Taking the GRE: Study Essentials

GRE study essentials

Currently, I’m freaking out because I’m going to take the GRE in one week. I don’t remember being this nervous about the SAT which is weird because they’re almost the same thing. Except I knew I was going to get into college somewhere… I’m not quite sure if I’ll be going to grad school. ANYWAY, that’s beside the point. I really wanted to document my experience applying to grad school so I figured, why not start with something simple?

I haven’t taken the test yet so this post isn’t going to be about HOW to study for the GRE but instead more of GRE study essentials and “what you need” to begin the process. Once I take the test (and do well) I’ll feel more comfortable sharing my method with all of you so look out for that in the near future.

A GRE prep book.

I have a prep book for the GRE that I haven’t used much but it does come with tons and tons of practice problems! I bought the book over the summer because I felt it was best to start somewhere so I decided on a book that looked conducive to my studying style. I prefer to do lots and lots of practice tests and questions so I went with the Manhattan Prep GRE book.

gre book and phonetic eyewear glasses

A plan.

You need a plan when it comes to tackling the GRE. Whether it’s something simple and general like: study for the GRE every Friday from 12:00-2:00 until the test date or something more specific like: do page 140 practice problems today, it doesn’t matter. Just having a plan for studying can make a world of a difference.

Pencil and paper.

For the math sections, you’re going to need scrap paper (and a lot of it if you’re doing lots of practice problems!) so make sure that’s on hand for when you’re studying.

A GRE app.

This is something else that I downloaded and definitely don’t regret. It’s super easy to study those vocab words on the go with an app! There are a ton but these are the two I have downloaded: the Magoosh GRE vocab app and the Manhattan Prep GRE app.

Phonetic Eyewear compter glasses.

I literally have no idea how I could’ve gotten all of this studying done without my Phonetic Eyewear glasses! These glasses were designed to combat the effects of Digital Eye Strain and alleviate the symptoms associated with Computer Vision Syndrome. The lenses are able to reflect and absorb a portion of the potentially harmful blue light emitted from computers and other backlit devices. This is GREAT for when you’re studying for the GRE or taking practice tests because the GRE itself is on the computer. I plan to bring these with me when I take the test so my eyes don’t hurt halfway through! The test is over 3 hours long so I really think it’s important to protect your eyes any way you can so you can focus all your energy on the exam.

phonetic eyewear

Besides all the awesome things these glasses can do for your eyes, they’re also super freakin’ cute and great quality. I was so surprised when I received them because they felt exactly like real glasses even though they’re technically “fake”. And for my friends who wear glasses already, you can get prescription frames! I’m wearing the Blair glasses in tortoise.

phonetic eyewear

I absolutely loved teaming up with Phonetic Eyewear and I wear my glasses a LOT because I love how they look so much! If you want a pair to try, be sure to enter the giveaway down below! Phonetic Eyewear will provide one lucky winner with a free pair of Phonetic computer glasses (prescription or non-prescription).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out more posts in the SLP grad school series:

GRE Tips, Frequently Asked Questions, and Resources

GRE Study Essentials

The Basics of Applying to Grad School

(all the components you’ll need to complete the process!)

Deciding Where to Apply to Grad School

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17 Comments

  1. Anna Hubbard
    October 7, 2016 / 12:24 pm

    Those glasses sound super cool! I’m kinda glad I won’t be going to grad school – I don’t think I could stand another big standardized test!
    -Anna | http://www.fivefootandfabulous.com

  2. October 7, 2016 / 1:17 pm

    What! That is so cool! I always feel like my glasses help me on the computer – i got them so they were “glare” proof or something which is supposed to help with the computer light! – good luck with the GRE! I took it and it really wasnt that bad at all.

  3. Greta Hollar
    October 7, 2016 / 2:07 pm

    The GRE was a beast! This post is so helpful when you’re preparing for it!

    Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com

  4. mckenna bleu
    October 7, 2016 / 3:56 pm

    I love the tapestry you have!!

  5. Sydney Power
    October 7, 2016 / 5:38 pm

    I feel lucky we don’t have these test in canada! But i totally agree good glasses are a must for computer work and strain on the eyes!

  6. October 8, 2016 / 2:13 am

    Oh I don’t envy you right now, I was always terrible with tests like that in school. I wish you the very best of luck and I know you will kick butt!

    La Belle Sirene

  7. Merisa Ferrell
    October 8, 2016 / 1:04 pm

    Good luck on the GRE!!! You’re going to do amazing! Great giveaway by the way. xx Merisa | Monogrammed Magnolias

  8. October 8, 2016 / 1:21 pm

    I’ve heard it’s difficult but preparation pays off. Best of luck!

  9. October 8, 2016 / 8:53 pm

    Good luck on the GRE! I’m sure you’ll kill it. I didn’t have to take it to get into my grad school thankfully because I am no good at standardized tests.

  10. Rachel Mariana Timmerman
    October 10, 2016 / 9:33 am

    These are some great tips! The only test I’ve ever had to take like this is the SAT. I will be taking one like this when I finish my program next year, so these tips will come in handy for me them, Thanks for sharing 🙂

  11. October 10, 2016 / 10:57 am

    These are great! I really want to go and get my masters degree so I’m going to need this one day I’m sure! Those glasses might save my eye sight!
    These are great tips!
    xoxo
    Ashley | http://ablondeandabriefcase.com

  12. October 11, 2016 / 10:15 am

    Interesting post, especially since I’m considering possibly going back to school for my master’s degree! Good luck with your test – I have no doubt you’ll do great! XO

  13. Ellie Porter
    November 2, 2016 / 4:01 pm

    So glad I stumbled upon this post! I am currently studying for the GRE & will be taking it in January! The whole process can be a little daunting, but I know it will be worth it! Wishing you best of luck in your pursuit of becoming an SLP- I’ll be applying for Speech Pathology grad programs next fall, and know that I can glean some great insight/info from these posts. Keep up the great work!

    • November 2, 2016 / 7:26 pm

      Ahh! So exciting. Glad that you’re starting to think about it and prepare now 🙂 I’ll hopefully be writing more posts about how to apply and how to use CSDCAS so hopefully that’ll help you even more. Best of luck and hope to see you around here again soon!

  14. Jasmine Araujo
    November 4, 2016 / 1:18 am

    I love your blog! I am currently on my second year as an SLP major with a minor in Psychology! I am very excited about my future career, applying to grad schoo, and taking the GRE soon! Anxious to read more about your journey!

    • June 22, 2017 / 12:31 pm

      Thanks so much Jasmine, sorry I’m just responding to your comment now! I’ve just put up two posts on studying for the GRE including resources and some questions I’ve gotten about it AND a post on asking for letters of recommendation. Hopefully those can be of some use to you! Good luck!

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