How to Score Amazingly on the GRE

Many, but not all, physical therapy schools require the GRE, or the Graduate Record Examination, for admission. This test is essentially a 3 part test including Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. These parts are separated into sections.

Analytical Writing – one section, with two separately timed tasks
- Analyze an Issue
- Analyze an Argument
Quantitative Reasoning – two sections
Verbal Reasoning – two sections

This test, although similar to the ACT and SAT for undergraduate admissions, is a little more advanced and complicated. So lets break it down!

Analytical Writing

This was the section that Haley and I scored especially well on. We both agreed that the reason that we did so well on this section was because of the study resource books we used. The official ETS (the company who administers the test) graders are extremely particular about what they are looking for in the analytical writing portion. This is why we recommend The Official Guide to the GRE General Test.

This book outlines the exact aspects of an argument and an issue that you need to be able to identify. The book outlines in an almost formula like format in which they want you to write. There are specific points of writing that you are required to include if you want a good score on this portion.

I cannot recommend this resource enough. It really broke down the writing session into manageable pieces that helped me organize my thoughts.

Quantitative Reasoning

I’ll be honest, this section was one I really struggled with. Time management is so important with this section. Many of the questions require several steps to get to the correct answer and can be quite time consuming.

However, most of this section is very logic based. You often don’t even need to use the calculator provided to you, however it can be helpful for some problems. It is most important to understand the format of the question. Some questions may present two different quantities or responses. The answer will be either Quantity A, Quantity B, Both, or Neither. Use your reasoning skills. You may not even need to calculate anything.

don’t take too much time on one question, you feel that you are taking more than a minute on a question, mark it, move on, and come back to it at the end.

Verbal Reasoning

The biggest advice I can give you for this session is DO NOT NEGLECT YOUR VOCABULARY STUDYING!

I used Manhattan Prep vocab flashcards (linked below as well) and went through a few each day in between study sessions. I also ran through these flashcards with friends who were also studying for the GRE (different programs, but you are still taking the same test).’

Try to think of creative ways to remember each word and its meaning. Think about the origin of the word and that may help you learn other words. I even tried to incorporate some of the words into my everyday vocabulary.

For longer passages, I would read the questions you are going to be asked first before going through reading the passage. This way you are able to know what you are looking for before you start reading. This saves time and can improve comprehension as well.

GRE General Advice

Take a practice test early on in your studying to assess your strengths and your weaknesses
- Really focus in on your weaknesses, but don’t neglect your strengths!
- We recommend a 1:3 ratio for studying your strengths vs your weaknesses
Start studying early, and study a little bit everyday.
Take breaks! If you feel your mind wandering, take a 10-15 minute break and then continue studying after.
Get out of your house to study some days. Unless they bring back the online test at home option for testing – which is unlikely – you wont be taking the test in your comfort zone
In our opinion, buy study aides, especially from ETS. It’s better to spend some money on study aides than spend another $220 to retake a test
- You can buy them used and even sell them again after the test
Check if you qualify for the GRE Fee Reduction

Our GRE Study Resource Recommendations

Gregmat can be a great resource for studying, assessing your knowledge, and practicing your reasoning skills. They have free resources as well as a subscription you can get to enhance your studying.

ETS also provides some virtual study tools that can be great help for studying as well. However, if you are a physical book type of person I really recommend investing in an actual study aide book such as manhattan prep or ETS prep books.

Use our amazon affiliate links below for the resources and study materials we used to do well on our GREs and compile the best PT School Application! (Also help us earn some commission):

Our GRE Study Resource Recommendation:

Lexi Used:
1. The Official Guide to the GRE General Test: https://amzn.to/3IbVZF4
  - Official GRE Super Power Pack: No. 2 (Test Prep): https://amzn.to/3YPVyFX
2. GRE Vocabulary Flashcards (Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guides): https://amzn.to/40MpOmJ
3. GRE – Quantitative Reasoning: Quickstudy Laminated Reference Guide: https://amzn.to/3jL4I7R
Haley Used:
1. The Official Guide to the GRE General Test: https://amzn.to/3IbVZF4
2. Cracking the GRE with 4 Practice Tests, 2020 Edition: The Strategies, Practice, and Review You Need for the Score You Want (Graduate School Test Preparation): https://amzn.to/3xlhT2o
3. The Princeton Review Essential GRE Vocabulary: 500 Essential Vocabulary Words to Help Boost Your GRE Score (Graduate School Test Preparation): https://amzn.to/3lsaU4W