Here are some tips and resources for your GRE verbal prep.
GRE Study Guides
There are a lot of books that help you prepare for the verbal questions of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Almost all the GRE study guides come with GRE practice tests that you can take electronically. They will be accompanied either with a CD or an online password that will allow you to take the online GRE practice tests. One of the best ways to get started with GRE verbal prep is to take some of the practice tests and grade yourself. This will help you understand your weaknesses and as you start your GRE study, you can focus on those weaknesses.
GRE Classes
There are classes available that will help you with your GRE verbal prep. But because of the specialized nature of these classes, they can be very expensive. And you may not really need to attend classes to get started with building your GRE vocabulary list. However, if you decide to take a class, make sure you research the classes offered by various companies and compare the curriculum being covered. Make sure that the class that you enroll in has a curriculum that will help you overcome your weak areas in the GRE verbal section. Also make sure the class is being operated by a reputable company. Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous firms in the field of English language improvement that seek to take advantage of anxious students wanting to improve their English language skills.
GRE Study Groups
Often, students do better when they study in groups. If there are many of you preparing for the GRE test, it is a good idea to form a group and discuss GRE vocabulary words. You can share resources and even play GRE vocabulary games that will help you retain the new words you have learned. As a group, you can also set schedules and take practice tests together. It will also help a lot to do the GRE vocabulary review together, where you will have someone else reminding you about the GRE vocabulary words.
GRE Study CDs and Software
GRE study CDs and software can be powerful tools. A typical GRE Study CD will have information about typical GRE vocabulary words and GRE practice tests. Getting a CD or downloading good vocabulary-building software at the beginning of your GRE study will quicken the pace of your GRE study. Taking as many practice tests as possible will sharpen your memory of newly learned words.
Set Aside Time
Make sure you set aside plenty of time for your GRE verbal prep. The earlier you start your GRE verbal prep, the better. You should start at least 2 months before the test and spend about 3-4 hours a week on improving your knowledge of likely GRE vocabulary words. Distributing time evenly between weeks will help you in assimilating more information. Toward the end of your GRE verbal preparation, you can spend more time taking the GRE practice tests. Monitoring your progress throughout your prep is important. Tracking will help you identify the areas that you will need to put more effort in; ideally, you should spend more time on those areas where you are weak. Popular programs such as Ultimate Vocabulary come with charts and tools that help you benchmark and monitor your progress.