My thoughts on GRE

After having performed decently in GRE it's easy for me to tell people not to dread GRE, that I despite not that huge an effort got a decent score; but I understand the fear this particular standardized test creates in the minds of prospective grad students. It is true you need not be an Einstein to crack GRE. Also a good GRE score by no means converts into a successful grad school performance. But by saying that doesn't mean GRE can be replaced with a better gauge any time soon.

I think with good pacing skills the quantitative section can be a cakewalk. The difficult part is the the verbal section. In order to get a good verbal score, a good vocabulary is a must. And a good vocab is a cumulative thing. Keeping that in mind, the coaching manuals tell you to put to memory just few words a day and prepare way ahead of the test date because if not, at the test day with the blood rushing to your head the meanings will never show up and without that it's impossible to do most of the verbal section. But then what's the best time to start building your vocab? I think there is no such thing like the best time; the earlier the better. Try to read good books and make a habit of looking up in the dictionary for the meanings. There is an adage that goes like this: Early birds catch the worms.

Good Luck