Familiarize yourself with all of the different parts of the exam. Both exams consist of three sections: analytical writing, quantitative and verbal. It is important to know what types of questions will be asked in each section and in what format they will be presented. Keep in mind, too, that each part is timed.
Learn about how the exam is scored. Each section is worth varying amounts that are then added to compute the composite number. Often it is only the composite number, ranging from 200 to 800 in increments of 10, that you will be reporting to the school.
Research how your score on the exam will influence your admission into the graduate programs that you are most interested in. Some programs more heavily weigh your score on the exam than others. It will help you determine how much time to dedicate to each portion of the test if you know how your school of choice will use your performance. You can find out this information from school materials or by making a phone call to the admissions office.
Complete practice exams before taking the real thing. There are practice exams accessible to you online and in printed GRE and GMAT materials. The more times you successfully complete a practice test, the more confidence you will have when taking the one that counts.
Combine both the knowledge and skills you acquired during your preparation for this exam. While preparing for the exam, you will not only develop specific knowledge, but strategies for successfully completing the exam.