The best way to study from a GRE® word list depends on the person. People often learn differently, and methods that work for one person may not work for another. Even so, it is generally true that a person learns better by preparing early rather than cramming. Making knowledge of the words on the GRE® word list natural rather than memorizing them independent of sentences can also be very helpful. If someone has had success learning new words in a specific way in the past, sticking to that method may be the best strategy.
Learning words for the GRE® should begin long before the actual test date. The more integrated the words from the GRE® word list are with a person's existing vocabulary, the more likely that person will be able to recall the meaning of the words on the test date. Ideally, preparations will begin several months in advance, but several weeks can be sufficient.
Many people find that flash cards are a great way to learn new vocabulary. It is possible to make flash cards from index cards or to make them on a computer. Learning from flash cards can make it difficult to call up the words in context, so using the words in sentences is also important. Teaching the brain to recognize the words from the GRE® word list in many different activities is usually the best way to learn them thoroughly.
Some people learn better using sound. For these people, repeating words from a tape may be a better option. Another common style of learning is learning through writing. In this case, writing out the words multiple times can be helpful.
When a person has difficulty remembering words from a GRE® word list, a change in strategy may be in order. Working harder is not always as good as working smarter. If one method proves ineffective, a different method may work better. It is important, however, to recognize when one is procrastinating by perfecting one's study method rather than actually working.
People with lots of experience studying may have a method that has worked before when trying to acquire new knowledge, particularly in foreign languages. Learning from a GRE® word list is no different than this type of learning, and if a method has worked in the past, it is reasonable to assume it might work again. Sticking with comfortable methods can be a good strategy because preparing to learn should take as little time as possible. Using a method with which someone is familiar takes the focus off the study method and puts it on learning the material.