Prepare for GRE examination with COGNIZEN
How to Ace the GRE Exam with COGNIZEN
If you are planning to pursue a graduate degree or a business school program, chances are you will need to take the GRE exam. The GRE or Graduate Record Examination is a standardized test that measures your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills. It is accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide and can help you stand out from other applicants. But how can you prepare for this challenging test and achieve your target score? In this blog post, we will give you an overview of the GRE exam, its syllabus, pattern, strategies, and why COGNIZEN is the right place to start your preparation.
What is the GRE Exam?
The GRE exam is a computer-based test that consists of six sections: one analytical writing section, two verbal reasoning sections, two quantitative reasoning sections, and one experimental or research section. The experimental or research section is not scored and can be either verbal or quantitative. It is used by ETS (the test maker) to test new questions or conduct research. You will not know which section is experimental, so you should treat every section as if it counts.
The total testing time for the GRE exam is about 3 hours and 45 minutes, plus short breaks. The test is adaptive at the section level, which means that the difficulty of the second verbal and quantitative sections depends on your performance on the first sections. The better you do on the first sections, the harder the second sections will be.
The GRE exam is scored on a scale of 130 to 170 for each of the verbal and quantitative sections, and 0 to 6 for the analytical writing section. The scores are valid for five years from the date of testing.
What is the GRE Syllabus?
The GRE syllabus covers four main areas: analytical writing, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking. Here is a brief overview of what each area tests:
Analytical Writing: This section tests your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively, support your ideas with relevant reasons and examples, examine claims and evidence, and sustain a well-focused and coherent discussion. You will have to write two essays: one on an issue topic and one on an argument topic. You will have 30 minutes for each essay.
Verbal Reasoning: This section tests your ability to analyze and draw conclusions from written material, recognize relationships among words and concepts, and understand the meanings of words, sentences, and texts. You will have to answer questions based on reading passages, text completion, and sentence equivalence. You will have 30 minutes for each of the two verbal sections, with 20 questions per section.
Quantitative Reasoning: This section tests your ability to understand and interpret quantitative information, solve problems using mathematical models, and apply basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. You will have to answer questions based on quantitative comparison, problem solving, and data interpretation. You will have 35 minutes for each of the two quantitative sections, with 20 questions per section.
Critical Thinking: This skill is not tested separately but is integrated throughout the test. It involves your ability to evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, assess evidence, and apply logical reasoning.
What are some GRE Strategies?
To ace the GRE exam, you need more than just knowledge of the syllabus. You also need effective strategies to manage your time, avoid mistakes, and maximize your score. Here are some general tips that can help you improve your performance on the test:
Familiarize yourself with the test format and question types. Take practice tests and review the official guide from ETS to get a feel for how the test works and what kinds of questions you can expect.
Review the basic concepts and formulas for each section. Refresh your memory on grammar rules, vocabulary words, math concepts, and data analysis techniques. Make flashcards or notes to help you remember them.
Develop a study plan that suits your needs and goals. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and focus on improving your weak areas. Set realistic targets and track your progress. Review your mistakes and learn from them.
Practice under realistic conditions. Simulate the test environment by taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions. Use a computer, a keyboard, a mouse, scratch paper, and a calculator (only for the quantitative section). Avoid distractions and follow the test instructions.
Use process of elimination and educated guessing. Eliminate wrong or irrelevant answer choices based on logic or evidence. If you are not sure about an answer, make an educated guess based on clues from the question or passage. Do not leave any question blank as there is no penalty for wrong answers.
Manage your time wisely. Allocate your time according to the number and difficulty of questions in each section. Do not spend too much time on any one question or passage. Skip or mark difficult questions and come back to them later if you have time.
Review your answers carefully. Check your answers for accuracy and completeness. Make sure you have answered all the questions and filled in the correct bubbles. If you have time, revise your essays for clarity, coherence, and grammar.
Why COGNIZEN is the Right Place to Start Your Preparation?
If you are looking for a comprehensive and personalized GRE preparation course, look no further than COGNIZEN. It is an online platform that offers you the following benefits:
Expert guidance from experienced and qualified instructors who will help you master the concepts, strategies, and skills required for the GRE exam.
Adaptive and customized learning plan that matches your level, pace, and goals. You will get a diagnostic test to assess your strengths and weaknesses and a personalized study plan to improve them.
Interactive and engaging content that includes video lectures, quizzes, practice tests, and feedback. You will get access to a rich and updated library of resources that covers all the topics and question types on the GRE exam.
Live doubt sessions and mentorship that will help you clear your doubts, monitor your progress, and motivate you to achieve your target score.
Flexible and convenient schedule that allows you to learn anytime, anywhere, and at your own pace. You can access the course on any device and choose the time slot that suits you best.
Be prepared to be a part of a community of learners who share the same passion and aspiration for higher education. You will get to interact with fellow students, instructors, and mentors who will support you throughout your journey.
So, what are you waiting for? Join COGNIZEN today and get ready to ace the GRE exam!