Understand the test format. The GRE is divided into three sections: analytical writing, quantitative and verbal. The analytical writing section asks you to write two essays. The first is an issues essay, the second an argument essay. The quantitative section consists of 28 basic math and data analysis questions. The verbal section consists of 30 comprehension questions in the form of analogies, antonyms and sentence completion exercises.
Understand the testing process. The GRE is a timed, computerized test. You'll first complete the analytical writing portion. You will be given 30 minutes to complete your issue essay and 45 minutes to complete your argument essay. You'll have 45 minutes to complete the 28 quantitative math questions, then 30 minutes for the 30 verbal questions.
Take a GRE practice test. Download free practice tests from the official GRE website or buy practice GRE tests from your college bookstore or testing preparation companies. Time yourself appropriately and use the test to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Use GRE study materials to strengthen your weak areas. Download the free GRE study software package, complete with review materials from the official GRE website or purchase its more intensive preparation packages. You can also buy GRE test prep packages from test preparation companies, bookstores and test prep websites.
Write practice essays and have them scored with feedback from GRE test professionals. This service costs $13 and is offered by the official company that administers the GRE. Evaluate all your feedback to help you understand how to write a stronger essay.
Take a GRE prep course. Check colleges in your area for availability. These are usually brief refresher courses and have the benefit of allowing you to ask your instructor questions and work through difficult problems with your peers.
Take another GRE practice test to gauge your improvement. If you've spent adequate time preparing for the GRE, this test should show marked improvement from your pre-prep practice test and should serve as a general indicator of how well you will perform on the real test.