
If you experience negative thoughts during the test, acknowledge them and counter them with facts. Researchers theorized that the students reassessed their stress as a challenge instead of as anxiety, thus reframing their reaction to the exam, which allowed for better concentration and performance. Those who did the mental exercise performed better on GRE math questions than before the instruction. In a study from Harvard University, researchers instructed a test group to reappraise their stress as a way to help them do well on the exam. Test anxiety can lower your overall performance. Despite having to do multiple activities that do not typically fall into your routine, you don't have to let the stress of the day affect your score.

Additionally, you must sit for the exam and remain focused for hours. You have to worry about getting to the testing facility on time and having your paperwork in order. On test day, you will have a lot of information going through your mind.

Tips for What to Do on Test Day to Reduce Anxiety If you already know the areas where you struggle but need one-on-one assistance with practicing those topics, private tutoring will be the best option. Taking a class that gives you practice on all parts of the test can help if you don't know where to start with your studies.
#DAY BEFORE GRE PROFESSIONAL#
GRE anxiety happens to everyone, and no one knows about the stress of the test better than professional test prep companies and their teachers. By being more deliberate in your studying and practice, you will use your time toward improving your score in areas you need it most. They also give you insight into the topics and question types you struggle with.įocus your studying on topics on which you do not perform strongly on for which you need a refresher. Practice tests do more than help you prepare for an hours-long GRE. The more comfortable you feel with sitting the entire test, the less GRE stress you will experience. You can do this on your own or find a test prep company to help you create the right testing environment.
#DAY BEFORE GRE FULL#
To do this, take as many full practice tests as possible with the official timing. When the GRE official test day arrives, you should approach it as just another practice test. Having a contingency plan for unexpected events, such as getting sick on test day, can help you relax when you think about the GRE. Learning about the test includes brushing up on the content as well as requirements for canceling your scores or rescheduling, if necessary. This method may differ from other tests you've taken, and unless you are familiar with it, it can cause unneeded stress. Instead of giving your answers on the computer or filling in bubbles on a separate answer sheet, you write them directly into your test booklet. The paper-based test scores all sections, but you will have five more questions per section compared to the computer-based test. Because the unscored section can be either verbal or math and given at any time during the multiple-choice portion of the exam, you will not know which part does not count toward your score. For example, the computer-based test has an additional unscored section that you will not have on the paper test. While the question types are the same for both, taking tests via both these methods differs. The GRE has two forms for its general test - computer-delivered and paper-based. The content and format of the exam are important factors to learn about. Not knowing what to expect can increase the anxiety you feel due to fear of the unknown. When you feel ready for the GRE, you won't be as anxious on test day. Instead, prepare yourself well for the test and get a lot of practice. The best advice for overcoming test anxiety is not to focus on the day of the exam.
#DAY BEFORE GRE HOW TO#
Tips for How to Prepare for the GRE to Help Reduce Anxiety Learn how to wield these tools before test day. Preparation, knowledge and relaxation skills will become your critical weapons in combating the fears accompanying the GRE. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your stress levels both before the exam and on the day of the test.

GRE test anxiety is a real phenomenon that can severely affect your performance.
