Learning the GRE Is Like Learning a Language
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If you ever took language classes in grade school or high school, you have an extra advantage when it comes to the GRE. Why? Because learning the GRE is a lot like developing fluency in a language. There are several reasons for this.
1) Like a language, learning the GRE requires immersion.
It’s a well-known fact that the best way to learn a language is to travel to the country where the language is spoken. This is because getting constant exposure to sounds and situations is far better than learning in a classroom. Similarly, to master the GRE, it is not enough to simply memorize words for a couple of days a week. Rather, you want to completely engross yourself in the thought process as often as you can. This requires constant, diligent, daily practice—even if it’s only spending ten minutes studying a set of vocabulary words.
2) Like a language, learning the GRE means changing how you think.
Ultimately, what you are striving for is not just to learn a set of facts about exponents, ratios, quadratic equations and geometry; instead, you must aim to change the way you think. The GRE is a test that rewards a certain way of thinking. This way of thinking is careful, methodical, engaged, and resourceful. It approaches each problem consistently and unemotionally, making a series of decisions as the problem progresses:
- Is this problem worth solving? (Do I understand what the problem is asking? Do I have a general vision of what solving the problem will entail? Do I have a sufficient understanding of this content area to solve the problem smoothly and efficiently?)
- What strategy should I use? (Should I use a Picking Numbers strategy, straight-forward algebra, or Back-solving?)
- When should I stop solving and move on? (Have I picked enough weird numbers to attain a high level of confidence that my choice is correct? Should I double-check my work or move on? Should I read the passage one more time?)
At each of these steps, it is critical to have the mental clarity to make the decision both well and quickly. You do not have time to vacillate on whether to continue working on a problem or not. You must commit to one strategy or another and continue with the test.
3) Like a language, learning the GRE means making mistakes.
To truly learn a language, you must travel to the foreign country and be prepared to make lots of mistakes. If you are too shy or embarrassed to try speaking to a stranger in a foreign language, then you will never truly learn the language. In the same way, be open and honest with yourself as you go through practice tests and strategy guides. By putting yourself out there, taking risks, and making mistakes, you will learn far more quickly, and the lessons will stay with you for a much longer period of time.
4) Like a language, learning the GRE can be fun.
While learning a language can be challenging, it can also be fun. It opens up a whole new way of thinking, and stretches your mind in new and different ways. Learning the GRE is the same. Odd as it may sound, challenging your mind to think and work in the language of the GRE can be very satisfying, even fun. When you start dreaming of Quantitative Comparisons and word problems, you’ll know you’re ready to take the test! ?
Want more guidance from our GRE gurus? You can attend the first session of any of our online or in-person GRE courses absolutely free! We’re not kidding. Check out our upcoming courses here.
Daniel Yudkin
is a Manhattan Prep instructor based in New York, NY. He has been a test prep instructor for over seven years and is currently in the final stage of a Ph.D. program in social psychology at NYU. In his spare time, Daniel writes popular science articles about psychological phenomena and is a devoted jazz pianist and vocalist. Check out Daniel’s upcoming GRE prep offerings here.