The GRE®, or Graduate Record Examination®, is a difficult exam that gauges whether a student is prepared to enter graduate school. Many graduate schools require that a student take this exam, but others do not, so you should first find out if the programs you are considering applying to require this exam in the first place. If the programs do require your GRE® scores, you should first enroll for the GRE® and begin preparing for it up to six months in advance. Enrolling in GRE® courses is a good way to get ready for this difficult exam, though it is important to consider different options for GRE® courses.
In-person GRE® courses are often available at community colleges and universities, so if you live near a school, check to see if any GRE® courses are offered in the immediate future. In-person classes are advantageous over online courses because you will be able to interact directly with the instructor, who will be able to answer your questions in real time. Be sure to note when the class meetings are, how many times the class will meet, and how much the course costs in relation to the number of class meetings. Take note, too, of how many practice exams will be given; these exams are extremely valuable because they allow you to become familiar with the content and format of the exam.
Online GRE® courses are a good option if you do not live near a college or university, or if you cannot make it to classes nearby that are held at a specific time. People who work full-time often opt for online GRE® courses for the convenience. Remember that online GRE® courses may not offer you the direct instruction that an in-person class will offer, though many online classes offer plenty of practice exams and thorough instruction. Be sure to read each website carefully to find out how the coursework will approach the exam, what resources will be available to you during the course, and how much the course costs.
Regardless of the format, you will need to pay close attention to each course's approach to the test. Some GRE® courses utilize specific tactics to best answer each question and score well on the test, while other courses will focus on entirely different test taking strategy. Research carefully to find the strategy you think will work best for you, and if possible, talk to other students who may have experience with any of the prep courses you are considering.
