Register for the exam. You can register either online, by mail, by phone or by fax with Educational Testing Services (ETS), the administrator of the GRE examination. You will be given a selection of dates and times to take the test; register at least two months before the date you want, because testing dates fill up quickly. If you are taking the test as part of an admissions packet for a particular graduate school, make sure you are taking the test well in advance of your chosen school's deadline, to allow your scores enough time to be processed and mailed to your school. The test is available both in paper format and online, but both forms are not available in every location. If you have a preference, take this into account while scheduling your test.
Familiarize yourself with the format of the GRE exam. Everyone who takes the exam has to take the General test. Also, depending on the graduate program you are applying to, you might have to take a Subject test. Subject tests are offered in biochemistry, biology, biochemistry, computer science, literature, mathematics, physics and psychology. The General test consists of an analytical portion where you must write two essays, a verbal portion consisting of analogies, antonyms and sentence completion, and a quantitative portion consisting of high school and college math.
Study hard. The GRE test requires hours of study and preparation; ideally you should begin studying daily for the exam at least two months before you take the test. There are several study aids and guides for the GRE, available at libraries, bookstores and online. Take a practice test before you begin studying so you can see in which subjects you need the most help. Continue to give yourself practice tests before the exam so you can see how you are improving and where you still need additional assistance and preparation.
Don't stress yourself. The GRE is important, but your admission to graduate school won't be solely based on your GRE scores. Make sure all other areas of your application packet are strong.
Try not to cram during the examination days. A couple of days before the test, stop studying and relax. Get plenty of rest. The night before the test, get at least eight hours of sleep. Eat a healthy, balanced breakfast and bring nourishing, energy boosting foods for test breaks.
On testing day, arrive at least thirty minutes before your scheduled exam for check-in procedures. You will need to bring a current, valid, state or country issued identification with your picture and signature. The name on the id must exactly match the name under which you registered to take the exam or you will not be permitted to enter. If you are taking a paper test, you will also need to bring the admission ticket that was issued at the time of registration.