The GRE General Test is available on computer at more than 1,000 test centers in more than 160 countries. This aptitude test is a great alternative to the GMAT for MBA admission. The number of business studies applicants selecting the GRE exam has nearly doubled over the last three years and keeps growing. Moreover, thousands of graduate schools as well as departments and divisions within these schools use the GRE as an indicator of aptitude for studies in Master’s degree programs.
Achieving a high GRE score affects your chances of admission and access to scholarships and financial aid. Preparation takes several months and can cost up to a thousand US dollars or Euros, or more. Luckily, there are plenty of free resources available, so you can start preparing right away. We have compiled a list of the best free GRE preparation resources.
1. Оnline GRE strategy session
The GRE strategy session is a useful guide if you are unsure how to start your GRE preparation. You can register for one of Veritas Prep’s upcoming free live online GRE strategy sessions - an hour-long workshop hosted by instructor Brian Galvin - where you will learn helpful strategies to help start your GRE preparation.
For more assistance from Veritas Prep, check out their free GRE articles and resources section. There, you will learn how to save time on test day, tackle the most challenging questions, and build confidence while preparing for the GRE. You will also have the chance to familiarize yourself with the structure and components of the test and become a more effective test-taker.
2. GRE study guide
A comprehensive study guide was designed to help students get their bearings at the start of their GRE preparation. The guide is packed with all kinds of useful information such as a description of the sections and an explanation of the scoring system. You can learn how to choose a study strategy and also find a lot of other helpful tips.
3. Powerprep II
The Powerprep II software offers free online practice tests from ETS, the organization that administers the GRE. You can also learn the basics of the test, such as how the calculator works or how to flag and return to questions.
This free software includes the option to take practice tests under extended time and extra break conditions.
Powerprep II is designed to help you:
- Understand what is being tested
- Gain familiarity with the various question types
- Become familiar with the tools of the test, including the on-screen calculator
- Understand scoring
- Practice taking the test under timed or untimed conditions
4. Practice book for the paper-based GRE exam
This is the second edition of the ETS practice book that offers a simulated test-taking experience of the paper-delivered exam. It includes one full-length paper-delivered test, test-taking strategies, sample Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning questions with explanations, sample Analytical Writing topics, scored Analytical Writing responses, plus reader commentaries and information on how the test is scored.
5. ETS essay topic pools
ETS has made available the entire pool of tasks from which the essay prompt will be chosen. This means that you can find the topic that you will see in your GRE exam.
Here you can find the Issue topics for the Analytical Writing section and here are the Argument topics. Practice writing essays with these prompts.
6. Magoosh’s GRE vocabulary flashcards
Magoosh’s GRE vocabulary flashcards cover more than 1,000 of the most important GRE words. You can either download the app or use the desktop version.
The flashcards are designed to help you:
- Improve your GRE Verbal Score
- Master the 1,000 most important GRE words
- Master words on every level
- Focus on words that are the right difficulty for you, regardless of your verbal skills
- Study on the go thanks to the Android and iPhone apps
- Focus on the words you most need to review, saving you time and making sure you remember what you have studied.
7. Manhattan Review GRE diagnostic test
It is important to begin preparing for the GRE by taking a practice test under similar time limits and conditions as the real test, to assess where to focus your efforts. The Manhattan Review GRE Practice Test is a section-adaptive test just like the GRE General Test.
Manhattan Review's online GRE practice tests are designed to imitate the look and feel of the actual exam. Use this free GRE practice exam to familiarize yourself with the GRE and to pinpoint the areas where you need the most practice.
8. Manhattan Prep’s GRE practice test
Manhattan Prep offers a free, high-quality GRE practice test complete with explanations. It is specifically designed for the GRE General Test, previously known as the GRE revised General Test. All of Manhattan Prep’s GRE practice tests are delivered via the web; there is nothing to install or download.
The exam is calibrated to mimic the behavior of the latest section-adaptive format of the GRE exam. This means that test-takers will have a realistic test-taking experience, and will know exactly what they will be dealing with on test day. Under standard testing conditions, the GRE practice test takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
9. Quizlet flashcards
Here you will find a vast source of flashcards about the GRE exam made by other students.
10. Kaplan GRE practice test
The Kaplan practice test is somewhat similar to Manhattan Prep’s. However, bear in mind that Kaplan tests are widely regarded as tough. The questions in this practice test are more difficult than those you will see in the real GRE, so don’t worry if your scores are lower than expected.
Actually, it doesn’t hurt to raise the bar a bit. Facing the challenging Kaplan test will help you master the real GRE exam. You will need around four hours to complete this test.
11. McGraw-Hill GRE practice test
McGraw-Gill offers one free test on their website. In addition, you will find explanations for each and every question on the test. You will also find problem-solving videos and other GRE preparation resources.
12. Khan Academy
While it has no specific GRE section, Khan Academy offers courses on pretty much everything. Just look for the topic that you want to learn more about and you are very likely to find a video offering a clear explanation.
The ETS recommends Khan Academy as a valuable source of free resources that may be helpful to test-takers.
As you see, you have a lot of GRE preparation resources available for free. It’s up to you to check them out and start using them. Just remember, the more you practice, the better you will become, thus boosting your chances of achieving an impressive score.
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