Study and become familiar with the format. The GRE consists of three sections: verbal, quantitative and analytical. The verbal section has 30 questions and allotted time is 30 minutes. The quantitative section consists of 28 questions, with 45 minutes allotted. The analytical section is divided into two tasks: argument and issue. The argument task is allotted 30 minutes for completion while the issue task is allotted 45 minutes.
Learn and understand the directions. Knowing how to complete each section will help reduce the amount of time spent reading directions and allow more time for answering questions. Understanding and memorizing the directions will also help ease the anxiety of what to expect.
Recognize the types of questions in the different formats. Each section consists of different formats and questions. Become familiar with them.
Practice. Before doing any other preparation, take a practice exam so you will know what to work on. The more practice time you devote to the GRE, the more comfortable you will be with the exam when it comes time to take the actual test. Practicing can also identify the sections and types of questions you will need to work on.
Practice exams are available for free online at www.ets.org. There are many other tests online and in GRE study guides.
Know what to work on. An individual may excel in some parts of the exam but struggle in others. Spend time preparing for those sections that you scored low in during the practice exam.
Many additional study guides for the specific sections are available to help practice and build skills.