332 GRE | 330+ in GRE | 170 Quants, 162 Verbal | Tips, Tricks and Strategy | Study Plan & Resources

Summary

In this episode of the Dialogue Project, the host interviews a Columbia University electrical engineering student who scored a 332 on the GRE. The discussion covers the GRE exam pattern, including the analytical writing, quantitative, and verbal reasoning sections, and the adaptive nature of the test. The student shares her preparation strategy, which involved attending coaching classes, using various GRE prep books, and taking 13 mock tests. She emphasizes the importance of vocabulary building, focusing on weak areas, and continuous revision. Additionally, she provides tips on maintaining focus during the exam, utilizing free resources for essay grading, and the value of a light study day before the test to ensure freshness and good sleep.

Takeaways

• 📚 The GRE exam consists of three types of questions: Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning, with each section containing 20 questions and an unscored experimental section.
• 🕒 The GRE is a section-adaptive exam, with the difficulty of subsequent sections depending on the performance in the initial sections, and the entire exam lasts about four hours.
• 📈 The speaker prepared for the GRE for approximately five months, starting in mid-March and taking the exam in August 2020.
• 🏫 The speaker attended coaching classes at Inspiras, which helped in understanding the exam pattern and question level.
• 📝 The speaker took 13 mock tests from various sources, with an average score of 327, and found the PowerPrep tests to be the most accurate in reflecting the actual exam.
• 📚 The Manhattan GRE Prep book was a primary resource, with a focus on learning vocabulary and practicing problem-solving.
• 📝 The speaker emphasized the importance of identifying strengths and weaknesses and preparing accordingly, especially for areas of weakness like Reading Comprehension.
• 📱 The Magoosh app was used for vocabulary building, focusing on common and basic words, and noting down unfamiliar words with example sentences for better retention.
• 📅 A consistent study plan was followed, including daily word learning, weekly mock tests, and regular revisions of learned material.
• ✍️ The speaker regrets not practicing the Analytical Writing section enough and recommends using resources like Princeton's autograder for feedback.
• 🛌 For the day before the GRE, the speaker advises reviewing vocabulary and weak points, avoiding full-length mock tests to prevent exhaustion, and ensuring a good night's sleep.

Q & A

What is the GRE exam pattern and what sections does it include?

The GRE exam consists of three types of questions: Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Analytical Writing has two essays of 30 minutes each. There are two sections each for Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning, with each section containing 20 questions and lasting 35 minutes for Quantitative and 30 minutes for Verbal. Additionally, there is an unscored experimental section that could be either verbal or quantitative, and its identity is unknown to the test taker.

How does the GRE scoring system work for the adaptive sections?

The GRE is a section-adaptive exam. The difficulty of the second Quantitative and Verbal sections depends on the performance in the first sections of their respective types. The first section in each type is of average difficulty, and based on the score, the following section may be easier or harder.

When did the interviewee take the GRE and how long did they prepare for it?

The interviewee took the GRE in August 2020 and started preparing in mid-March 2020, which indicates a preparation period of about five months.

Did the interviewee enroll in any coaching classes for GRE preparation?

Yes, the interviewee enrolled in Inspira's coaching classes, which were conveniently located near their college in Andheri.

How did the interviewee find the difficulty level of the questions in the coaching class compared to the actual GRE exam?

The interviewee found the difficulty level of the questions in the coaching class to be very similar to those in the actual GRE exam, as the GRE is a popular exam with many questions available online and in classes.

How many mock tests did the interviewee take and what was their average score?

The interviewee took 13 mock tests, starting in June, and their average score was 327. Their actual GRE score of 332 was their all-time high.

What was the interviewee's experience with different mock test providers?

The interviewee used mock tests from Manhattan, Princeton, Kaplan, and the official GRE PowerPrep. They found Manhattan's Quantitative section to be the toughest, while the PowerPrep tests were the most accurate representation of the actual exam, especially for the Verbal section.

Which books and authors did the interviewee refer to for GRE preparation?

The interviewee primarily used the Manhattan 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems and also referred to Kaplan's online question banks for additional practice.

What strategies did the interviewee use to improve their Reading Comprehension skills?

The interviewee focused on doing a lot of Reading Comprehension practice through Kaplan question banks to identify and improve their weaknesses in this area.

What word list did the interviewee use to build their vocabulary for the GRE Verbal section?

The interviewee used the Magoosh app for GRE vocabulary, focusing on the common and basic words, and also used the vocabulary list at the end of the Manhattan GRE prep book.

What advice does the interviewee have for test takers regarding the GRE Analytical Writing section?

The interviewee recommends making use of Princeton's autograder for the Analytical Writing section, as it provides a free and valuable tool for practicing and improving essay writing skills.

What is the interviewee's suggestion for GRE aspirants one day before the exam?

The interviewee suggests revising all learned words and reviewing common mistake areas, avoiding taking a mock test to prevent exhaustion, and ensuring a good night's sleep.