While studying for a big exam like the GRE® test may feel completely different from the rest of your life, it has a lot in common with other challenging tasks. In fact, in your life so far, you have undoubtedly developed skills and knowledge that will benefit you in your prep for the GRE® test. Let’s look at some life lessons we’ve all encountered and explore how they improve your study for the GRE® test.

Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

While it can be thrilling to set out on your own to tackle a difficult task, you are much more likely to be successful if you follow in the footsteps of others who know how it’s done. In the case of GRE® test prep, creating your own unique study plan may sound like a great idea. In reality, it will likely take you much longer than you realize and will contain significant deficits in its content. There’s no need to study for the GRE® test all alone. Instead, rely on good quality study programs that contain everything you need to know.

If at First, You Don’t Succeed...

Just like riding a bike, playing the piano, or surfing, you will need to make a lot of mistakes in your GRE® test studies before you succeed. So, as the adage goes, try, try again. While it may be tempting to skip over problems you find especially challenging, those are opportunities to rehearse the steps that will eventually give you success. Remember this: no one knows what they need to know for the GRE® test without investing time and energy into learning it. Don’t be discouraged when you can’t remember how to find the answer. Instead, give it a few days and then try again. The more often you do it, the more likely you succeed.

Practice Makes Perfect

No, you won’t do perfectly on the GRE® test. Still, repetition is an excellent tool to help you perfect your methods and understanding of GRE® test content. As you repeat missed problems every few days, you will see yourself improve in your speed, technique, and accuracy. And part of your GRE prep includes doing the problems until they feel easy. Simply knowing how to complete the exam is not enough. There are pressure and time limits to consider. The more you practice the methods that the exam requires, the more automatically your mind will tackle the actual GRE® test when you take it.

There are many parallels between other tests in life, such as learning new skills or relationships, and completing your prep for the GRE® test. For instance, don’t forget to breathe! Trust your instincts. And when you can, relax and have fun. While the GRE® test may be very different from anything else you’ve ever done, you have a wealth of experience and knowledge to assist you in your preparations. If you are looking for an excellent guide to carry you through your prep for the GRE® test, consider EMPOWER Test Prep, an online prep course with everything you need to meet your goals.