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Just think of it! Thrilling math problems, knee-slapping analogies, exciting reading comprehension questions — doesn't it sound like a party waiting to happen?

If you share my opinion that tests are slightly less comfortable than a fishhook in the eye, get prepared to take out your agGREssions on the GRE!

The GRE is a determining factor for admission to general graduate-level degree programs. The test assesses the verbal, math, and analytical skills of all applicants.

But, before you start biting your nails and pulling out your hair, look at the clues you'll need to put the GRE gremlin to bed!

• Endurance and Ability to focus. You'll have to stare at a screen and focus for over three hours. Keep this in mind when taking practice tests. Get used to working for hours on end, and get plenty of rest — sorry, no partying the night before! Mental exhaustion is part of the challenge.

• Basic knowledge. A basic knowledge of reading comprehension, math, and inductive and deductive reasoning are necessary for success. No calculators are allowed on test day. So, you need to practice doing basic math by hand. Get those fingers ready!

• Test-taking skills. The best advice I can give you is stay calm and don't panic! If you get too flustered, you'll only increase your stress. Use process of elimination and scratch paper to organize your thoughts on tough questions.

• Problem-solving abilities. Take practice tests and pay attention to questions you answer incorrectly. Review the errors you made because you don't want to make the same mistake twice!

Written by Jordan Meffert

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