One important test preparation strategy is to time your test date correctly. "Take the test as soon as possible so your scores will be received in time to be considered with your application," the ETS advises. Check test dates through the ETS online registration system. In 2011, ETS recommended taking your test before August to receive your scores before November. You can take the test up to five times in a 12-month period.
The ETS recommends learning about your test ahead of time, including updates to the test. For example, the GRE revised General Test, which will be offered after August 2011, features a new design allowing you to change answers, an on-screen calculator and new types of questions "many featuring real-life scenarios that reflect the kind of thinking you'll do in today's demanding graduate and business school programs." Discounts will be offered to those taking the test from August 1 through September 30.
The ETS offers sample questions to prepare you for the questions you will face on the official exam. You can take timed exams in analytical writing, which tests critical thinking and analytical writing skills. Check out the verbal reading sample questions, which fall under the categories of reading comprehension, test completion and sentence equivalence. Evaluate your math skills with the quantitative reasoning sample questions. You will be exposed to four categories: arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis.
More thorough test preparation is available with free test prep materials. You can download software for computer-based tests. You can obtain a CD from ETS if you do not have access to the Internet. Paper-based test takers can download a free practice book. PDFs are available explaining the different test sections, including a math review. In addition, you can find a link on the ETS website to strategies for taking the computer-based general GRE test. The site provides downloadable practice booklets for subject tests, such as biology, chemistry, computer science and psychology.