It’s common practice to prepare for the GRE during the summer and take the general test either at the end of summer or beginning of fall. If necessary, a student can choose to re-take the general test a month after their first attempt if the first score isn’t adequate and they believe it can be improved upon. If for some reason there is a major problem during the first test, a student can choose to cancel their scores and not have them reported. This is rarely necessary.

Scores are kept for five years, and if a student takes the test multiple times they can choose which scores are sent to their school(s), or choose to send all of them.

The following web information was compiled by the CLAS Advising Center for students preparing for the GRE. There’s an expansive overview on how to prepare for the GRE and it’s strongly advised for students taking the GRE to look it over at the following link: Getting Ready for the GRE.

With regards to studying for the GRE there are many ways to go about it, and below is an overview of potential options.

(1) On the computers in the computer labs, check the psychology folder, and there are a few GRE practice tests there that students can take. Take one, and with that score, study using approaches below, and then take another test at the end of studying to get an idea of progress before the actual test.

(2) The GRE website also offers some practice materials for free. Looking under the General test, they have lots of sample questions. They also have GRE Powerprep software that can be downloaded for free. It has a collection of free practice materials and two full length computerized tests that are copies of older versions of the GRE tests that students can take. It’s suggested to take one right at the start, just to get an idea of how scores look before beginning to study. This will also help to identify what a student’s strengths and weaknesses are to narrow the focus of studying.

(3) Stanley Kaplan has courses for the GRE at https://www.kaptest.com/gre. They range from $449-$1,299 and include both classroom and online options. Also available is a “quiz bank” online for $99. This is a reputable organization and their courses are very good. They also have some free practice material at this website that might be useful as well.

The Kaplan “crash course” (28 day on line course) or “quiz bank” are especially worth considering—particularly the crash course, if a student is running out of time. However, check first to see what can be received cheaply and quickly as a book, and then maybe add those options if needed. If a student decides just to go with the Kaplan online study option, which would be the fastest of the options, it’s suggested to combine it with the GRE free materials, possibly some sort of study book, and possibly the Kaplan quiz bank or least expensive course options to give more practice with the exam on the computer or more practice questions if necessary. This probably is more than a student would need, but one could pick and choose from each resource as studying progresses.

Kaplan also makes study guide books. They are very helpful, and much cheaper— starting around $22 with the practice tests. For more options search “GRE prep Kaplan” on the Barnes and Noble website. The Kaplan website might also have other materials that would be useful (a few are free).

(4) The books and the “crash course” online (above) will offer general strategies for improving that could be very helpful. Those strategies are often not available through the GRE website.

Generally, studying improves math scores more than vocabulary scores. If a student prefers to use flash cards to learn vocabulary, Google “free flash cards” and there are plenty of places to make personalized flash cards.

If a student is rusty on Geometry formulas, Cliff notes Geometry books are a useful reference. Search “Cliffs Notes geometry” at the Barnes and Noble website —the GRE is mostly basic math plus algebra and geometry (not trigonometry or higher-level math).

Download this page as a PDF: GRE Preparation