Self Discipline: The Key to Doing Well on the GRE

Over 600,000 individuals take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) every year. However, only a small percentage of the examinees are happy with their results. Just like any other major exam, the GRE requires intensive preparation. But more than just academic preparation, it also requires a lot of self-discipline. No matter how strong your will is to succeed, if you do not allot enough time to prepare for it, succeeding on the GRE will not be easy.
1.    Make schedule and stick to it. Most GRE examinees start their review at least 2 months before the actual exam day. However, you always have the option to start your review as early as you want. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you allot enough time to study each section. The GRE exam is composed of different sections and each section is administered with a certain style and pattern. Determine how much time you have for the review then divide your time to master each section in the GRE. Post your schedule in an area which you see every day and ensure that you follow your schedule strictly. Tell your friends that you are studying.  This “social commitment” will help you stick to your schedule.  Plus, the support of your friends will be of great help!

2.    Allot a few minutes of your time to the GRE prep every day. Most of the questions in the GRE are based on the lessons that you've learned in school. Finding time to refresh your mind on your previous lessons will make things easier for you. Spend at least 15 minutes of your time before you sleep to review the GRE. 

3.    Get in the right frame of mind.  Setting the right mindset for the test is the most difficult challenge for most examinees. But this is not what the GRE is all about. If you want to succeed, you will need to enforce a disciplined and timely execution of your study plan. This includes changing your lifestyle temporarily. Forget your weekend parties in the mean time and allot the time for your GRE review instead. 

Giving enough time for your GRE preparation helps you achieve a good score. But more than that, enforcing self discipline to efficiently go through every step of your study plan is also very important. Limit your social activities.  Find friends who will support you during this process.  These lifestyle changes are temporary; doing well on the GRE can improve your career and life.