Second GRE Attempt - Advice for a Third?

GRE General
1

Hi everyone,

I took my first GRE exam last month and scored a 310 (Quant: 152, Verbal: 158, 6.0 in Analytical Writing). For the past month, I have been working towards a second attempt, as I was hoping to improve my Verbal Score to a 160 or higher, as Verbal is my strength, and I was really happy with my writing score.

Unfortunately, I took the exam today, and I found this version to be extremely difficult. I went in feeling very nervous, and I think I definitely sabotaged myself because of my nerves. Plus, the material felt more challenging than usual, for whatever reason. I ended up scoring quite a bit lower, with a 303 total. I think I burnt myself out working through the one month study plan.

I feel discouraged, but I would still like to work towards the goal of improving my Verbal score, but perhaps this time I will focus on improving my Quant skills as well. For reference, I am applying for a Masters degree in Education (Teaching Secondary Education, History), hence why my Verbal scores are more important than my Quant. I am applying to competitive schools, which is why I feel the need to continue improving my score. Additionally, I just believe that I am capable of more.

Do you have any advice regarding how I should approach my next stretch of studying? I am planning to do diagnostics every five days, including purchasing the PowerPrep Tests so I can do the most difficult levels. I know from the last test that RC tends to be my weakness, but the Vocab on this second exam was very difficult! We’ll see what my score breakdown says. I am also planning to work through much of the two month plan, including the optional Manhattan Prep for Quant.

Any other advice? I would greatly appreciate any input you can share.

2

\text{Have you watched this video ? }
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Linkhttps://new.gregmat.com/course/gre-time-management

3

I have, thank you! It really helped when I was looking for motivation to retake the first time. I’m looking for any other tips folks might have. I know that part of it is needing to completely rework my bad habits.

I’m hoping to do two hours each day and take the test again in mid August/early September. Thoughts?

4

I think if you got time before your applications deadline then you should definitely go for it . I would also advice you to join a coffee with Greg session coming this Monday and ask your queries (if you do plan on joining it then join 15 mins before class time!). Also, you can use this skills checklist https://new.gregmat.com/skills/reading to see if you’re comfortable with all the RC’s strategies that Greg have taught.

5

Thank you so much! That’s really helpful. Have you had any luck with preparation for Quant?

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Quant was the only thing that I knew when I did my GRE prep so the only things I picked up from Greg were time management , making your own short case for the problem and backsolving.

7

Gotcha, thank you!