GRE Mock Test
Acing the GRE is crucial to securing admission to your dream graduate programme. While countless resources can equip you with knowledge and strategies, GRE mock tests play a vital role in exams. This article dives into the importance of mock tests, highlighting the significant benefits they can bring to your performance on the actual GRE test day. We’ll break down these benefits, offer tips for incorporating mock tests into your study plan, and guide you toward finding reliable GRE mock test resources.
What is GRE?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test that universities often use to assess an applicant’s qualifications for graduate school. It’s like proof of your academic abilities in three main areas: maths, reading comprehension, and analytical writing. Offered on computer or paper, the GRE provides a score that stays valid for five years. An advantage of the GRE for international students is its flexibility. You can choose which test scores to send to different schools, allowing you to showcase your strengths.
The total GRE score range runs from 260 to 340, and a perfect GRE score means achieving 170 in each section, which makes it 340. Students who are serious about the GRE should aim to score 157+ in verbal and 164+ in the quantitative section.
How to Create a GRE Mock Test Study Plan?
The GRE is a big test for getting into grad school. But guess what? By following some simple steps, you can do well and open doors to the programmes you want. Here are some top tips to get you started!
- Plan Ahead: Before diving into studying, take some time to research the GRE format. Understand what kind of questions you’ll be attempting (verbal reasoning, maths, analytical writing), how the test is scored, and the deadlines for your target schools. This will help you create a realistic study schedule that fits your needs.
- Know What You’re Getting Into: Spend some time getting acquainted with the different question types in each section. This way, you’ll know what to expect on test day and will be clear. There are many resources available online that can show you the different formats you might encounter.
- Take Lots of Practice Tests: Practice tests are like training exercises for the real GRE. Take full-length GRE mock tests regularly to take the actual testing experience. Analyse your performance after each test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you focus your studying on areas that need the most improvement.
- Start Studying Vocabulary: The GRE has a fondness for complex words. The earlier you begin building your vocabulary, the better. There are many ways to do this, like using flashcards, vocabulary-building apps, or reading newspaper editorials into your daily reading routine
- Use Good Study Materials: There are a lot of GRE prep resources available, from books and online courses to mock tests and tutorials. Choose high-quality materials that align with your learning style and target score. Consider recommendations from friends, teachers, or online reviews to find resources that will work best for you.
- Keep an Error Log: Don’t just skim through your mock tests. Take the time to analyse your wrong answers. Identify patterns in your errors and use them to develop targeted improvement strategies. Keeping a log of your mistakes will help you focus on the study areas where you need the most practice.
How do Mock Tests Help In the GRE Study Plan?
If you want to succeed in the GRE, then you cannot miss giving mock tests. They are the key tools by which you can get an idea of what you will have to face on exam day. Here are some reasons why you should attempt mock tests:
- Simulate the Real Test Experience: Mock tests are designed to replicate the actual GRE as closely as possible. They’ll have the same question format, timing constraints, and even the same computer-based testing environment (if you choose a computer-based mock test). Taking mock tests under these realistic conditions helps you get comfortable with the test format and manage your time effectively.
- Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Mock tests act like a mirror reflecting your current situation. They reveal areas where you excel and pinpoint topics that need more attention. By analysing your performance after each mock test, you can identify gaps and change your strategy to address those weaknesses.
- Build Test-Taking Confidence: Taking mock tests regularly exposes you to a variety of question types and helps you develop effective test-taking strategies. As you experience success on these practice tests, your confidence in tackling the real GRE test grows.
Also read – How to Find the Perfect Study Abroad Program
Comparison of Popular Mock Test Providers
Selecting the most suitable provider for GRE mock tests is crucial to gaining a clear picture of your GRE skills. This analysis will walk you through the distinctive features, strengths, and potential drawbacks of three prominent providers:
ETS PowerPrep Practise Test
PowerPrep practise tests are available on the ETS website, and it is the same organisation that administers the GRE, which makes it the best mock test provider for the GRE. They’ll show you exactly what kind of questions you’ll face, introduce you to different question formats, and even let you try out the on-screen calculator you’ll get on test day. Plus, PowerPrep uses user-friendly features, so you’ll be comfortable moving between questions and changing answers during the real exam. PowerPlus Online provides three tests at $39.95 per practice test.
Advantages:
- The most similar experience to the real GRE in terms of questions and the appearance of the interface.
- Exams are adaptive by section, making your final score more precise compared to a non-adaptive test.
- The computerised interface mirrors the actual exam day, enabling you to familiarise yourself with the GRE test layout.
Disadvantages:
- Only an answer key is provided, and there are no explanations on how to solve problems.
- Analytical Writing scores are not available.
Manhattan GRE Practice Test
If you are looking for a top-notch resource to practice for the GRE, look no further than Manhattan Prep’s free GRE test. While it’s not an official ETS exam, it’s widely considered one of the best available unofficial options. The quality of the practice questions is impressive for a non-official resource, and the format closely mirrors the actual GRE you’ll attempt on test day. But the benefits continue beyond there. Manhattan Prep’s free GRE mock test gives in-depth explanations. This makes it a fantastic tool for understanding your mistakes and strengthening your knowledge.
Advantages:
- Questions resemble actual GRE questions.
- The exam is section adaptive.
- Deep analysis of answers.
- The interface is similar to the actual GRE.
Disadvantages:
- They ask you to create a Manhattan Prep account to get access to the test.
- Some questions are more difficult than what you’d see on the actual GRE, which can make you nervous.
Princeton Review Free GRE Practice Test
If you want to try a practice test for free, you can find one on Princeton Review. You need to make a free account, but you’ll only have two weeks to take the test. The questions are like the real GRE. Once you finish, you’ll get a basic score report that shows your strengths and weaknesses. This helps you see what you need to study more before the real GRE test.
Advantages
- Questions are similar to real GRE questions.
- The interface is similar to what you’ll see on test day.
- After you take the test, you’ll get a basic analysis of it, and they will tell you where you need to improve and which is your strong subject.
Disadvantages
- No review option is provided.
- There are no answer explanations.
- Not section adaptive
- Some questions are a bit easier than the actual GRE.
Also read – Masters Abroad Top Courses Universities
Conclusion
GRE mock tests are more valuable for learning than predicting your final score. The key is to analyse your mock results to identify weaknesses. By understanding your weak areas, you can focus your studying and turn those areas into strengths. Mocks also simulate the actual GRE experience.
They expose you to the test format, time constraints, and various exam questions for the GRE. This helps you track your progress and identify areas that need more attention before the real exam. So, mocks are learning tools, not score predictors. Use them to improve, not just guess your outcome.
FAQs
How many mock tests should students take before the GRE?
It is advised that students complete a minimum of 10 practice tests prior to taking the GRE. You can even attempt more if you have enough time before the exam. The goal is to do sufficient practice before an important event.
Which mock test is closest to the GRE?
PowerPrep tests are the closest one to the GRE as they are offered by ETS. They give in-depth explanations and are easy to use as well.
Where can you find a free mock test for the GRE?
The best free GRE mock tests are Manhattan Prep, PowerPrep, Princeton Review, Kaplan free GRE practice tests, etc.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
