Time Management Strategies for the GRE Test Day

On the day of the GRE, effective time management is key to performing well and ensuring you complete every section within the allotted time. With only 1 hour and 58 minutes to tackle all the questions, it's essential to approach the exam with a clear strategy. If you're going through GRE exam prep, a solid time management plan can help maximize your performance and reduce stress. Here's a breakdown of the exam sections and strategies to ensure you're managing your time effectively.

Understand the Time Allocation

The GRE consists of several sections, each with its own time limits:-

• Analytical Writing (30 minutes): You will have 30 minutes to complete this section, which has one task named “Analyze an issue.”
• Verbal Reasoning:
  • First section (18 minutes): The first verbal reasoning section contains 12 questions, and you need to answer them in 18 minutes.
  • Second section (23 minutes): The second verbal reasoning section contains 15 questions but gives you 23 minutes to answer them.
• Quantitative Reasoning:
  • First section (21 minutes): This section includes 12 questions, and you have 21 minutes to complete it.
  • Second section (26 minutes): The second quantitative reasoning section contains 15 questions, with 26 minutes for completion.

Pre-Exam Strategy: Practice Time Management

The key to mastering time management on test day starts with your GRE exam prep. Practice using full-length mock tests to get used to the time limits of each section. If you are using GRE exam prep courses, many will include timed practice tests that simulate the actual exam conditions. These practice tests are crucial for building your stamina and understanding how to pace yourself.

When using GRE exam preparation online, ensure you utilize timed practice exams and regularly track how much time you're spending on each question. Focus on maintaining a steady pace that allows you to answer all questions without rushing or spending too much time on any one question.

Stay Focused on Pacing, Not Perfection

It’s easy to get bogged down in a question and lose track of time, especially on the more difficult sections. Remember, the goal of the GRE isn’t to get every question right, but to manage your time wisely. Staying on pace and moving forward is more important than solving every problem perfectly. If you find yourself stuck, don’t dwell on it—move on and come back later if time permits.

Use the Process of Elimination (POE)

A key strategy for speeding up your answers is the Process of Elimination (POE). In all sections of the GRE, especially verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning, eliminating obviously incorrect answer choices helps increase your chances of selecting the right answer quickly. Even if you’re not sure of the answer, POE can help you narrow down your choices and save valuable time.

Skip and Return Strategy

If a question is taking too long, don't be afraid to skip it and return to it later. It’s better to move on and complete the rest of the section than to get stuck on a single question. Mark difficult questions to revisit at the end of the section if time allows. This strategy ensures you don’t miss out on easier questions that could add to your score.

Monitor Your Time Throughout the Test

While you want to stay focused on the questions at hand, it's also important to keep an eye on the clock. Avoid constantly checking the time, but be aware of how much time has passed in each section. If you’re consistently ahead of schedule, you can take a brief pause to gather your thoughts. If you're falling behind, consider adjusting your pace to ensure you complete all the questions in time.

Don’t Overthink the Questions

The GRE is designed to test your reasoning skills, not your ability to overanalyze a problem. Many students lose time by overthinking the questions. Stick to your first instinct, and if you're unsure, move forward. Remember, POE is your ally in these situations.

Take Breaks Wisely

The GRE is a long exam, and your mental stamina plays a critical role. There are breaks between sections, and while it's important to recharge, don’t let the break take too much time. Use it to stretch, relax, and hydrate, but avoid wasting time or stressing over questions during this time.

Review Your Answers

If you finish a section with time to spare, use the remaining minutes to review your answers. Focus on any questions you were unsure about and ensure that you didn’t overlook any details. This extra time can make a difference in catching mistakes that could affect your score.

Concluding Remarks

Time management is a critical skill on GRE test day, and with careful preparation, you can ensure you're fully equipped to handle each section within the given time limits. Whether you’re preparing through GRE exam prep courses, using GRE exam preparation online, or practicing on your own, developing a time-efficient strategy is essential. Remember, balance speed with accuracy, and always stay focused on completing the exam on time. With consistent practice, these time management strategies will help you maximize your GRE score on test day. Jamboree offers a suitable environment for GRE test and exam preparation.