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.