Before and During the GRE Test
Introduction
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The Grueling Days Leading up to the Test
I know it is not glamorous, exciting or quick, but I found that most of the students that I have worked with who have gone on to pass math tests worked through math problems, asking questions about them as they arose.
The more different types of questions you look at the more comfortable and familiar you will get with working with the various types of questions. So when it gets to the real deal you will be ready to go full steam ahead!!!
If you haven't done so already, check out our Math Help page. This page will link you to math tutorials that will cover concepts you need to know for the test.
Some of the more common formulas are slope and geometry formulas.
If you practice adding, multiplying, subtracting and dividing BEFORE the test, you will be more comfortable without a calculator when you go in and take the test. Also this might help you work the problems on the test quicker.
As you practice, make sure that you check yourself with the calculator, just in case.
This will help you become familiar with the different types of questions that will come your way on the test.
It will also help you get used to the directions that you will
see on the test, which can help you save time when you take it.
There are two practice tests at this website: Test I, the Warm-up Test and Test II, the Adaptive Test.
The Moment of Truth: Test Day Part I, "AKA The Mom Knows Best Segment"
I know that when I'm hungry I can even forget my own name :-).
I would try to get there early so you aren't rushed. If you are running late, this can cause stress that you do not need when taking this test.
The Moment of Truth: Test Day Part II, "Arriving at the Testing Center"
Go to the GRE Registration Bulletin for the most updated information about the ID that you need to bring to the test.
If you do not have the proper ID, you will not be allowed to take the test.
If your testing center does give you scratch paper, make sure that you take full advantage of it. Try to do as little in your head as possible. This may help to avoid errors.
If your testing center does give you ear plugs, you may want to consider using them. It can help cut down on the noise from the other students taking the test.
The Moment of Truth: Test Day Part III, "Tips to Help You through the Test"
If you are already signed up for the test, then you should know if you are taking a computer-based or paper-based test.
If you haven't signed up already, check with the testing center that you will be taking the GRE at.
(Even if you aren't scared to take a math test, it is probably a good idea to remember to breathe. I wouldn't want you to pass out during the test)
There are 28 questions on the quantitative part and you have 45 minutes to take that section of the test. So let's do the math. That averages to about 1 minute and 36 seconds per question. Some questions are going to go quicker than others. Just balance it out as you go.
For example, if it says 21 of 28, this means you are on question 21 of the 28 questions for that section.
You do not want to rush through the test. Rushing can lead to careless mistakes.
On the other hand, you don't want to spend a long time on one problem. If you find yourself spending a long time on a question, take an educated guess and move on. There are too many problems on the test to get bogged down on one or two questions.
This is why you need to look at practice tests, so you are familiar with how things are worded, so you won't have to spend a lot of time trying to figure out what they are asking.
Remember that if you are taking the test on the computer, the screen will show you what problem you are on and how much time you have left.
If you are taking the test on the computer, you will have a 1 minute break between test sections. Even if you haven't used all of your scratch paper, use this time to get new scratch paper. If you run out of scratch paper in the middle of a section, you may get scratch paper, but the clock will keep ticking away on your test.
Try your best to answer each question. Again, if you notice that time is getting away from you, and you still cannot get an answer, take an educated guess and go on.
Chances are you will not make the same arithmetic mistakes twice in a row.
Again, if you notice that time is getting away from you, and you still cannot get an answer, take an educated guess and go on.
WTAMU > Virtual Math Lab > GRE Math
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