“If you have absolutely no clue, then B is probably the answer,” claims Ann Nelson, Director of Career Services at Dana College. Nelson is referring to one of the most grueling tests known to college students. The Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is one of the most intense tests anyone can take. It is the exam that allows a person to get accepted into a graduate program of choice. Graduate programs look at a GRE score and evaluate how a student might succeed in their program. The scores are very important to anyone who wants to complete an M.A. or a PhD.

The first thing that needs to be done in preparation for the GRE’s is to make a list of graduate programs that you are interested in. Research the programs and find out what is required for the application process. This is important, because some programs do not require a GRE score for admission into their program. If the program requires a score, then you must prepare to take the test

The first step in training for the GRE’s is taking a practice test. Lori Nielsen, Director of Learning Resources at Dana College, recommends taking the practice test so that “you can familiarize yourself with the breadth and depth of material on the test.”

The practice test can be taken at most college campuses that have a master’s program or higher. The practice test usually consists of three parts, math, English composition, and vocabulary. The practice test is only about half as long as the real test. It should take no more than 2 hours to complete, after which you will be mailed a score in about 2 to 3 weeks.

It is not recommended that you study before the practice exam. “Don’t start preparing too early, pace yourself,” says Nielsen. It is common for some students to burn out before taking the final GRE. There is virtually no way to know what is going to be on the test. The practice test allows you to feel out what your strengths and weaknesses are. After you take the practice test, you can start studying for the real one.

After you realize what you strengths and weaknesses are, you will need to gather study material on those subjects. “Stick with the GRE companies” says Nielsen. GRE companies such as Kaplan, Powerscore, and ETS specialize in publishing material for GRE preparation. It is also a good idea to “talk to a professor,” says Nielsen. This might be more difficult as professors are generally not as accessible as reading material. “Bone up on vocabulary, the Readers Digest word quiz is a great way to bone up,” says Nelson.

While studying for the test, the best course of action is to make a schedule of what you will study and when you will study it. The schedule allows you to stay on task and get just the right amount of studying in the specific areas.

There are also practice tests available online. These tests are not as exact as the practice test given at accredited colleges, but they are handy throughout the studying process as supplemental tools. Most of these tests are free and can be accessed through any of the major GRE companies.

After several weeks of studying, you will be ready to take the GRE. Contact one of the local accredited colleges in your area or testing centers to make a date. It is important that two days prior to taking the test, you get enough sleep. It is also important that the morning of the test, you have a healthy breakfast. Make sure your environment and body are as stress free as possible.

The GRE is an intense test that takes ample preparation. In talking about her experience, Nielsen said that “It was humbling to find out how much you don’t know, but it was also rewarding to see how much you do know.”