The key in successful preparation for the Physics GRE is to intimately familiarize yourself with the test. The GRE Physics test website provides complete information on the test and its content. It also lists the breakdown of the topics tested. More than simply providing an overview of what to expect on the test, the breakdown also gives a scoring percentage and emphasis for each topic. This can further assist in your preparation as it can help you focus your time more on the topic that has more emphasis, such as classical mechanics which makes up about 20 percent of the test compared to laboratory methods which makes up about 6 percent.
Achieving success in any standardized test requires focused preparation and a commitment to tackle difficult and confusing issues and topics. This holds especially true for the GRE Physics test. Make sure you find the time to study. It is advisable to study everyday while testing yourself on the weekends. It is helpful to create a multi-week schedule at the onset that can be reasonably followed. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare and review before you rush to take the exam.
Take a diagnostic test. ETS offers a free actual test that can be downloaded online. The results of the test ought to point at areas which need the most work. After you identify your strengths and weaknesses, formulate a study plan that addresses your weaknesses. To prepare for the topics, select a well-established textbook in the field. You can ask your professor for this information. Most of the information should have already been covered in classes. Work your way through the ETS sample tests. This will assist in determining the level at which topics are tested. Furthermore, since no calculators are allowed, it is essential that you revise basic mathematics and practice doing calculations.
While the exam tests you on your knowledge of physics, it also tests you on your test taking capabilities. The most important elements are speed and endurance. In order to be successful, you will have to find a balance between both. The GRE Physics exam is a 3 hour, 100 question test. It is one thing to leisurely prepare and answer content questions; it is completely different to do so in a test environment under pressure. Prepare for this not only through practice tests but by studying for this amount of time without any distractions.
The most comprehensive study tools for the test include a combination of ETS sample tests and well established textbooks. If you wish, you can purchase study guides for this particular test. It is recommended that you read the reviews for each study guide as the consensus on their usefulness seems to differ. It is also a good idea to form a study group. A study group offers the opportunity to be exposed to other perspectives, alternatives and solutions.