How to Prepare for GRE in 2025: Section Wise Tips & Preparation Strategies

How to prepare for GRE in 2025 begins with understanding where you currently stand. GRE is known to be one of the top 10 toughest exams in the world and given the shifting exam expectations, a strategic study plan emphasizing core skills, timed practice, and official resources can make all the difference. 

Further it is always suggestive to align your performance targets with the averages of your intended graduate programs to help craft an effective preparation roadmap. In this article we will explore the effective GRE preparation strategies, tips and more.

10 Essential Tips for Right GRE Preparation in 2025

With about 4 to 5 hours of daily practice, you will need about 8 - 12 weeks to prepare for GRE from scratch. However a lot of students are confused about how to prepare for GRE from scratch, how to plan your GRE timelines, etc. Here are top 10 GRE tips and tricks for masters the exam:

• Strategize in Advance: Plan your GRE preparation strategy or journey well in advance to allocate time efficiently and cover all necessary topics thoroughly.
• Understanding the Exam: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the GRE format, structure, and question types to navigate the exam confidently.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Boost your confidence and familiarity with the exam by taking numerous practice tests, mimicking real exam conditions.
• Build Your Vocabulary: Start early to enhance your vocabulary systematically, a crucial aspect in tackling various GRE sections.
• Subject-Focused Approach: Tailor your study plan to focus on your preferred subject, optimizing your efforts for maximum proficiency.
• Holistic Subject Mastery: While emphasizing your preferred subject, ensure not to neglect the other subjects to maintain a balanced approach.
• Quality Study Materials: Utilize reliable and high-quality study materials to ensure effective preparation and understanding of GRE concepts.
• Identify Question Patterns: Familiarize yourself with different question types to develop targeted strategies for each, enhancing your overall performance.
• Learn from Mistakes: Maintain an error log to analyze and learn from mistakes, refining your approach and minimizing repeated errors.
• Consider a Second Attempt: Plan for the possibility of taking the exam twice, allowing room for improvement and increased confidence in achieving your desired GRE score.

Also Read: GRE Exam Syllabus 2025

Section Wise GRE Preparation Tips

Achieving success in the GRE General Test requires tailored strategies aligned with your available time and personal preferences. This foundational knowledge forms the basis for effective test preparation.

Prior to taking the test, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the test's structure, administrative procedures, question types, and directions, as well as the approximate number of questions and time allotted for each section.

1. Make sure to Download the Bulletin

Access the Bulletin to obtain crucial information on administrative procedures such as registration, appointment scheduling, test center details, costs, score reporting, and special testing arrangements.

2. Familiarize Yourself with Test Patterns and Format

Additionally, acquaint yourself with the test content by delving into the specifics of each measure. Familiarize yourself with the material and question types before engaging in practice with the General Test to enhance your preparedness.

Section Wise GRE Test Taking Strategies

Having explored the general GRE tips and strategies, rather than thinking of how tough the GRE exam would be, it is better that you get well versed with the section wise important guidelines to be followed to ensure that your exam goes smoothly and stress free. These include

1. Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Section Test Taking Strategies

Develop effective test-taking strategies for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning by considering the following:

• Comprehend the Required Response: Recognize the diverse question formats in Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, which may include selecting
  • Single answer choice
  • One or more answer choices
  • Entering a numeric answer

Ensure clarity on the expected response for each question.

• Utilize the Mark and Review Feature: Take advantage of the "mark and review" feature during the GRE General Test. If you encounter challenging questions, you can skip them temporarily and mark them for later review. This feature enables you to:
  • Mark questions for revisit during the designated time for that section.
  • Access a comprehensive list of all section questions, including those marked for review.
  • Review and modify answers for questions you've already addressed, provided there is remaining time for that section.

Utilize the review screen judiciously to monitor progress during the test, avoiding excessive time consumption that may impede question reading and answering.

• Answer Every Question: Maximize Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores by answering every question, as no points are deducted for incorrect responses.

• Time Management Priority: Prioritize efficient time management during the test, working swiftly without compromising accuracy. Avoid dwelling on challenging questions to ensure optimal use of time.

2. Analytical Writing Section Test Taking Strategies

The crucial test-taking strategies for Analytical Writing include the following:

• Time Management is Crucial: Effectively allocate your 30-minute time frame for the Analytical Writing task, ensuring sufficient time for contemplating the issue, planning your response, and composing a well-thought-out essay.

• Error Review is Essential: Dedicate a few minutes at the end to review your written work for noticeable errors. While occasional errors may not significantly impact your score, consistent and severe mistakes can diminish the overall quality of your writing and lower your score.

• Utilize Scratch Paper: Make use of the provided scratch paper to jot down notes and organize your thoughts during the test. If additional scratch paper is required, feel free to request it from the test administrator.

• Maintain Consistency - No Unscheduled Breaks: Avoid taking unscheduled breaks as section timing continues even during breaks. Ensure an uninterrupted test-taking experience once the examination commences.

Read Next: Exams to Study Abroad

GRE Exam Day Tips & Strategies 

Achieving success in the GRE General Test requires tailored strategies aligned with your available time and personal preferences. This foundational knowledge forms the basis for effective test preparation.

Prior to taking the test, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the test's structure, administrative procedures, question types, and directions, as well as the approximate number of questions and time allotted for each section.

1. Make sure to Download the Bulletin

Access the Bulletin to obtain crucial information on administrative procedures such as registration, appointment scheduling, test center details, costs, score reporting, and special testing arrangements.

2. Familiarize Yourself with Test Patterns and Format

Additionally, acquaint yourself with the test content by delving into the specifics of each measure. Familiarize yourself with the material and question types before engaging in practice with the General Test to enhance your preparedness.

List of Top GRE Accepting Countries

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is widely accepted by universities and institutions around the world for graduate and business school admissions. While the acceptance of GRE scores can vary between programs and institutions within a country, here is a list of countries where GRE scores are generally accepted:

Top 5 GRE Accepting Universities in the USA

Top 5 GRE Accepted Universities in Canada

Top 5 GRE Accepted Universities in the UK

Top 5 GRE Accepting Universities in Australia

Top 5 German Universities Accepting GRE Score

Also Read: How to Send GRE Scores to Universities

Master Your GRE Exam With GetGIS Study Abroad Assistance

Preparing for GRE exam in 2025 requires the right balance of consistent practice, smart time management, and familiarity with the exam structure to maximize your performance. By focusing on your weaker sections and utilizing the available GRE resources, you can steadily improve your scores.

For personalised GRE exam preparation tips and guidance you can reach out to our GetGIS study abroad assistance team, who could help you tailor your preparation based on your aspired university and course requirements along with visa assistance and more significantly boosting your chances of success.

Book Your Free Consultation

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• GMAT vs GRE
• GRE and IELTS