How To Score Well In GRE? : Guaranteed Tips From A 338/340 GRE Topper

Achieving a strong score on the GRE is crucial for anyone hoping to study abroad. Although various tips can be found online, learning directly from peers is often most effective. To help improve your GRE preparation, we spoke with a high achiever who scored 338 out of 340, sharing valuable perspectives on building an effective study strategy, approaching each section of the test, and more.

How do you feel about achieving such an impressive GRE score?

Thank you. It is certainly a great feeling. However, I still have a long way to go from here.

How long did you spend preparing for the exam, and could you provide a brief overview of your study plan?

I began serious preparation two months prior to the test. I spent the first month reviewing concepts and taking subject tests, while the second month was dedicated to full-length exams. Since my test was scheduled for March, I started studying in the final week of January. During the first month, I did not follow a strict study schedule and simply studied whenever possible. Between college festivals and midterm exams taking place at the same time, I could not devote massive amounts of time initially. Instead, I practiced questions during free lectures or study breaks with friends. In the final month, however, I committed about 6 hours daily to my studies, which included taking full-length practice tests.

Do you think coaching classes are necessary to clear the GRE?

That really depends on the individual. Coaching classes can offer helpful guidance, assistance with doubts, and help in structuring a study plan. Most importantly, they provide access to a wealth of study materials. There is also a certain level of motivation that comes from studying alongside peers. Beyond that, though, the actual work rests entirely on you, and no one else can do that part for you. Therefore, if you are self-driven and capable of planning effectively, there is no reason you cannot succeed without a coaching institute.

What preparation resources, such as books or software, did you use throughout your studies?

I utilized a wide range of books, including Manhattan Prep, Princeton, Kaplan, Barron's, NOVA, the 5 lb. book, and 1014 practice questions. You do not need to read every single book from cover to cover. It is smarter to select and study the chapters that are presented best in each specific book. Practicing tests from multiple sources is also beneficial because it exposes you to different question styles. Additionally, I referred to the free Magoosh notes for the verbal section. I did not purchase their paid course material, though I hear it is quite good.

You achieved a flawless score on the verbal section. How did you accomplish that?

I was pleasantly surprised by my verbal result. I did dedicate a bit more attention to verbal during my preparation period. Even so, earning such a high score in verbal is difficult with just a few months of targeted practice. I have maintained a strong reading habit since childhood, and I credit that background for my verbal score much more than my two months of formal preparation.

How did you approach the quantitative analysis portion?

Quant is not overly complicated since it mainly covers standard 10th-grade mathematics. As long as you put in a solid amount of practice, you should do well. If you happen to be an engineer, you should consistently aim for a perfect score in quant.

How did you get ready for the analytical writing section?

ETS evaluates the analytical writing portion using specific criteria. I reviewed those guidelines along with the sample essays available on the official ETS website. The Manhattan materials proved helpful for essay practice as well.

What were your initial practice test scores, and how did you work on improving your weaker areas?

My practice scores generally hovered between 325 and 332. I performed very well on the PowerPrep exams, scoring 335 and 337. Reviewing every single practice test you take is definitely the most effective method for identifying weaknesses and avoiding those mistakes next time. It is impossible to overstate the importance of analyzing your errors.

In your view, how much do counselors assist students in choosing the right university?

Ideally, a counselor should help a student determine the specific criteria their ideal university must meet. The process of shortlisting institutions should only begin after establishing those priorities.

What guidance would you offer to other individuals preparing for the GRE?

1. If you have enough time, building a consistent reading habit is far more beneficial than merely memorizing isolated vocabulary words.
2. It is critical to maintain your composure throughout the entire test and prevent one section's outcome from influencing the next, regardless of whether it went well or poorly.
3. Try to simulate authentic test conditions during your practice sessions to uncover potential logistical issues. For instance, I used to get severe headaches by the final section if I skipped eating during the break. Knowing this in advance allowed me to plan a better strategy for test day.

As this high-scoring student noted, possessing the right internal motivation is key to succeeding on this exam. All you need is a sound strategy to properly balance your personal routine and study environment. The easiest way to manage this is by utilizing a comprehensive platform that allows you to take GRE practice tests, tracks your scoring, and supports your study sessions consistently. Options like Ashiraj GRE Prep and Ashiraj GRE Prep+ serve this exact purpose.

Ashiraj GRE Prep is a complimentary entry-level tool that lets you run mock assessments for individual sections of the GRE. However, if you want to take multiple mini-exams and access a broader range of pertinent tests, upgrading to our premium platform, Ashiraj GRE Prep+, is a smart choice. Most learners choose the premium option because it consolidates numerous features into one place, including over 40 topic-specific practice tests adapted to your progress, alongside 4 mini-tests and 3 full-length GRE mock exams equipped with timed and untimed settings.