I feel very lost honestly. I really think I do not have the fundamental skills and attitude to take an aptitude test which is so embarrassing. People are generally vey encouraging and nice. But I truly almost believe that I am incapable.
Vocab Problem : I learnt all the words from 900 words list. I was able to tell the synonym or meaning of the words in an instant before the test. But not only did I I see so few of them anyway (or maybe I dint realize it. I dont want to be mean to Greg’s materials ) but there were atleast 3 SE questions where I was not even able to form one pair. And for the rest only 1. I dont remember having even one question where I formed more than one pair. Also there were few where I could only have triplets and not pairs. So basically all SE were more of a TC for me. Even if I got them right, I hate moving forward with no confidence. So it did affect in other ways. How to even learn words, I am so confused. I haven’t seen other lists, but not to be mean, I dont know how fruitful it will be. Did you guys do all of the words from Greg’s synonym list? Please guide me on words resource.
Attitude problem : Am I being too idealistic to want a high confidence with answering questions. How do you guys do it? I truly dont understand how people move forward with less than 100% confidence for the score they aim. Infact I understood I need to change this attitude before the test. And told myself I need to be 100% confident in 13 of the questions in verbal and all in quants in each sections. Does being less than 100% confidence help reach a higher score as a result of being more kind to yourself during the test? How do you decide when to move on?
Quants : How does one improve? Again I am lost. Fundementally I feel okay. In the exam I spend at least half the time fumbling with calculations, I forget basic multiplications. ALSO THE HECK IT IS SO HARD TO HAVE JUST FOUR SIDES OF PAPER. I literally spent 30 secs trying to find a spot to do my calcs and I hate contacting the proctor. I literally knew this will be a problem and asked if I can have more than one sheet before the test and we cant even retain the old sheet once we get a new one(I write some of the timing instruction that I need to follow and it takes some space). What do you guys do? Is this only in India?
Also, I would like to say, logic is more important than vocab. Vocab can take you 30%, but the GRE is a test of logic, endurance, focus and a lot of other factors. Infact, 157V is a pretty good verbal score, especially if you are from India but you sabotaged it with the quant especially if you are looking to go abroad for higher studies in Engineering or math related fields.
Honestly speaking, I feel you had less practice and you did silly mistakes in quant. Whereas, in verbal, even though vocab is the key but it is like basics. After you do the basics, you need to hone the skills. I am sure if you follow Greg’s approach in each type of question for Verbal, it will ensure a fantastic score. Greg is the OG \m/…
Solve this dedicatedly and quit your traditional approach. Click on the link below.
Also one more thing, GRE is a part of your applications. If you have a kickass profile, this GRE will not matter.
Its more of a screening exam for universities than a ranking exam. What I mean to say is, a 320 score is at par with 325 score. Will a 300 score hurt??..Yes it most definitely will in your applications…Will a 338 score ensure Harvard? Not really. GRE is not the cardinal factor.
Unless you are aiming for Ivy Leagues and you have an amazing profile, which makes it imperative that you need to have a great GRE score, I would not bother much about it and frankly its not worth the time, effort and depression. I know many of my friends who got through pretty kickass colleges with a score of 310-320. I am not maligning anyone. Just telling you the hard truth. SOP is the most important document in your application. Focus on that.
Hey No problem… I am actually applying for an MBA and it works slightly differently. I already know I need a minimum of 326. There are variables to this too, but again it is different in certain other ways too. There are essays that we need to write that dont matter as much as the GRE/GMAT score does. GRE english is easier for me than GMAT… I am really bad at grammar (which is probably evident from this post)AND Cr. In short I think it is better for me to continue in my job I guess Sorry I hate bringing your energy down. and I think am just a little sleep deprived and slightly worn out.
Wait for your diagnostics before you come to a conclusion. For example, if you’re able to retain the meaning of all the words in the list plus recall a single synonym of each then you end up with 1800 words in your arsenal which is a pretty hefty amount.
If you’re opting for GRE at home then you should make sure that you’re comfortable with either using white board/ transparent sheet(Give at least one PowerPrep in such conditions as well as do your regular practice on the same medium.)
…Man I have my GRE in 10 days…Don’t scare me…Shit, I am screwed 
Sorry I hate bringing your energy down. and I think am just a little sleep deprived and slightly worn out.