Helpful advice for taking the GREs?

[chickpea]

I''m taking the GREs next Monday, and though I''ve been studying for the last month I''m still pretty stressed about the whole thing

I think I''ve prepared as well as I can for the Verbal and Quantitative sections. Plus the fact that those sections are multiple choice is actually somewhat comforting. On the other hand, the Analytical Writing portion has me feeling totally apprehensive.

Generally I''d consider myself a good writer, but I''m most certainly not a fast one. I tend to (over) think my words, so the short time-limits have me worried... plus I''m afraid I''ll freeze up and not be able to think of a single good example to support my argument.

Does anyone have some been-there-done-that advice for how to tackle this section of the exam (and my irrational fear of it)? Or even tips for how to handle the exam in general? I don''t have any close friends that have taken the GRE, so I haven''t heard a personal account of what to expect. Any words of wisdom would be much appreciated.

TIA

 

[ang3199]

Hi Chickpea! You''ll be fine I''m sure. Just make sure you budget your time before that section. I found that I had time left over and was just sitting there. But I do tend to fly through exams.

If you are a good writer just have faith in that and you''ll do fine. Don''t second guess yourself, relax, and breathe....it will all be over soon!

 

[neatfreak]

I think the writing section was the easiest part personally. They are looking for a very formulaic essay, so make sure you follow the "traditional" essay format, and make sure you develop and defend your argument properly, and you will be totally fine. They are really looking for structure.

 

[chickpea]

Thanks gals

I need all the reassurance I can get right now.

Neatfreak, I'm glad to hear you thought the writing part was the easiest. In all the study guides I've read, they also advocate a formulaic approach, which I'll be sure to follow!

Any other PS pearls of wisdom?

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 11/25/2008 9:31:46 PM
Author: chickpea
Thanks gals

I need all the reassurance I can get right now.


Neatfreak, I''m glad to hear you thought the writing part was the easiest. In all the study guides I''ve read, they also advocate a formulaic approach, which I''ll be sure to follow!


Any other PS pearls of wisdom?

Dress in layers so you can peel off clothing or add clothing depending on the room temp! Being uncomfortably hot or cold is one quick way to lose focus.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 11/25/2008 7:46:49 PM
Author: neatfreak
I think the writing section was the easiest part personally. They are looking for a very formulaic essay, so make sure you follow the ''traditional'' essay format, and make sure you develop and defend your argument properly, and you will be totally fine. They are really looking for structure.

Ditto to NF - the writing is extremely formulaic - just follow the guidelines set out in the Princeton review or similar study guide and I''m sure you''ll do great.

One thing that I find helps me when thinking about arguments and supporting/refuting things logically, is to literally say, in my head "what evidence would support this?" or "what would I need to see that would refute this" and then come up with the actual simplistic phrase that describes how it supports or refutes. You might take a look at the critical reasoning sections for practice on doing this.

I''m sure you''ll do great - just try to stay as relaxed as possible, and get a good night''s sleep and have a good breakfast beforehand.

Good luck!!

 

[JSM]

I''m sure you''ll be fine - you''ve been studying!

I didn''t bother and my scores reflected it.

I did well enough to get into grad school but not up to my abilities!

I agree that the writing section was easiest. Do your best to let your response FLOW. Lots of sleep and a good meal the night before, and I''m sure you''ll do great!

 

[chickpea]

Thanks for reminding me about layers, neatfreak. I always forget that.

Funny story, today I was chatting with a friend (much older than I) who is a distinguished academic and highly respected in her field. She said that to counter her own nerves before an exam, she used to get dressed up in heels and makeup and just pretend she was going on a Saturday night date! It distracted her from worrying too much about the exam, and helped with confidence levels too. I just might try that

AmberGretchen and jsm, thanks for the advice and votes of confidence!

I just took my first computer-adaptive practice exam on the PowerPrep DVD and scored well on the verbal and math sections. That''s a relief. If only the writing were scored... I know you can pay GRE to score practice essays, but that takes time and I like the instant gratification of scores that pop up on screen immediately after the test