GRE ^® CAT test prep tips and resources

Antonyms - Keep in mind that many words have more than one meaning. If no choice seems to have the opposite meaning, think of other meanings for the question word.

Analogies - Because the questions are so short, use analogies as a time saver. If you can do them quickly (and correctly!) you will have more time to spend on the lengthier reading comprehension questions. If you are having trouble determining the relationship of the first pair of words, try examining them in reverse order. But remember, you must then look at the answer choices the same way!

Sentence completion - Don’t look at the choices until you’ve read the sentence and tried to guess what the missing word or words should be. Then scan the answers, looking for the one that means the same as your guess.

Reading comprehension - Read the questions first; that way, you’ll quickly recognize important information when you read the passage.

Multiple-choice math - If the answer choices are close together (like 267, 369, 270, 272, and 273), you will need a fairly precise answer. If, however, they are far apart (like 110, 282, 468, 687, and 792), feel free to work with approximate numbers. You’ll probably come up with an answer that is close enough to pick the right answer.

Quantitative comparison - If both columns of a quantitative comparison contain the same variable, like x, try plugging in a few values for the unknown.

Analytical Writing assessment - Make some of your sentences fairly long and complicated in grammatical form, as we’ve done with the sentence you’re reading now. Keep others short, like this one. The changing rhythms of your writing will help keep your reader alert and interested and give your prose a snappy, intelligent tone.

GRE Test Prep Resources
GRE.org - GRE sample questions and info
Syvum.com - GRE test preparation practice exercises
Number2.com - free GRE practice tests