5 Last-Minute Tips for GMAT and GRE Test Prep

Standardized tests are miserable, especially when you’re studying last minute. (Take a deep breath, you can do this).

But depending on your graduate program of choice, you may be required to take them as part of the admissions process.

While some programs receive so many applicants that they use test scores as a screening tool, others may view test scores as a nice-to-have and focus on more holistic admissions practices.

(Note: every program will emphasize that they do holistic reviews, though).

All of that said, even if you’ve just decided to apply and are rushing to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination) for graduate school applications soon, there is still time to prepare.

These 5 test prep strategies for graduate school will help:

1. Prioritize the most commonly tested topics

2. Take practice tests under “real” conditions

3. Review your practice test mistakes… then review again

4. Use “flashcard” apps for quick review

5. Take care of your physical and mental health

Taking time to do each of these will help you maximize your limited time before the big test.

1. Prioritize the most commonly tested topics

The GMAT and GRE are the most widely-used standardized tests for graduate admissions, with the GMAT being geared toward those pursuing business-related degrees.

Here are the sections covered in each test, plus examples of where you can focus your study efforts for best results:

GMAT

• Sections: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal

• Where to focus your study efforts: solving math problems in cases where you have to decide if there’s enough information, how to think through logical arguments, and fixing grammatical errors in sentences

GRE

• Sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning

• Where to focus your study efforts: reading comprehension (make sure you fully understand what you’re just read), sentence completion (ex. similar to MadLibs, but the non-fun way), middle and early high school math (ex. algebra, geometry)

Yes, there are expensive courses and resources for test prep — however, if you’re applying to programs where test scores are not the determining factor of acceptance, you can get an acceptable score by deeply studying official guides and test prep books that are available at a fraction of the cost or free at your local library.

2. Take practice tests under “real” conditions

Whether you take the test online at home (yes, this is an option now thanks to Covid-19) or in a formal testing center, you can maximize your limited study time by setting aside a full morning or afternoon to do a trial-run with a practice test.

A few tips:

• Put your phone on Do Not Disturb mode, tell friends and family what you’re doing so they don’t worry when you’re unavailable that day

• Find a quiet, uninterrupted space — great options include rooms you can reserve at the library or an empty conference room in an office

• Start, end and take breaks at the exact times you would for a real test; there aren’t bonus 5 minute breaks during the real test

After the practice test(s):

• Reflect on your pace since this is crucial for both the GMAT and GRE- were there spots where you went too quickly or slowly? Take note and plan to adjust your timing when you take the actual test

3. Review your practice test mistakes… then review again

One of the benefits of taking a practice test is that you have access to the answers and can refer to your mistakes to make adjustments for the real test.

Review, review, review any missed answers to understand why the correct answer was correct, and why you chose a different answer.

Take note if there is a pattern of your missed answers on a certain topic.

Note: It’s actually great news if you’re consistently missing questions in one particular area, because it means you can focus your studying on a specific topic versus (*gestures widely*) all of the math.

4. Use “flashcard” apps for quick review

Years ago, studying with flashcards meant actually whipping out a deck of cards from the depths of your bag.

Fortunately, you now have the option of studying on your phone with virtual flashcards on apps like Quizlet (search for GMAT or GRE).

Want to spice up your day with studying?

Here are 9 unexpected times you can squeeze in a micro study session:

• While brushing your teeth

• Waiting for coffee to brew

• During commercials

• Standing in line at the grocery

• During your lunch break

• While cooking (bonus points for baking and treating yourself after)

• On your commute — not if you’re driving

• Waiting for a meeting to start

• On an elevator or escalator

5. Take care of your physical and mental health

If you treat your body and mind terribly in the days and weeks before the test, they won’t be ready for peak performance when you need it most.

This includes adequate sleep, food, body movement, and taking breaks to let your mind absorb what you’re studying.

(Remember, these tests are usually $200+ — don’t waste your money by not taking care of yourself beforehand)

If meditation helps you — or you’re ready to try it for the first time — check out these popular options on YouTube for procrastination and test anxiety:

• Meditation to Help Stop Procrastination (28 min)

• Exam Success Meditation (10 min)

TL;DR

If you’re taking the GMAT or GRE soon and want to maximize limited preparation time: focus on the most commonly covered topics for your test type, take practice tests with exact test and break times in an uninterrupted environment, review your missed questions and decide how to avoid similar mistakes, maximize 3–5 min blocks in your day with flashcard apps, and most importantly, take care of yourself mentally and physically before the test.

By living out these recommendations, you’ll increase your chances for a higher test score when the big day comes.

And remember:

Take deep breaths and appreciate yourself for being willing to take on this challenge to go back to graduate school. It’s not always easy but it’s 100% worth it.

You’ve got this!

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