The GRE exam is very close, especially for those who are appearing for it this year. You must have given sufficient mocks, analyzed your score, worked on your weak areas, and prepared yourself mentally to avoid any panic attacks during the exam. But the ones whose target is 2025 and are in the mid-way of their preparation or have just started the preparation need to read this article!
More than hundreds of thousands of students take the GRE, wishing to score 320+ and get admission to their dream university. But only some student can achieve their target. It is because of the type of preparation they have done. GRE is not a tough exam, but the varied syllabus, duration, and the type of questions it involves makes it overwhelming for the test-takers.
80% smart preparation and 20% confidence are what you need to ace the GRE exam. Make sure to design the perfect plan while preparing for your exams and avoid some common mistakes that can hamper your results. In this blog, you will come across 7 common mistakes that you should avoid during your GRE preparation.
7 Mistakes you should avoid during your GRE preparation
Students preparing for GRE exams should avoid these mistakes from the beginning. The following are the most common GRE mistakes that students make during their preparation:
1. Getting a Late Start on Preparation
The very first mistake students make is delaying or starting the preparation too late. Looking at the GRE date sheet, the exam is held throughout the year, giving students flexibility to prepare well and select the best-suited date for themselves.
However, due to procrastination and indiscipline, students tend to neglect to prepare early for the exam, which leads to poor preparation. Students need to understand that early preparation would benefit them in every way. Hence decide a date from when you will be starting your GRE prep and follow it no matter what.
2. Neglecting a Structured Study Path
One of the most common mistakes that almost every student makes at the beginning of their preparation is haphazardly approaching GRE preparation. A goal is only achieved successfully when the planning and execution are done effectively.
The same applies to the preparation. A structured study plan is crucial for covering all the sections of the GRE, appearing mock tests, analyzing them, and revising all the sections. Your study plan should include sufficient time for every section along with tests and revisions. Students unable to make plans for themselves can join any online coaching or take admission in any offline coaching as per their comfort since it will not only give them a structured study plan but will provide all the resources that will help them prepare well for the exams.
3. Not Giving Enough GRE Mock Tests
Another mistake that is committed by most of the students is not giving enough mocks. After a certain point of preparation, it is essential to start taking mock tests. The mock test helps students identify their areas of strength and weakness, as well as the number of questions they can solve within a given time frame. There are two main reasons for students not taking mock tests,
- 1.Syllabus completion: Students plan to take mock tests after completing the entire syllabus, but this isn’t the right method. Even if some sections are left to cover, students should take at least a mock test once a week.
- 2. Overconfidence: Many students find the GRE concept easy to understand, and they don’t find it necessary to take mock tests in overconfidence. Mock tests not only test your conceptual knowledge but also prepare you for many other things, such as time management, speed, stress management, etc.
4. Skipping In-Depth Analysis of GRE Practice Tests
Appearing for a mock test and analyzing your result are two different things, but equally important. There is no point in appearing for a mock test if you aren’t evaluating your performance. Examining your results closely is essential because only then you can get to know your weaker sections that require extra practice and attention. In order to make the perfect strategy for your GRE prep in-depth analysis is essential.
5. Emphasizing More on Selected Section
It is seen that some students become overconfident with a particular section or subject. For example, students having an engineering background are less likely to put effort into the quants section as maths is a subject they have been practicing for years. But this carelessness can cost heavily to the students. Hence confidence is what you should have, but don’t replace it with overconfidence.
6. Ignoring the AWA section
AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) is a section that measures your critical thinking and analytical writing skills. Most students avoid practicing this section even when they are taking mock tests. The main reason students don’t pay attention to AWA is that its score does not get included. Although the AWA score does not contribute to the total GRE score still the admission committees check it during the application review.
7. Avoiding Time Management
Effective team management is very important to clear the GRE. Even if you have covered all the topics and were clear with the concept but couldn’t perform on time in the main exam, all your hard work and preparation would go to waste. Hence along with preparation, it is essential to keep track of the time you are taking to solve a particular question.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the GRE can be easily cracked with good marks if the preparation is effective and efficient. You just need to avoid the mistakes that are decreasing the chances of you passing the exam with flying colors. Keep in mind that a good strategy and perfect execution are what you need to get the GRE cleared.
