study plan. For instance, I found that reading science fiction, particularly Asimov’s “Foundation” series, exposed me to many GRE-level vocabulary words in context. This natural exposure helps with both understanding and retention.
The Quantitative Section: Strategy and Practice
As someone applying to programs with strict quantitative score requirements, I focused heavily on this section. Here are my two game-changing resources:
Resource 1: Formula Mastery
I found an invaluable resource on Reddit that helped me quickly grasp essential mathematical concepts, particularly focusing on combinatorics formulas like nCr and nPr. Having these formulas at my fingertips proved crucial during the exam.
Resource 2: Practice Makes Perfect
The Manhattan Prep 5 lb Book became my daily companion. My strategy was:
- Complete 1-2 quantitative sections daily
- Review every incorrect answer thoroughly
- Maintain a strict 1.5-minute-per-question pace
- Use timed practice to build test-taking stamina
This disciplined approach helped me stay calm during the actual exam, as I was already comfortable with the time pressure.
The Writing Section: A Minimalist Approach
Given my time constraints, I took a strategic approach to the writing section. While I didn’t focus on it specifically, my verbal section preparation provided a solid foundation. For those in a similar situation, here’s a basic framework:
- Develop a clear thesis
- Acknowledge and address counterarguments
- Support your position with 2-3 strong examples
- Structure your response logically
Final Thoughts
Achieving a perfect GRE score in one month required focused effort and strategic use of resources. The key was not just studying hard, but studying smart – identifying the most effective resources and maintaining a consistent practice schedule. This is how one should prepare for GRE
Remember that this approach worked for me given my specific circumstances and goals. You might need to adjust the strategy based on your starting point, target scores, and available study time. The most important thing is to find a sustainable study routine that aligns with your strengths and addresses your weaknesses.