In this insightful interview, we delve into the GRE preparation journey of Hashir, a determined computer science student who improved his GRE score by nearly 20 points from 316 to 334. (the podcast interview can be watched here)

From his initial setback to his remarkable score improvement, Hashir’s story offers invaluable lessons for any aspiring GRE test-taker. He candidly shares his challenges, the strategies that transformed his approach, and his unwavering belief in the power of hard work and perseverance.

Hashir’s experience underscores the importance of tackling the GRE with a strategic mindset and emphasizes the broader benefits this rigorous exam can offer in shaping one’s determination and problem-solving abilities.

Initial GRE Attempt and Score

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your motivation for taking the GRE?

A (Hashir): Hi, I’m Hashir, a final-year Computer Science student at IBA Karachi. Originally from Bahawalpur, I decided to take the GRE to give myself the best chance to pursue higher education abroad. A lot of young people want to leave for the US for higher education, and I felt this was the best route for me to achieve my goals.

Q: You mentioned an initial score of 316. What pushed you to immediately retake the exam?

A (Hashir): After talking with my counselor, it became clear that a retake was necessary. Some universities might have optional GRE requirements, but my first attempt left me in a less competitive position. Plus, I wanted to leave no room for doubt this time around, taking the GRE even if optional for application. I’d learned from a previous unsuccessful attempt to go abroad that a high GRE is key.

Reasons for Retaking the GRE

Academic Background and Ambition

Q: That’s great insight! Your focus is clear. Were you specifically aiming for Ivy League schools?

A (Hashir): Absolutely. Achieving my dreams meant making the GRE a top priority and aiming for the most competitive programs.

Q: Your focus during the GRE is impressive. Can you share your academic background, specifically your GPA?

A (Hashir): My current GPA at IBA is 3.62. Before university, I did quite well in my O levels, getting straight As, and continued with 4 A-stars in my A levels.

Q: Can you tell us about your subject choices for A levels?

A (Hashir): I focused on the core sciences: Math, Computers, Chemistry, and Physics.

Q: Did you consider subjects involving Advanced math during your A levels?

A (Hashir): No, I stuck with the basic science subjects.

Early Preparation and Challenges

Q: When did you begin your GRE preparation journey?

A (Hashir): I officially started studying about a month before my first exam attempt. While I had enrolled in your Brightlink Prep classes earlier, I’ll be honest, I got a bit lost along the way. It’s the classic student thing – getting busy with university life and losing focus.

Q: That’s completely relatable! So what was your early prep like?

A (Hashir): I wasn’t fully disciplined yet. I’d watch videos, try some practice questions… It was sporadic. The motivation was always there – thinking about my goals kept me wanting to study. But I hadn’t developed that daily “habit” of consistent preparation.

Q: You enrolled in the August session of the GRE course. Can you describe your study pattern after that?

A (Hashir): August was when I began getting serious about the GRE, understanding the structure, question types, that sort of thing. I kept it as a side project at that point. Unfortunately, September was a complete wash for me – I lost focus. It was October when I fully dedicated myself.

Q: Your October prep sounds intense! What did it involve?

A (Hashir): I reviewed all the class recordings from our August session. I finished the coursework, did all the questions, and really thought about the mistakes I’d made in my initial preparation. I realized my approach to practice needed improvement and course-corrected. Because of September, I compressed two months of work into October!

Q: When did you take your first GRE attempt?

A (Hashir): It was at the end of November.

Q: So, in essence, you had about a month of concentrated preparation between October and your first exam. Is that correct?

A (Hashir): Yes, that’s accurate.

First Attempt and Disappointment

Q: Let’s talk about your first attempt. Obviously, you were hoping for a higher score. It can be very disheartening – I remember you felt a bit defeated. Is that fair to say?

A (Hashir): Absolutely. I reached out to you feeling like I couldn’t go on. But you were fantastic with your encouragement, reminding me of the progress I’d already made.

Q: I think your experience speaks to something I see a lot, especially with first-time test takers. Tell me if this resonates with you: in those early weeks of prep, a lot of it is just absorbing the whole landscape of the GRE – how it works, question types, etc.

A (Hashir): Definitely. When I started, understanding the very basics of the exam was the challenge. It’s common for anyone joining a prep course to have that experience. The GRE structure was foreign to me at first.

Q: It’s understandable to feel defeated after getting a lower score than you had hoped for. That moment of questioning whether to push forward must have been difficult. Did you consider other options, or did you immediately know you had to retake the GRE?

A (Hashir): Oh, that self-doubt definitely crept in. I thought I wasn’t capable. But at the end of the day, I knew my goals, and the GRE was crucial. There was no other path forward. My parents’ support really got me through – they encouraged me to try again, no matter how many attempts it took.

Q: That sense of purpose is powerful. It seems like you took some time to regroup after the first attempt. How soon did you begin prepping for the retake?

A (Hashir): I took about two days to let everything settle, then jumped back into rigorous study. The way I saw it, I was already invested, and giving up would set me further back. It was my fight – with the challenges we face in this country, this is a battle I knew I had to win.

Additional Tip

Many people struggle to understand when pursuing the GRE is worth it. I always tell them: Don’t quit halfway through the journey. Give it your absolute best before considering a change of course. If you’ve put in significant effort, analyzed your mistakes, and still aren’t reaching your goal, that’s when it might be time to reassess.

Some people throw in the towel after their first attempt. I urge them to reconsider! Once you’ve started on this path, the hardest part is over. After your first exam, take a few days to analyze what went wrong and where you can improve. Then, jump back in for a second try!

I tell my students the story of a particularly persistent individual. He struggled on the GRE for two years, taking the exam seven times! At one point, even I suggested he consider other options. Yet, he refused to give up – the test had become a point of pride. This challenge drove him, even with an average academic history. His determination paid off – he’s now a Stanford graduate with a fantastic job at McKinsey.

That’s the extraordinary dedication that can drive success. If the GRE truly matters to you, don’t give up until you’ve put everything you have into reaching your goals.

If you’re aiming high, like those Ivy League schools, then don’t let a setback on your first GRE attempt define you. Recover, analyze what went wrong, and try again! If, even after several attempts, you’re not reaching your potential, that’s when it might be time to reconsider your approach. I advise students to keep pushing, but only as long as you feel you can make further progress.

Some people switch between the GRE and GMAT, trying different exams to see what fits their strengths better. There’s no shame in adjusting your strategy! However, the truly successful applicants show determination and a willingness to grow. No matter the exam, they accept setbacks, learn from them, and stay focused on their long-term goals. This kind of perseverance isn’t just key for grad school admissions – it’s vital for overcoming life’s challenges as well.

Changes in Preparation Strategy

Q: Looking at things broadly, did you change your preparation tactics between your first and second attempts at the exam?

A (Hashir): Preparation has always been my top priority. Putting in all that effort over two years carries more weight than the two hours spent on the exam itself. You might be fully prepared, but if you can’t perform on the day of the test, you won’t achieve your desired score. That’s what happened to me on my first attempt. I ran into issues, missed questions, mismanaged my time, and even wasted at least five minutes with my whiteboard.

My first GRE attempt didn’t go as well as I’d hoped. I knew I could do better, but I had to pinpoint what went wrong. Looking back, I realized it wasn’t just about how much I prepared, but how I performed on test day itself.

What I Struggled With the First Time

• Test Shock: All the prep in the world can’t save you if you’re not used to that timed pressure. I was spending way too much time on some questions and not enough on others.
• Bad Mindset: Once I felt like one section wasn’t going well, my whole attitude collapsed, and I ended up tanking the rest of the test.

Changes I Made for the Retake

• Timer is King: I started doing every practice question with a timer. Getting used to the time limit made a huge difference on the actual exam.
• Tackling Tough Quant: To get my quant score where I wanted it, I focused on those very hard level-5 questions.
• Learning from Mistakes: Instead of brushing past wrong answers, I analyzed each one carefully. Understanding my errors stopped me from repeating them.
• Deeper Vocab (Verbal): Memorizing words didn’t feel like enough. I dug into GRE-specific synonyms, knowing how tricky the verbal section can be with subtle word meanings.

Advice for Others Taking the GRE

• Prep’s important, but test day is where it counts. Get comfortable with the test format and timing.
• Practice under pressure! Mimic those timed test conditions when you study.
• Don’t give up. One challenging section shouldn’t ruin your whole mindset. Push through!
• Quality over quantity when studying. Learn from your mistakes, don’t just power through problems without reflection.
• Get specific with vocabulary. Master those nuanced differences in word meanings that the GRE loves to test.

Mindset and Overcoming Test Anxiety

Q: Ok so you said Luck plays a big role in getting a good GRE score Can you elaborate that a little?

A (Hashir): The Power of Perspective and a Little Luck

My first GRE was a shocker. I always considered data analysis my strong suit, yet I got overwhelmed by a barrage of difficult questions. It was a stark reminder that on this test, your knowledge is only half the equation – test-day luck and mindset play a huge role.

The Retake Gamble

You can put in countless hours of practice, but some of your score truly depends on the specific questions you get. My second GRE was the complete opposite – simpler percentages instead of complex data, and those dreaded reading passages felt way more manageable.

That test felt like a turning point. I remembered advice I’d heard: when the toughest sections feel like they’re behind you, switch gears and focus on finishing strong.

Fear Factor: It’s All About Perspective

With the pressure of that first GRE gone, my nerves eased up significantly for the retake. The ‘worst-case scenario’ wasn’t so intimidating anymore, which strangely allowed me to focus and even find some enjoyment in the challenge. Maybe it was a ‘do or die’ determination or maybe I simply got lucky with an easier set of questions. I hear that happens sometimes with retakes!

Beyond Luck: Practice Matters

Of course, luck alone didn’t get me that score jump. I did my homework – vocabulary revision and targeted practice for my weaker areas all played a big part. 

Q: What other mistake you made during your previous attempt?

A (Hashir): I’ll be honest – for my first GRE, I completely neglected the analytical writing homework. Big mistake! On test day, not only did I feel rusty writing those essays, but I barely had time to proofread. I literally caught a glaring spelling error with a missing ‘n’ as the timer hit zero. It felt like such a silly, avoidable mistake.

Knowing I couldn’t let that happen again, I made some changes for my retake:

• Practice Typing: It may sound basic, but getting comfortable typing quickly under pressure helped a lot.
• Focused Revision: Beyond practicing writing the essays, I reviewed the key concepts of the essay type and paid attention to where I went wrong before. Understanding why something was an error was just as important as knowing it was a mistake.
• Planned for Proofreading: This time, I built a bit of buffer time at the end for a quick proofread. I’m sure there were still errors, but catching easy things like that missing ‘n’ could only have helped!

Importance of Practice and Analysis

Additional Tip

From Quantity to Quality: GRE Success Is in the Analysis

Hashir hit the nail on the head: blindly grinding through practice questions and mocks won’t magically boost your GRE score. Real improvement comes from a critical analysis of your mistakes.

The Power of the Error Log

I encourage all my students to keep an error log – a simple document where you track those tricky questions that get you every time. As you study, this log becomes your most valuable asset. Instead of endlessly doing more questions, you have a focused list of weaknesses to tackle.

The ‘Why’ Behind the Wrong Answer

When revisiting mistakes, dig deep. Ask yourself:

• Conceptual Gaps: Was there a fundamental concept I didn’t grasp?
• Careless Errors: Did I misread the question, rush through calculations, or fall for a trap answer?
• Better Strategies: How could I have approached this question differently to save time or improve accuracy?

More Questions Isn’t Always the Answer

Of course, practice is essential. But students who exhaust every resource without this strategic analysis often hit a plateau. Remember, a few deeply analyzed questions can offer more improvement than a hundred done on autopilot.

The Second Attempt Advantage

As Hashir discovered, your first attempt can be a diagnostic tool. Those who significantly improve their scores between attempts took the time to pinpoint their weaknesses and address them before the retake.

Conquering Test-Day Anxiety: It’s Not Just About What You Know

Hashir’s absolutely right – that first attempt can be a nerve-wracking experience. Facing an unfamiliar test format, dealing with new testing rules, and the general high-stakes atmosphere can add serious pressure, impacting your performance.

The Hidden Cost of Stress

It’s important to realize that this test-day anxiety can easily shave off a few crucial points from your score. Even with solid preparation, those jitters can lead to silly mistakes, poor time management, or mental blocks.

Experience Breeds Confidence

The good news? Your anxieties tend to lessen with repetition. By the time you reach your retake, you’re no longer surprised by the environment or procedures. That calm focus combined with the strategic work addressing your weaknesses creates the recipe for a significant jump in your scores.

Don’t Underestimate Mindset

It’s tempting to view the GRE as a purely intellectual battle. But as Hashir explains, neglecting the anxiety factor undermines the best preparation strategies. However, a second attempt with the right mindset isn’t just about mitigating that stress—it’s about transforming it into a drive for improvement.

Q: What would you like to say about test-day anxiety?

I always tell students: your performance during those crucial test hours has the power to make or break even the most dedicated preparation. That anxiety can derail your focus in ways you don’t even realize.

The GRE thrives on exploiting this nervousness through those cleverly worded questions. They use tricky phrasing with ‘nots’ and ‘buts’, play with number types (positive integers vs. all negatives), and force you to juggle complex vocabulary – all designed to trip you up even if you grasp the underlying concepts.

No Partial Credit Hurts

This high-pressure situation becomes even more brutal with the GRE’s lack of partial credit. For instance, on those vocabulary questions, knowing only one of the synonyms could mean losing the entire point. Those small moments of confusion or panic can seriously snowball.

From Panic to Plan: My Retake Mindset

My first GRE was a rollercoaster of nerves. Between the proctoring and those tiny traps in the questions, I was constantly worried about technical disruptions or making stupid mistakes. With my second attempt, I adopted a ‘do or die’ approach. This wasn’t about defeatism, but a determination to give it my best shot. My mental space transformed:

• Quant = Confidence: Armed with my computer science background, I had full faith in my quant skills.
• Verbal = Manageable: While I knew verbal was my weaker area, I accepted that luck plays a role and made peace with aiming for my best possible score within that limitation.

It helped that the vocabulary I’d studied came up, the essays clicked, and everything fell into place with time management.

Key Takeaways

• Mindset Over Matter: Nerves are natural, but how you navigate them is crucial.
• Beware of Trap Questions: Practice mindfulness so you can recognize the GRE’s tricks
• Prioritize Focus: Even the best preparation won’t save you if you can’t stay calm during the test.

Q: Many STEM majors feel less confident with the Verbal section. You clearly put in lots of work on vocab and sentence structure, but did you do any additional reading on your own to strengthen those skills?

A (Hashir): Because Quant was my primary focus, I didn’t do extensive outside reading. It could have been helpful, but the possibilities are endless – I prioritized what I could tackle strategically. Instead, I doubled down on sentence completion and focused on those logical relationship questions I enjoyed (using clues in passages to deduce answers).

Additional Tips and Resources

Q: Any specific resources that proved helpful, beyond the course materials?

A (Hashir): You had pointed me to some online sources when I had some gaps in specific question types. Also, after the first attempt, I gave each question type a fair try – even those which hadn’t been my strength to begin with. I always look for different perspectives on problem-solving.

Additional Tip

Many students who receive a disappointing first GRE score feel paralyzed by embarrassment. They hesitate to reach back to instructors or disappear from programs altogether. Instead of seizing the opportunity for valuable feedback, they risk getting stuck in ineffective study patterns.

I’ve Been There. Let Me Help

As an instructor, I understand this struggle. That’s why when students are open about their results, I see it as a starting point, not a judgment. Your first attempt provides me with a goldmine of data:

• Strengths to Leverage: We pinpoint what’s already working, identifying concepts you’ve mastered.
• Weaknesses to Target: I zero in on the specific areas holding you back, preventing your effort from translating into points.
• Your Study Timeline: Understanding your past preparation lets me avoid recommending things you’ve already tried.

Personalized Paths to Improvement

Just like every test-taker is unique, so is the path for improving on a previous score. Let’s take Hashir’s case as an example. After putting in significant effort, he still needed something new. I recognized that and tailored my advice accordingly. This fresh perspective unlocked strategies and perspectives he needed to make that jump in his score.

The Takeaway

When reaching out for help after a less-than-ideal GRE attempt, remember: honesty about your initial results will get you personalized advice that makes a real difference. Shame may feel natural, but embracing vulnerability will ultimately lead to the improvement you’re chasing.

Q: You brought up an interesting issue… the difference between prerecorded lectures and live teaching. Could you elaborate from your perspective?

A (Hashir): Sometimes with prerecorded lectures, instructors can move too quickly, assuming everyone’s caught the explanation. You’re left with that nagging question of “How did they even get that?”.

Q: Did you feel live sessions solved some of those problems?

A (Hashir): Definitely! In live sessions, a fresh perspective could pop up anytime – whether a peer asking a question or even something someone suggested that made the instructor rethink their approach. This back-and-forth is exactly what I needed sometimes.

Q: It sounds like learning from your peers was equally important for you.

A (Hashir): Absolutely. That interaction made all the difference. Plus, I’m always actively finding solutions. If I was stuck, looking up solutions online worked for me.

Q: Testing anxieties can sometimes crop up at unexpected times. Were there any concerns about choosing the at-home format for your GRE?

A (Hashir): Actually, your videos made me a big supporter of the at-home test! After hearing some horror stories – particularly with that whole Zoom/Skype email issue – I got paranoid and even uninstalled those apps as a precaution.

Q: Sounds like the comfort of testing from home played a big role for you. Have you ever experienced taking a high-stakes test in a traditional test center?

A (Hashir): Never for the GRE! I do recall sitting for my IELTS in a center, that had a unique sort of pressure to it. The at-home option means I can test late at night [he explains his nocturnal working habits] which would be impossible in a traditional center! Each approach has its pros and cons for sure.

Balancing GRE Prep with Other Commitments

Q: Balancing GRE preparation with a full university schedule and extracurriculars is no small feat. Can you describe how you approached this challenge?

A (Hashir): During my initial attempt, I was inconsistent and easily distracted. One day I’d try to cram everything in, then several days of nothing. I didn’t have a schedule for consistent vocab work, so I’d forget things. That rush towards the end was too hard to sustain.

Q: You clearly learned from that experience! With your retake, what kind of routine did you implement?

A (Hashir): I aimed for four hours daily – sometimes that was impossible with exams and university projects. The important thing was always doing SOMETHING: revising vocabulary, those small online quizzes…I even roped in friends to test my knowledge! That accountability system, even with my unstructured student schedule, was key.

Q: Consistency wins out over sporadic effort! Did you also notice a difference in how effectively you were able to absorb the material between short, frequent sessions and longer chunks?

A (Hashir): Definitely. Some people do long marathon study sessions on weekends, but it doesn’t “stick” the same way. The GRE isn’t about cramming as much as possible at once, there’s a limit to how much you retain without regular, structured repetition.

Q: And it sounds like all this GRE prep seeped into your subconscious a bit…

A (Hashir): Honestly, the whole experience became all-consuming! There’s a mental drain from this level of intense focus, which made me understand what goes into this high-level exam. People expected it to be breezy for me, which challenged my own ego. The success changed my perspective on applying to universities as well – suddenly, “safety schools” lost their appeal.

Q: There’s this belief that only people with exceptionally strong analytical skills can do well on the GRE. Do you think that’s accurate, or can students without an established background in this area do well with dedicated effort?

A (Hashir): Honestly, 310-315 might even be lowballing it with four months of solid prep. My pre-existing analytical knowledge didn’t give me a HUGE advantage on the GRE – there’s a unique approach needed which anyone can build on. You didn’t make assumptions based on my ‘advanced’ student standing – if the instruction starts at the true foundational level, anyone can grasp the concepts.

Q: So is hard work truly the key factor, even over some notion of “innate” aptitude?

A (Hashir): Absolutely. There’s nothing on the GRE that’s conceptually harder than A-levels or some demanding university courses, it’s more about how the basics are twisted and presented, like a puzzle! If you have the right method to decipher that, success is attainable. It boils down to building those very basic blocks of GRE knowledge and learning the strategies for decoding various question types.

The Value of the GRE Experience

Q: Many feel overwhelmed by the GRE, thinking they need expensive resources to even try. You seem to think differently…

A (Hashir): There’s SO much content out there. Motivational videos, free and low-cost practice materials – if you want to learn, resources won’t hold you back. Sure, it adds up when you include those exam fees, but if you get serious, there are options for anyone – even if you have an educational gap!

Q: Let’s be realistic: ‘easy’ is too optimistic. Is the GRE ever going to be effortless?

A (Hashir): Nope! My own in-test demotivation proves that. Even 316 is attainable though, IF that fits your goals. We always push for striving high, but don’t let that deter you.

Q: Your perspective on ‘optional GRE’ seems pretty stark, especially concerning applicants from Pakistan.

A (Hashir): We face unique challenges and need ways to stand out. While optional GRE may work for candidates with other impressive application components, I think it’s an unspoken rule that strong GRE scores boost potential applicants like us and increase the odds of admission and securing those opportunities like scholarships. It’s the difference between being considered and overlooked. 

Q: Despite the challenges of the GRE, do you recognize potential advantages even for students who don’t necessarily see themselves as strong candidates initially?

A: From the beginning, my driving force was knowing that there simply was no other option. The U.S. system is highly selective; they’re looking for the top tier. Even for those who initially feel intimidated, I truly believe the GRE has benefits beyond just a good score.

Q: That’s interesting! Could you elaborate on how the very process of prepping for and taking the GRE changes a person?

A: The GRE experience can subtly refine how you think and approach problems in general. Developing strategies for timed testing, staying composed under pressure – these skills spill over into real life even though the subject matter won’t necessarily be used directly in grad school. The simple fact that someone’s gone through the rigors of the GRE tells U.S. programs something: there’s potential; even if the tech side is still evolving, they have the grit to learn. The program environment itself will shape those who have shown that drive and willingness to conquer a tough hurdle like this.

Final Words of Advice

Q: It sounds like you have a few final words of advice for any student taking on the GRE.

A (Hashir): Keep your motivation high, even down to every question. If you falter, push forward. It’s easy to lose momentum if one section went poorly, but that last problem you solve – THAT can make a difference! For most goals like this, there is no easy out. I didn’t have the choice to skip the GRE… sometimes ‘giving up’ simply isn’t on the table. Focus on what you want, then find ways to work towards it. And don’t get lost thinking there’s something easier on a different path – challenges always exist. Push through those tough tests like the GRE – employers value the kind of mind that doesn’t quit – even if you don’t consider yourself brilliant. Stick with it!

A Note from Talha: Thank you, Hashir. Your incredible journey truly proves that perseverance, self-belief, and the right support can propel someone towards incredible success on the GRE, and more importantly, in life.