Learn from both our success and our failure by following these tips.
Tip 1: Don't let the GRE take away from other, significant application building experiences - but spend some time studying. In other words, if you have to choose between an extra opportunity to work in a lab or taking a GRE course, go with the lab experience. Most graduate programs will care much more about a unique experience than a GRE score that nearly any intelligent person can replicate.
Tip 2: Take it early. Or take it late. Depends on your schedule. Think about when the added burden of taking a timed exam will add the least amount of stress in your life. All things being equal, however, we'd suggest taking it early because you can always take it again.
Tip 3: Study. Buy a book or take a class. Classes are more time consuming and cost more money, but they absolutely will help your score. If you have the dedication to buy a book, brush up on your math and memorize some vocabulary words on your own - then take that route instead.
Tip 4: Take practice exams. Lots of them. The best way to learn how to take the GRE is to practice. Take a practice exam when you sign up for the exam (the GRE website gives you access to several) and take one later after you've spent some time studying.
Tip 5: Finally, on the day of the exam, don't psych yourself out. Be sure to take your time and get the first few questions of each section correct, and from there - simply relax and do your best.
