The Best GRE 10 Day Study Plan for Indian Students

The GRE is a very important step for most students seeking higher education, with the average score being 150 on both the Verbal and Quantitative tests. But the pressure of getting a good score can be too much, making most exam-takers feel that they are not prepared and nervous.

Having a good 10-day GRE study plan is crucial to ensure maximum performance and reach your desired score. Most students experience difficulty in balancing work, life, and GRE preparation, which usually leads to a random approach and frustration without understanding their progress.

With a systematic, strategic plan, you can master the GRE, score well in it and take a major leap forward towards your academic and professional aspirations.

How Does the GRE Exam Work?

The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is an overall test that assesses one’s preparation for graduate-level study. Unlike most undergraduate tests that concentrate on focused academic topics, the GRE is set up to test a wider array of skills and capabilities that are important to a graduate program.

Essentially, the GRE is a test of problem-solving and critical thinking. The test requires test-takers to apply their ability for logical inference, analytical reasoning, and effective communication.

Whether you want to study business, engineering, the humanities, or any other graduate field, the GRE measures the basic skills that will be vital for your academic as well as career development.

What Is The GRE Exam Structure?

The GRE is designed to examine a broad array of skills and knowledge required to excel in graduate-level courses. The test is split into three main sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.

Let’s demystify each section:

Quantitative Reasoning (QR)

The Quantitative Reasoning section tests your mathematical abilities and your capacity to comprehend and analyze quantitative data. It includes two 35-minute sections with 20 questions each.

A thorough GRE study plan for the Quantitative Reasoning section must include frequent practice questions and study of major mathematical concepts. The official GRE guide and other study materials can be utilized to this end.

Verbal Reasoning (VR)

The Verbal Reasoning section measures your ability to analyze and draw conclusions from discourse, understand the meanings of words and sentences, and understand relationships among words and concepts. This section also includes two 30-minute sections, each with 20 questions.

To prepare for the GRE Verbal Reasoning section, it’s essential to engage in regular reading, practice with official GRE questions, and use various study materials. Recognizing the format of each question type is key to bettering your score.

Analytical Writing (AW)

The Analytical Writing section contains two tasks: an “Issue” task and an “Argument” task. The Analytical Writing section has been developed to test your analytical writing and critical thinking skills. Both tasks in the Analytical Writing section are given 30 minutes each.

The preparation for the Analytical Writing section includes practicing to write essays based on different topics and receiving feedback to develop writing skills.

Here are the key aspects of the GRE exam structure:

Step-By-Step Guide For GRE 10 Day Study Plan

The following study plans incorporate the resources and strategies mentioned down below.

The plan is designed to balance all sections of the GRE, ensure thorough preparation, and make the most of the limited time available.

6 Expert Tips For GRE 10 Day Study Plan

Preparing for the GRE in just 10 days can seem like an impossible task. Many test takers find themselves in this situation due to various reasons—unexpected commitments, underestimating the preparation time, or simply deciding to take the GRE at the last minute.

The challenge is to make the most of the limited time available without feeling overwhelmed. Here’s how you can create an effective and realistic 10-day GRE study plan.

1. Take a Diagnostic Test

Start your preparation by taking a diagnostic GRE test. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses across different sections of the GRE. Use this initial test to gauge the amount of GRE material you need to study and to set realistic goals for each section of the GRE.

Knowing where you stand will allow you to allocate the right amount of GRE study time to each area.

2. Create a Study Schedule

Devote specific hours per day to each section of the GRE. For instance, spend two hours on GRE math, two hours on GRE reading comprehension, and one hour on GRE vocabulary. Balance your daily study sessions to ensure you cover all areas and maintain consistency.

A structured study plan for the GRE will help you manage your total study time efficiently and cover all necessary content within the week and a half you have.

3. Use Official GRE Materials

Rely on official GRE materials such as the GRE official guide and GRE PowerPrep to prepare for the test. These resources provide a realistic representation of what you’ll see on the GRE. Incorporate free GRE practice tests and GRE blogs for additional support.

Using the right materials is crucial to simulate the real GRE and to understand the type of GRE questions you’ll encounter.

4. Focus on High-Yield Topics

Prioritize studying high-yield topics that frequently appear on the GRE. For the quantitative section, concentrate on key areas like algebra, geometry, and data analysis. For the verbal section, work on GRE words, text completion, and sentence equivalence.

This targeted approach will help you maximize your study time and improve your score significantly.

5. Simulate Real Test Conditions

Complete at least one full-length GRE mock test under real test conditions. This means adhering to the timing and taking the test without interruptions. Simulating the actual GRE will help you build endurance and get a feel for the test format.

Make sure to review your performance and focus on areas needing improvement. Real test conditions will help you manage time and stress when you give your GRE.

6. Review and Refine

In the final two weeks, focus on refining your knowledge and test-taking strategies. Use your last practice test to identify any lingering weaknesses. Spend extra time on difficult concepts and practice with GRE vocab flashcards.

Ensure you are comfortable with the type of GRE questions you’ll encounter. The final review sessions should consolidate your learning and boost your confidence for the test date.

10 Books For GRE Study And Test Prep

Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that a high GRE score can be your golden ticket into top schools like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, University of Toronto, McGill, and UBC?

Whether you’re aiming for the Ivy Leagues in the USA, Russell Group universities in the UK, or research giants in Canada, your GRE prep matters just as much as your statement of purpose, personal statement, letter of recommendation, and resume. 

Books are invaluable resources and it is true in case of studying for the GRE. They provide comprehensive coverage of test topics, offer practice questions, and deliver strategies that can significantly boost your score.

Here are 10 books that can help you in your GRE study and test prep.

1. The Official Guide to the GRE Revised General Test by ETS

This is the most authoritative source for GRE preparation. Written by the test makers, it includes real test questions, detailed explanations, and two full-length practice tests. It’s an essential resource for understanding what you’ll see on the GRE.

2. Kaplan’s GRE Prep Plus 2024

Kaplan’s guide is known for its detailed strategies and test-taking tips. It includes five full-length practice tests, one of which is online, and over 500 practice questions. It also provides access to online resources and video tutorials.

3. Manhattan Prep’s 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems

This book is perfect for those looking to practice extensively. It contains over 1,800 practice problems covering all GRE sections. Detailed explanations and strategies accompany each question, making it a great resource for intensive practice sessions.

4. Princeton Review’s Cracking the GRE Premium 2024

This comprehensive guide offers six full-length practice tests, including one online. It provides thorough reviews of all GRE sections and includes access to online content like drills and additional practice questions.

5. Barron’s GRE

Barron’s GRE is known for its exhaustive content review and practice questions. It offers two full-length practice tests and a diagnostic test to help you identify areas of improvement. The book also includes a GRE vocabulary list and tips for tackling each section.

6. Magoosh GRE Book

Magoosh’s guide offers a streamlined approach to GRE preparation with clear explanations and strategies. It includes access to Magoosh’s online resources, which feature additional practice questions and video tutorials. This book is particularly useful for those looking for concise, targeted preparation.

7. The GRE Test For Dummies with Online Practice

This book provides a friendly, easy-to-understand approach to GRE prep. It includes six full-length practice tests and plenty of practice questions. The online component offers additional practice and customizable practice sets.

8. Manhattan Prep’s GRE Set of 8 Strategy Guides

This set of books is ideal for those who want an in-depth review of each GRE section. Each book focuses on a specific topic, such as GRE math, GRE quant or GRE reading comprehension, providing detailed strategies and practice questions.

9. PowerScore’s GRE Quantitative Reasoning Bible

This book gets deeper into the quantitative section of the GRE. It offers detailed explanations of math concepts and strategies for tackling quantitative comparison and data interpretation questions. It’s a great resource for those who need to improve their GRE math skills.

10. ETS’s GRE Big Book

The GRE Big Book, though older, is a collection of real types of questions from past exams. It includes 27 full-length GRE tests with detailed answers and explanations. This book is a goldmine for practice questions that reflect the actual GRE test.

Combine strong scores in GRE, GMAT, SAT, or ACT with top-notch IELTS or TOEFL results, and you’ve already unlocked half the doors.

Conclusion

So… it is not that hard to prepare for the GRE in just ten days or even 1 week if you have a solid plan. Focus on understanding your strengths and weaknesses, use official materials, and practice under real test conditions.

Keep a consistent and balanced study routine, take a practice test and make sure to review and refine your knowledge regularly for a good GRE score. Remember, quality study time and strategic practice are key to hitting your target score.

Studying for the GRE? You’re not alone—future scholars at Yale, Columbia, Princeton, Chicago, Caltech, Imperial College London, LSE, University of Edinburgh, University of Waterloo, Queen’s University, and the University of Alberta are flipping through prep books right now too. Ready to join them?

Stay focused, trust your preparation, and you’ll be ready to tackle the GRE with confidence. You’ve got this—good luck!

Master the GRE and take a significant step toward graduate school admission with Ambitio as your strategic partner. Our platform provides a comprehensive suite of resources, from expertly designed lessons to personalized feedback, all aimed at helping you secure a score that reflects your true academic ability.

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