MBA GRE Preparation

Embarking on the journey to pursue an MBA is a significant step, requiring dedication, strategic planning, and a solid performance on standardized tests like the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations). The GRE has become increasingly popular among MBA applicants, providing an alternative to the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) for many top business schools. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with the knowledge, strategies, and resources necessary to excel on the GRE and strengthen your MBA application. We’ll cover everything from understanding the test format to developing effective study habits, ultimately helping you achieve your desired score and unlock your MBA dreams.

Understanding the GRE for MBA Admissions

Before diving into preparation strategies, it’s crucial to understand why the GRE is relevant for MBA admissions and how it’s viewed by business schools. The GRE assesses a range of skills vital for success in graduate-level management programs, including analytical reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. Business schools use the GRE score as one factor among many to evaluate candidates’ academic readiness and potential for success in a rigorous MBA curriculum.

Why Choose the GRE over the GMAT?

The GMAT has traditionally been the preferred standardized test for MBA admissions. However, the GRE has gained traction in recent years as more business schools accept and even encourage GRE submissions. Several factors contribute to this shift:

• Wider Applicability: The GRE is accepted by a broader range of graduate programs than the GMAT. If you’re considering other graduate degrees alongside an MBA, preparing for the GRE might be more efficient.
• Less Focus on Business-Specific Knowledge: The GMAT is more heavily focused on business-specific concepts like accounting and finance. The GRE, on the other hand, assesses more general reasoning skills. Individuals from non-business backgrounds might find the GRE more approachable.
• Personal Preference: Some test-takers simply find the GRE format or question types more suited to their strengths. Taking a practice test of both the GRE and GMAT can help you determine which test aligns better with your skills and learning style.

How Business Schools View the GRE

Most top business schools now consider the GRE equivalent to the GMAT. They often publish the average GRE scores of admitted students, allowing applicants to gauge their competitiveness. While a high GRE score alone won’t guarantee admission, it can significantly strengthen your application, especially if other areas are less strong. It’s essential to research the specific GRE score expectations of the schools you’re targeting.

The GRE Test Format: A Detailed Overview

The GRE is a computer-based, standardized test administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service). It consists of three main sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Understanding the structure and content of each section is crucial for effective preparation.

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

The AWA section assesses your critical thinking and analytical writing skills. It consists of two essay tasks:

• Issue Essay: You’re presented with a general interest topic and asked to articulate your perspective on the issue, providing supporting evidence and reasoning. You have 30 minutes to complete this essay.
• Argument Essay: You’re presented with an argument and asked to analyze its logical flaws. You need to identify the assumptions, weaknesses, and potential counterarguments. You have 30 minutes to complete this essay.

The AWA section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments. While not as heavily weighted as the other sections by most MBA programs, a strong AWA score demonstrates your ability to think critically and communicate effectively, which are highly valued skills in business.

Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section assesses your ability to understand and analyze written material. It includes three types of questions:

• Reading Comprehension: These questions test your ability to understand and analyze passages of varying lengths and complexities. You’ll be asked questions about the main idea, supporting details, inferences, and the author’s tone and purpose.
• Text Completion: These questions present a passage with one or more blanks. You need to choose the word or words that best fit the context of the passage, using vocabulary and reasoning skills.
• Sentence Equivalence: These questions present a single sentence with one blank. You need to choose two words from a list of six that, when inserted into the blank, produce sentences with similar meanings.

The Verbal Reasoning section is scored on a scale of 130 to 170, in 1-point increments. A strong verbal score is crucial for success in an MBA program, as it demonstrates your ability to comprehend complex business texts, participate in discussions, and communicate effectively in writing and orally.

Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section assesses your mathematical reasoning skills. It covers topics typically taught in high school, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The question types include:

• Quantitative Comparison: These questions present two quantities, A and B, and ask you to determine which quantity is greater, whether they are equal, or whether the relationship cannot be determined from the given information.
• Multiple Choice: These questions present a problem with five answer choices. You need to choose the correct answer.
• Numeric Entry: These questions require you to enter a numerical answer into a box.

The Quantitative Reasoning section is also scored on a scale of 130 to 170, in 1-point increments. While the math content may not be advanced, the GRE often tests your ability to apply fundamental concepts in creative and challenging ways. A strong quantitative score is essential for MBA admissions, as it demonstrates your ability to analyze data, solve problems, and make informed decisions.

Experimental Section

The GRE includes an unscored experimental section, which can be either Verbal Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning. This section is used by ETS to test out new questions for future exams. You won’t know which section is experimental, so it’s crucial to treat every section seriously.

Research Section (Optional)

The GRE may also include an unscored research section at the end of the exam. This section is used by ETS to gather data for research purposes. Participation is optional.

Scoring and Reporting

Your GRE score is based on your performance on the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. The AWA score is reported separately. You’ll receive your official score report online within 10-15 days after taking the exam. You can choose to send your scores to the business schools you’re applying to. It’s important to note that ETS offers a ScoreSelect option, which allows you to choose which scores to send to schools. This means you can retake the GRE if you’re not satisfied with your initial score and only send the scores you’re happy with.

Developing a Winning GRE Study Plan

Effective GRE preparation requires a structured study plan that addresses your strengths and weaknesses. The ideal study plan will vary depending on your background, learning style, and target score. However, here are some general guidelines to help you create a winning plan:

Assess Your Baseline

Before starting your preparation, take a practice GRE test to assess your current skill level. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses in each section and determine how much time you need to dedicate to each area. ETS offers free practice tests on its website, and several other test preparation companies offer full-length practice tests.

Set Realistic Goals

Determine your target GRE score based on the average scores of admitted students at the business schools you’re targeting. Be realistic about your goals and set achievable milestones along the way. It’s better to aim for a slightly lower score that you can confidently achieve than to set an unrealistic goal that leads to frustration and discouragement.

Allocate Your Study Time

Divide your study time among the three sections of the GRE, focusing on your areas of weakness. If you struggle with quantitative reasoning, dedicate more time to math concepts and practice problems. If you struggle with verbal reasoning, focus on vocabulary building and reading comprehension strategies. A good rule of thumb is to allocate more time to the sections where you have the most room for improvement.

Choose the Right Study Materials

Select high-quality study materials that align with your learning style. ETS offers official GRE preparation materials, including practice tests, study guides, and sample questions. Several other test preparation companies offer comprehensive GRE courses, books, and online resources. Choose materials that are accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with the current GRE format.

Create a Study Schedule

Develop a detailed study schedule that outlines what you will study each day or week. Be specific about the topics you will cover, the practice problems you will solve, and the practice tests you will take. A structured schedule will help you stay on track and avoid procrastination. Aim to study consistently, even if it’s just for a few hours each day.

Practice Regularly

Consistent practice is essential for success on the GRE. Solve practice problems regularly to reinforce your understanding of the concepts and improve your problem-solving skills. Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual test experience. Analyze your mistakes and identify areas where you need to improve.

Review and Analyze Your Performance

Regularly review your performance on practice problems and practice tests. Identify your mistakes and analyze why you made them. Did you misunderstand the question? Did you make a careless error? Did you lack the necessary knowledge or skills? Understanding your mistakes is crucial for learning from them and avoiding them in the future.

Take Breaks and Avoid Burnout

Studying for the GRE can be demanding, so it’s essential to take breaks and avoid burnout. Schedule regular breaks during your study sessions to relax and recharge. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. Taking care of your physical and mental health will improve your focus and concentration, leading to more effective studying.

Seek Help When Needed

Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re struggling with the GRE. Consider working with a tutor, joining a study group, or taking a GRE preparation course. A tutor can provide personalized instruction and guidance, while a study group can offer support and motivation. A GRE preparation course can provide a structured learning environment and comprehensive coverage of the test material.

Strategies for Mastering Each GRE Section

While a comprehensive study plan is essential, mastering the GRE requires specific strategies for each section. Here are some proven techniques to help you excel in Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning:

Analytical Writing Strategies

• Understand the Scoring Rubric: Familiarize yourself with the criteria used to evaluate the AWA essays. ETS provides detailed scoring rubrics that outline the expectations for each score level.
• Practice Brainstorming: Before writing each essay, take a few minutes to brainstorm ideas and develop a clear outline. This will help you organize your thoughts and present a coherent argument.
• Develop a Strong Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement should clearly state your position on the issue or your analysis of the argument. It should be concise, focused, and arguable.
• Support Your Claims with Evidence: Provide specific examples, evidence, and reasoning to support your claims. Avoid making unsupported generalizations or relying on personal opinions.
• Analyze the Argument’s Assumptions: In the Argument essay, identify the assumptions underlying the argument and explain why they are flawed. Consider alternative explanations or counterarguments.
• Use Clear and Concise Language: Write in a clear, concise, and grammatically correct style. Avoid using jargon or overly complex sentence structures.
• Proofread Carefully: Take a few minutes at the end of each essay to proofread for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Practice Writing Under Timed Conditions: Practice writing essays under timed conditions to simulate the actual test experience. This will help you improve your speed and efficiency.

Verbal Reasoning Strategies

• Expand Your Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary is essential for success on the Verbal Reasoning section. Use flashcards, vocabulary lists, and online resources to learn new words and their definitions.
• Read Widely: Read a variety of materials, including newspapers, magazines, and books, to improve your reading comprehension skills. Pay attention to the main idea, supporting details, and the author’s tone and purpose.
• Practice Identifying the Main Idea: Practice identifying the main idea of passages and paragraphs. This will help you answer Reading Comprehension questions more effectively.
• Learn to Make Inferences: Practice making inferences based on the information presented in the passages. This will help you answer inference-based Reading Comprehension questions.
• Use Context Clues: Use context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words in Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions.
• Eliminate Incorrect Answer Choices: Use the process of elimination to narrow down the answer choices in Verbal Reasoning questions. Look for answer choices that are clearly incorrect or that don’t fit the context of the passage.
• Practice Identifying Transitions and Keywords: Pay attention to transition words (e.g., however, therefore, in addition) and keywords (e.g., although, because, since) that signal relationships between ideas in the passages.

Quantitative Reasoning Strategies

• Review Fundamental Math Concepts: Review the fundamental math concepts covered on the GRE, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
• Practice Solving Problems: Solve a variety of practice problems to reinforce your understanding of the concepts and improve your problem-solving skills.
• Learn Key Formulas and Theorems: Memorize key formulas and theorems that are frequently used on the GRE.
• Use the Process of Elimination: Use the process of elimination to narrow down the answer choices in Quantitative Reasoning questions. Look for answer choices that are clearly incorrect or that don’t make sense in the context of the problem.
• Estimate and Approximate: Estimate and approximate when possible to save time and avoid complex calculations.
• Draw Diagrams: Draw diagrams to help you visualize geometric problems.
• Check Your Work: Check your work carefully to avoid careless errors.
• Manage Your Time Wisely: Manage your time wisely on the Quantitative Reasoning section. Don’t spend too much time on any one question. If you’re stuck on a question, skip it and come back to it later.

Essential Resources for GRE Preparation

Numerous resources are available to help you prepare for the GRE. Here are some essential resources to consider:

Official GRE Resources from ETS

• The Official Guide to the GRE General Test: This book contains real GRE questions and explanations.
• Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions: This book contains practice questions specifically for the Verbal Reasoning section.
• Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions: This book contains practice questions specifically for the Quantitative Reasoning section.
• POWERPREP Online: These are official GRE practice tests that simulate the actual test experience.

Test Preparation Companies

• Manhattan Prep: Offers comprehensive GRE courses, books, and online resources.
• Kaplan: Offers GRE courses, books, and online resources.
• Princeton Review: Offers GRE courses, books, and online resources.
• Magoosh: Offers online GRE preparation with video lessons and practice questions.

Online Resources

• Khan Academy: Offers free video lessons and practice exercises covering a wide range of math topics.
• Quizlet: Offers flashcards and study sets for vocabulary building.
• GRE Vocabulary Apps: Several apps are available to help you learn new vocabulary words on the go.
• Online Forums: Online forums, such as Reddit’s r/GRE, can be valuable for asking questions, sharing tips, and connecting with other test-takers.

Test-Taking Strategies for the GRE

Even with thorough preparation, test-taking strategies can significantly impact your performance on the GRE. Here are some key strategies to keep in mind on test day:

Pace Yourself

Manage your time effectively on each section of the GRE. Allocate a specific amount of time to each question and stick to your schedule. Don’t spend too much time on any one question. If you’re stuck, skip it and come back to it later.

Read Carefully

Read each question and answer choice carefully before making your selection. Pay attention to keywords and nuances in the wording. Avoid making assumptions or rushing to conclusions.

Eliminate Incorrect Answer Choices

Use the process of elimination to narrow down the answer choices. Look for answer choices that are clearly incorrect or that don’t fit the context of the question.

Make Educated Guesses

If you’re unsure of the answer to a question, make an educated guess. Try to eliminate as many incorrect answer choices as possible before guessing. Remember that there is no penalty for guessing on the GRE.

Stay Calm and Focused

Stay calm and focused during the test. If you start to feel anxious or stressed, take a deep breath and try to relax. Remember that you’ve prepared for this test and you’re capable of performing well.

Use Scratch Paper Effectively

Use the scratch paper provided to you effectively. Write down important information, draw diagrams, and work out problems. Keep your scratch paper organized so that you can easily refer back to it.

Review Your Answers

If you have time remaining at the end of a section, review your answers. Check for careless errors and make sure that you’ve answered all of the questions.

Overcoming Test Anxiety

Test anxiety is a common problem that can negatively impact your performance on the GRE. Here are some strategies for overcoming test anxiety:

Prepare Thoroughly

The best way to reduce test anxiety is to prepare thoroughly for the GRE. The more confident you are in your knowledge and skills, the less anxious you will feel on test day.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and visualization, to help you calm your nerves before and during the test.

Get Enough Sleep

Get enough sleep the night before the test. Being well-rested will improve your focus and concentration, making you less susceptible to anxiety.

Eat a Healthy Breakfast

Eat a healthy breakfast on the morning of the test. Avoid sugary foods and drinks that can cause energy crashes and anxiety.

Visualize Success

Visualize yourself succeeding on the GRE. Imagine yourself feeling confident, focused, and calm during the test. This can help you boost your self-esteem and reduce anxiety.

Challenge Negative Thoughts

Challenge negative thoughts that contribute to your anxiety. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. For example, instead of thinking “I’m going to fail this test,” think “I’m well-prepared and I can do this.”

The Importance of Mock Tests

Taking mock tests is an integral part of GRE preparation. These tests simulate the actual GRE environment, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the test format, pacing, and question types. Here’s why mock tests are so crucial:

Familiarization with the Test Format

Mock tests expose you to the structure of the GRE, including the number of sections, the time allotted for each section, and the types of questions you’ll encounter. This familiarity can reduce anxiety on test day.

Time Management Practice

Mock tests provide an opportunity to practice time management strategies under realistic conditions. You can learn to pace yourself effectively and avoid spending too much time on any one question.

Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

Mock tests help you identify your strengths and weaknesses in each section of the GRE. This allows you to focus your study efforts on the areas where you need the most improvement.

Assessing Progress

By taking mock tests throughout your preparation, you can track your progress and see how much you’ve improved over time. This can be motivating and help you stay on track with your study plan.

Simulating Test Day Conditions

Taking mock tests under timed conditions in a quiet environment can simulate the actual test day experience. This can help you get used to the pressure of the test and reduce anxiety on test day.

Building Endurance

The GRE is a long and demanding test. Taking mock tests can help you build the endurance you need to stay focused and alert throughout the entire exam.

Retaking the GRE

If you’re not satisfied with your initial GRE score, you can retake the test. ETS allows you to take the GRE up to five times within a 12-month period. However, it’s important to consider whether retaking the GRE is the right decision for you.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Before retaking the GRE, weigh the pros and cons carefully. Consider the following factors:

• Your Initial Score: How far away is your initial score from your target score? If you’re only a few points away, retaking the GRE might be worthwhile.
• Your Preparation: Did you prepare adequately for your initial test? If not, spending more time studying could significantly improve your score.
• Your Weaknesses: Have you identified and addressed your weaknesses? If you haven’t, retaking the GRE without addressing your weaknesses is unlikely to result in a significant improvement.
• Your Time and Resources: Do you have the time and resources to dedicate to preparing for the GRE again? Retaking the GRE requires significant time and effort.
• School Deadlines: Are you running out of time to apply to business schools? If so, retaking the GRE might not be feasible.

Improving Your Score

If you decide to retake the GRE, focus on improving your score in your areas of weakness. Review the concepts and strategies that you struggled with on your initial test. Practice solving more problems and take additional mock tests.

Taking Advantage of ScoreSelect

Remember that ETS offers a ScoreSelect option, which allows you to choose which scores to send to schools. This means you can retake the GRE and only send the scores you’re happy with.

Conclusion: Your Path to MBA Success Starts Here

Preparing for the GRE is a significant investment in your future MBA aspirations. By understanding the test format, developing a comprehensive study plan, mastering effective strategies, and utilizing the available resources, you can significantly improve your score and strengthen your application to top business schools. Remember to stay focused, motivated, and persistent throughout your preparation journey. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your desired score and unlock your MBA dreams. Good luck!