to bring versus what to leave at home on test day, tips for taking the computer-based exam, and more pointers for answering exam questions.
Over 400 GRE vocabulary flash cards: Stock your mental word bank and boost your verbal reasoning score by mastering the meanings of over 400 words that make frequent appearances on the GRE.
Six full-length practice exams: You’ll find the three from this book along with three more only online to help you build your competence and confidence. Focus on areas where you need practice and make sure you’re up to speed in other areas. You can select the level of difficulty and answer the questions through untimed and timed quizzes, so you can work at your own speed and then practice working under pressure.
To gain access to the online flash cards and practice questions, all you have to do is register. Just follow these simple steps:
1 Register your book or ebook at Dummies.com to get your PIN. Go to www.dummies.com/go/getaccess.
2 Select your product from the dropdown list on that page.
3 Follow the prompts to validate your product, and then check your email for a confirmation message that includes your PIN and instructions for logging in.
If you do not receive this email within two hours, please check your spam folder before contacting us through our Technical Support website at http://support.wiley.com or by phone at 877-762-2974.
Now you’re ready to go! You can come back to the practice material as often as you want — simply log on with the username and password you created during your initial login. No need to enter the access code a second time.
Your registration is good for one year from the day you activate your PIN.
Where to Go from Here
You can approach this book in three ways:
Read it from beginning to end. For most readers, I recommend this approach. Although prepping to take the GRE isn’t a linear process, I present topics from easy to challenging, so they build on each other as you progress through the chapters. I start by providing a feel for the test-taking experience so you know what to expect when that day rolls around. I continue by providing guidance for each section of the exam — verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and the writing of analytical essays. Practice exams follow, and I wrap things up with some Part of Tens chapters that will stick with you long after you’re done with this book.
Skip around. Each chapter is a stand-alone lesson on a specific GRE-related topic. If your study time is limited, skip around to focus on areas where you need the most guidance. For example, you can skip to Chapter 6 to hone your skills at answering Argument Analysis questions, or visit Chapter 11 to brush up on geometry. Another strategy is to take one of the sample tests to evaluate your skills and identify areas of weakness and then use that information to develop your plan of attack.
Use it as a reference book. Whenever you need information and advice on a specific GRE topic or skill, simply flip to the chapter or section that contains the information and guidance you need. GRE 2022 For Dummies offers a refresher course on the topics and skills you need to master the GRE.
As you work your way through the book, write up some flash cards to note key concepts and strategies to get the most out of your review. These cards will serve as a handy reference while you review your notes.
I’ve been helping GRE students beat the test for years, so not only do I know students’ common questions and mistakes, but I also know how to make the math and verbal questions easier for you to answer. This book distills my tricks and secrets, which I’m pleased to share with you. Your success, after all, is why we’re both here.
Part 1
Getting Started with the GRE
IN THIS PART …
Get the details about signing up for the GRE, what’s on the exam, and how your score is calculated.
Figure out how to plan and manage your study time ahead of test day, and get some pointers if you’re retaking the exam.
Know what you need to do to prepare for the exam (beyond studying) along with what to expect on test day.
Chapter 1
Knowing What to Expect with the GRE
IN THIS CHAPTER
The best way to reduce your anxiety and bring up your performance on the GRE is to become familiar with it. Knowing what to expect gives you less to think about and fret over on test day so you can focus on what really matters — the test itself.
In this chapter, I share reasons to schedule your exam early, and I discuss the GRE’s structure and scoring system so you can build your strategies around them. With this guidance, you’re better equipped to avoid surprises that may throw you off your game.
Signing Up for the GRE
In most parts of the world, the GRE is a computer-based test, which makes it easier to administer to individual test-takers. Sign up early so you can choose the day, time, and place that work best for you. If you’re a morning person who’s sharpest at sunrise, you can schedule the test for early morning; if you’re a night owl who tends to sleep in, you can opt for late morning or early afternoon. Actual time-slot availability varies according to the testing center, but you have more days and times to choose from than you do with paper-and-pencil tests, such as the LSAT and SAT.
At the time of this writing, the world is slowly getting back on its feet after COVID-19, and everything is up in the air. The GRE became available to take at home, so this option may still be available when it’s your turn. If you do take it at home, you’ll be taking the computer version. If you take it at a testing center, you will also most likely be taking the computer version.
The paper and computer versions of the GRE are slightly different. For one thing, the paper version has 25 questions per section, with four sections, while the computer version has 20 questions with five sections. Don’t worry too much about the differences; your only option will most likely be to take the computer version, and either way your preparation is the same.
To sign up for the GRE, see the current GRE Information and Registration Bulletin (available through most college admissions offices), register online at www.ets.org, or register via phone by calling 800-473-2255. You can also check the GRE testing center locations and available time slots at www.ets.org.