GRE Prep Tips for Indian Students

By Sanket Gupte•2024

Hi, my name is Sanket Gupte, currently pursuing my PhD at Stanford University. I completed my undergraduate studies at BITS Goa and actively write on LinkedIn to help aspiring graduate students and computer scientists navigate their academic journey.

GRE Preparation Strategy

GRE Preparation Strategy

Preparing for the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) can be a daunting task, especially for Indian students who may face more difficulty with the verbal section than the quantitative section. However, with the right approach and preparation, students can overcome these challenges and achieve their desired scores. In this article, we will discuss some tips and strategies that Indian students can use to prepare for the GRE exam.

While I have tried to articulate everything based on my experience and observations, I understand that individual experiences can vary significantly. If you want to connect for any doubts or have questions about graduate studies, please feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn.

Disclaimer: The opinions and suggestions mentioned in the article are those of the author based upon his experience and observations in graduate education. The article is not meant to endorse any specific university, program, or career path.

1. Understand the Format and Content of the Exam

The GRE exam consists of three sections - Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Each section has its own format, types of questions, and time limits. It is important to familiarize yourself with the structure and content of the exam before starting your preparation. This will help you to focus your efforts and develop a targeted study plan.

Key Components:

  • Analytical Writing: 2 essays, 30 minutes each
  • Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections, 30 minutes each, 20 questions per section
  • Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections, 35 minutes each, 20 questions per section
  • Experimental Section: One unscored section (either Verbal or Quantitative)

Preparation Strategy:

  • Study the official GRE format guide
  • Take a practice test to understand the structure
  • Allocate time based on section difficulty for you

2. Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Take a diagnostic test to assess your current level of preparation and identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you to prioritize your study plan and focus on areas where you need the most improvement. For Indian students who struggle with the verbal section, it may be helpful to focus more on building vocabulary and improving reading comprehension skills.

Assessment Methods:

  • Take official ETS practice tests
  • Use diagnostic tools from prep companies
  • Track your progress over time
  • Focus 70% of your time on weak areas

Common Weak Areas for Indian Students:

  • Vocabulary and word usage
  • Reading comprehension of complex texts
  • Critical reasoning and argument analysis
  • Time management in verbal sections

3. Build Your Vocabulary

Vocabulary is a crucial component of the verbal section, and Indian students may find it challenging to master the large number of words tested on the GRE. To build your vocabulary, start by learning high-frequency words that are commonly tested on the exam. Use flashcards or online tools like Quizlet to practice and reinforce your knowledge of these words. Additionally, read widely in English, especially academic texts, to encounter new words in context.

Effective Vocabulary Building:

  • Learn 20-30 new words daily
  • Use spaced repetition techniques
  • Create word associations and mnemonics
  • Practice using words in sentences
  • Read academic articles and journals

Recommended Resources:

  • Magoosh GRE Vocabulary Flashcards
  • Barron's GRE Word List
  • Manhattan Prep GRE Vocabulary
  • ETS Official GRE Vocabulary

4. Improve Your Reading Comprehension Skills

Reading comprehension is another important component of the verbal section, and Indian students may struggle with understanding complex English texts. To improve your reading comprehension skills, practice reading challenging texts and taking notes on the main ideas, arguments, and supporting evidence. Try to identify the author's tone, purpose, and perspective, and analyze the structure of the text.

Reading Comprehension Strategies:

  • Read actively, not passively
  • Identify the main idea and supporting details
  • Understand the author's tone and purpose
  • Look for logical connections between ideas
  • Practice with diverse reading materials

Reading Materials:

  • The Economist
  • Scientific American
  • The New York Times
  • Academic journals
  • Literary works

5. Practice Quantitative Reasoning Questions

While Indian students may have an advantage in the quantitative section due to their strong math skills, it is still important to practice a wide range of quantitative reasoning questions. This will help you to become familiar with the types of questions and concepts tested on the exam, and to identify any gaps in your knowledge. Use practice materials from reputable sources, such as ETS (Educational Testing Service) or Manhattan Prep, and work through each question methodically.

Quantitative Section Focus Areas:

  • Arithmetic and number properties
  • Algebra and functions
  • Geometry and measurement
  • Data analysis and statistics
  • Problem-solving strategies

Practice Tips:

  • Work through problems step-by-step
  • Learn shortcuts and estimation techniques
  • Practice mental math
  • Review basic concepts thoroughly

6. Develop Test-Taking Strategies

In addition to mastering the content of the exam, it is also important to develop effective test-taking strategies. For example, learn how to manage your time effectively, how to eliminate wrong answers, and how to approach different question types. Practice taking full-length practice tests under test-like conditions to build your stamina and test-taking skills.

Time Management Strategies:

  • Allocate time per question type
  • Skip difficult questions and return later
  • Use the process of elimination
  • Don't spend too much time on any single question

Test-Taking Techniques:

  • Read questions carefully
  • Look for keywords and clues
  • Use scratch paper effectively
  • Stay calm and focused

7. Create a Study Schedule

3-Month Study Plan:

  • Month 1: Focus on vocabulary and basic concepts
  • Month 2: Intensive practice and weak area improvement
  • Month 3: Full-length practice tests and final review

Daily Study Routine:

  • 2-3 hours of focused study
  • Mix of content review and practice questions
  • Regular vocabulary building
  • Weekly full-length practice tests

8. Use Quality Study Materials

Official Materials:

  • ETS Official GRE Guide
  • ETS PowerPrep Practice Tests
  • ETS Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions

Third-Party Resources:

  • Manhattan Prep GRE series
  • Magoosh GRE prep
  • Kaplan GRE prep
  • Princeton Review GRE

Conclusion

Preparing for the GRE exam requires a systematic and targeted approach. Indian students who struggle with the verbal section may need to focus more on building vocabulary and improving reading comprehension skills. By understanding the format and content of the exam, identifying your strengths and weaknesses, building your vocabulary, improving your reading comprehension skills, practicing quantitative reasoning questions, and developing effective test-taking strategies, you can maximize your chances of success on the GRE exam.

Remember, consistent practice and a strategic approach are key to achieving your target score. Good luck!

If you found this article helpful, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn for more insights on graduate education and career development in STEM fields.