GRE Preparation Checklist

Your Complete GRE Preparation Roadmap

Success on the GRE requires systematic preparation and careful planning. This comprehensive checklist covers everything from initial preparation through test day, ensuring you're fully prepared to achieve your target score.

3-6 Months Before Test Day

Initial Assessment & Planning

Take an official GRE practice test to establish baseline score Research target scores for your desired MBA programs Calculate score improvement needed (target score - baseline) Create a study schedule based on available hours per week Register for the GRE (book early for preferred dates/locations)

Study Materials & Resources

Purchase or download Official GRE Super Power Pack Get ETS Official GRE Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning books Sign up for GRE prep course or online platform if needed Download GRE vocabulary apps (Magoosh, Manhattan Prep) Create or obtain GRE math formula sheet

2-3 Months Before Test Day

Content Mastery Phase

Complete comprehensive review of all math concepts Master 500+ high-frequency GRE vocabulary words Practice reading comprehension with academic passages daily Complete practice problems for each question type Write practice essays for both Issue and Argument tasks

Strategy Development

Learn time management strategies for each section Develop approach for different question types Practice educated guessing techniques Master the on-screen calculator functions Create error log to track mistakes and patterns

1 Month Before Test Day

Intensive Practice Phase

Take full-length practice test every weekend Review all practice test mistakes thoroughly Focus extra practice on weak areas Time all practice sections to build stamina Practice experimental section scenarios

Test Logistics Preparation

Confirm test center location and parking options Plan test day route and timing Review test center rules and prohibited items Ensure ID is valid and name matches registration exactly Practice with GRE PowerPrep software interface

1 Week Before Test Day

Final Preparation

Take one final full-length practice test Review high-frequency vocabulary one last time Go over math formulas and shortcuts Practice essay outlines for common topics Begin adjusting sleep schedule if needed

Mental & Physical Preparation

Maintain regular exercise routine Practice relaxation techniques for test anxiety Eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated Avoid intensive studying 2 days before test Prepare test day snacks and water bottle

Night Before Test Day

Final Checklist

Print confirmation email and admission ticket Place valid photo ID with other test materials Prepare comfortable, layered clothing Set multiple alarms for morning Review test center address and directions Get 7-8 hours of sleep (go to bed early)

Test Day Morning

Pre-Test Routine

Wake up at least 2 hours before leaving Eat a balanced breakfast with protein Do light exercise or stretching Review a few vocabulary words or formulas (optional) Pack snacks, water, and extra layers Leave early to arrive 30 minutes before test time

At the Test Center

Check-In Process

Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in Present ID and confirmation to staff Store personal items in assigned locker Complete biometric check-in procedures Use restroom before entering test room Accept scratch paper and pencils from proctor

During the Test

Complete tutorial section to get comfortable Manage time carefully - wear allowed watch Take offered 10-minute break after 3rd section Stay calm if experimental section seems difficult Answer every question (no penalty for guessing) Review flagged questions if time permits

After the Test

Post-Test Actions

View unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores Decide whether to report or cancel scores Select up to 4 schools for free score reports Collect belongings from locker Note test date for official score release (10-15 days) Celebrate completing the GRE!

Score Review & Next Steps

Results Analysis

Compare scores to target school requirements
Evaluate percentile rankings for context
Determine if retake is necessary (wait 21 days minimum)
Order additional score reports if needed ($27 per recipient)
Update MBA application timeline accordingly

Important Reminders

Test Frequency: Can take GRE once every 21 days, up to 5 times per year
Score Validity: Scores are valid for 5 years
ScoreSelect Option: Choose which scores to send to schools
Section Order: GRE always starts with Analytical Writing
Test Duration: Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes total

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