how should i start preparing for GRE. does prepration for gre is enough for toefl also. i am currently pursuing B.Sc(H)biomedical sciences 2nd year. from delhi university

Asked by Dipanshu Wadhwa on 25 August 2008 at 11:13 AM.

Answered by Science Counsellor

Tips and Strategies for GRE preparation: * Know the sections of the test, the type of questions asked in each section, how long a section is and the time limit for each section. * Attempt as many GRE practice tests and GRE sample tests as possible, as they will familiarize with the general level of the questions that are asked in GRE exam and the directions for questions. * The instructions for attempting a question in the actual test may slightly differ from those given in your study material, so do skim through them quickly. * In the Analytical Writing assessment section, the Issue task allows you to choose one of the two given topics, analyze the issue and write your views on it. But beware; don't start writing pros and cons of the issue. Since, it is your views that have been asked for, be specific and write only about your viewpoints. * The second essay in the Writing Assessment section is the Argument task. It does not offer any choice. You will be given a topic, which you have to critically analyze and evaluate and determine whether it is well-reasoned or not. * Generally, each argument in the pool has three to five major logical fallacies or problems that you need to identify and point out. These may include drawing an analogy without taking difference in two cases into account, generalizing from a particular case or assuming one event caused another just because of the order in which they occurred. * GRE tries to adjust the test according to the level of the candidate. The first question is of medium level. If you answer it correctly, you will be asked harder questions. The incorrect answer will lead you to easier questions. * Hard questions have more points than the easier ones. So, irrespective of the number of questions you attempt, you will fetch more scores if you attempting harder questions. Since the answer to the first question often determines the level of the test you will be attempting, it is very important to give right answer to the very first question of the test. * In computer adaptive test, you cannot return to a question or review it later, so check it thoroughly before you submit it. * Optimizing time is very important in GRE. You should be aware how much time you can devote on one question. You need to set your pace right. Rushing or sticking to a question for too long will cost you valuable scores. * Sometimes, you will find a question similar to what has already been asked in the test or in another section of the test. However, often these questions have substantial or subtle modifications and require different answer. So, pay close attention to the wording of each question before you decide on an answer. * Lastly, you may consider canceling the test scores immediately after taking the GRE exam or quit the exam, so that the scores do not get noted in your permanent record. Unfortunately, you have to do it before you can see the test scores and the fees of the exam will not be refunded. This will also mean that you will have to gain register for the exam and pay the fee, to be able to re-take the exam and send the GRE scores to your chosen universities. * If you do cancel your GRE scores, this will be noted in your official GRE score report. GRE (Graduate record examination) is different as compared to TOEFL and requires different preparation. For any information regarding TOEFL, Click here For any information regarding GRE, Click here