GRE Preparation: Complete Guide to Succeed with Liwaza

The GMAT: a trap for French speakers

We don't recommend French speakers take the GMAT. Why? The GMAT is a direct continuation of the SAT, the American exam taken in high school to enter university. Americans are formatted from secondary school for this type of test. Result: an American prepares for the GMAT in 2-3 months, while a French speaker can spend 2 years without achieving the necessary scores.

The GRE: a more suitable alternative

All business schools accept the GRE, and 40% of MBA candidates now use this test. The GRE has several advantages for French speakers:

• More predictable vocabulary: The list of words to master is defined and can be learned methodically
• More accessible quantitative section: The mathematical concepts tested are those you've seen at university
• More efficient preparation: With a good method, 5-6 months is enough to reach an excellent score
• Flexibility: You can choose the order of sections and see your scores before sending them

Target scores by school:

Step 1: The diagnostic test

As soon as you register on Liwaza, you take a full practice test that replicates the exact conditions of the official exam. This test allows our AI to assess your current level and define your target score based on your target schools.

Step 2: Personalized work program

Based on your results, the AI generates a daily work program adapted to your schedule. You indicate the time you're available each day (for example 6am), and you automatically receive:

• Daily GRE articles by email to enrich your vocabulary
• Targeted exercises on your identified weaknesses
• Structured daily tasks for constant progress
• Bi-weekly practice tests to measure your progress

Step 3: Continuous monitoring and adjustment

Our AI tracks everything you do on the platform: time spent on each question, mouse movements, reading strategy, response patterns. This data allows us to precisely identify your gaps and adjust the program accordingly.

Step 4: Human coaching

Every two weeks, after each practice test, you have a debrief with your dedicated coach. This coach, who has achieved exceptional scores themselves (170/170 on Quant, 165/170 on Verbal), analyzes your results and adjusts your preparation strategy.

The GRE vocabulary challenge

The GRE verbal tests over 1,200 specific words. It's not enough to know these words: you need to know how to use them in context. This is where Liwaza makes the difference.

The contextual articles approach

Rather than making you learn word lists (ineffective method), Liwaza sends you daily GRE articles. Each article covers a concept tested by the GRE and contains vocabulary words in context.

Let's take the example of the word "antebellum":

• Without context, you can't guess its meaning
• In an article about American history, you understand it means "before the Civil War"
• You click on the word to see definitions in French and English, plus usage examples
• The word is added to your flashcards for review

Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence exercises

After reading your articles, you practice with fill-in-the-blank exercises (Text Completion) and synonym exercises (Sentence Equivalence). These exercises unlock as you master the words.

The intelligent tracking system

When you miss a word in an exercise, the AI tags it and sends you articles containing that word in the following days, until you master it perfectly.

Typical results:

• Week 1-4: 200-300 words mastered
• Month 2-3: 600-800 words mastered
• Month 4-5: 1000+ words mastered
• Verbal score: 10-15 points improvement on average per month

The long passage trap

When a French speaker sees a 500-word GRE passage with 6 questions to answer in 11 minutes, their reflex is to read two sentences then jump directly to the questions. Result: 2 minutes per question = 12 minutes, plus 3 minutes of reading = 15 minutes. You exceed the time and only treat half the questions.

The Liwaza behavioral analysis method

Our AI analyzes your behavior in real time during Reading exercises:

• Time spent on passage: The AI measures how long you read before moving to questions
• Eye and mouse movements: To identify your reading strategy
• Time per question: To detect where you're losing time

Personalized recommendations

After each exercise, the AI gives you detailed feedback:

"You spent 1 minute 24 seconds on the passage but you were scrolling without really reading. To properly map the passage with questions, you should rather use the following strategy..."

The AI then explains why each answer is correct or incorrect, question by question.

The optimal 5-step strategy:

1. Quick skim (2-3 min): Identify structure and main argument
2. Note keywords: Spot transitions (however, nevertheless, although)
3. Read the first question: Know what you're looking for
4. Return to passage: Locate the answer precisely
5. Eliminate wrong answers: Use elimination logic

Comparison with a human coach:

What Liwaza offers you (AI tracking + personalized feedback) costs €200/hour with a human coach. We democratize access to this quality of coaching.

You already know the concepts

Good news: as an engineer or university graduate, you've already seen all the concepts tested by the GRE Quant. The problem is you don't know exactly what the GRE tests on each concept.

Liwaza courses: the essentials, nothing more

For each concept (integers, fractions, algebra, geometry...), Liwaza offers concise courses that cover exactly what the GRE tests. No excessive theory: 10-20 minutes per course to review the essentials.

Example for "integers":

• Properties of even/odd numbers
• Divisibility and prime factors
• Remainder in divisions (often forgotten concept)
• Typical GRE traps

Timed exercises

After each course, you take tests with strict timing. Liwaza only validates your mastery of a concept if you get 80% correct answers within the allotted time.

Integrated AI assistant

If you're stuck on an exercise, you can ask questions to the Liwaza AI. Unlike ChatGPT, our AI knows the context of what you're doing and can guide you precisely.

Typical progression:

• Week 1-2: Review of basics (arithmetic, algebra)
• Week 3-4: Intermediate concepts (geometry, statistics)
• Month 2-3: Advanced concepts (probability, combinatorics)
• Month 4-5: Exam strategies and time optimization

Complete and realistic practice tests

Every two weeks, you take a practice test that exactly replicates the conditions of the official exam. These tests are essential for:

• Measuring your real progress
• Getting used to time pressure
• Identifying persistent gaps
• Practicing stress management

Recommended materials

To put yourself in the exact exam conditions, we recommend:

• A small blackboard (about €10 on Amazon)
• Erasable markers

This is what you'll use on test day for your scratch work.

Post-test analysis with your coach

After each practice test, you have a debrief session with your dedicated coach:

1. Error analysis: Understanding why you missed certain questions
2. Pattern identification: Spotting recurring error types
3. Strategy adjustment: Modifying your approach if necessary
4. Goal setting: Setting priorities for the next two weeks

Questions similar to the real GRE

Our questions are based on past official tests. The difficulty level is calibrated to match exactly what you'll encounter on exam day.

Exceptional scores

Our GRE coaches are not simple tutors: they are people who have themselves achieved exceptional scores:

• 170/170 on Quantitative (perfect score)
• 165/170 on Verbal (top 3%)

They understand the specific challenges of French speakers because they lived them.

A dedicated coach for your entire journey

As soon as you register, a coach is assigned to you. They accompany you throughout your preparation:

• Debrief sessions after each practice test
• Availability to answer your questions
• Personalized tracking of your progress
• Motivation and moral support

Nelson Foka: INSEAD, Cornell, Michigan Ross

• GRE Score: 167/170 Quant, 155/170 Verbal (322 total)
• Preparation duration: 6 months
• Admissions obtained:
• INSEAD: Admitted
• Cornell Johnson: Admitted with 50% scholarship
• Michigan Ross: Admitted with 100% scholarship

"Thanks to Liwaza, I was able to get the scores needed for my target schools. The structured program and personalized coaching made all the difference."

Liwaza global statistics:

• Average duration to reach target score: 5-6 months
• Success rate (target score achieved): 92%
• Total duration to admission: 10 months on average

Official ETS resources

We recommend supplementing your Liwaza preparation with official ETS resources (GRE creator):

• PowerPrep: 2 free practice tests on the ETS website
• Official GRE Super Power Pack: 3 official books with exercises
• ScoreItNow!: AWA (essays) scoring service

Why combine Liwaza + ETS?

• Liwaza provides you:
• The structured and personalized program
• The tracking and analysis AI
• Expert human coaching
• Community and support

• ETS resources ensure you:
• Familiarity with the exact format
• 100% authentic questions
• Confidence on test day

Recommended planning:

Step 1: Create your free account

Start with the free Community version of Liwaza:

• Access to the community of candidates and alumni
• Basic GRE resources
• Webinars with admissions officers

Step 2: Take the diagnostic test

As soon as you're ready to commit seriously, upgrade to the Premium plan (€70/month):

• Complete diagnostic test
• Personalized program generated
• Access to all courses and exercises

Step 3: Meet your coach

Schedule an appointment with your coach to:

• Define your target schools
• Validate your preparation timeline
• Receive your first recommendations

Step 4: Follow the program

Every day, connect to the platform:

• Read your GRE articles (10-15 min)
• Do your assigned exercises (30-45 min)
• Practice IELTS speaking if necessary (10 min)

Recommended duration: 10 months until admission

• Month 1-6: Intensive GRE preparation
• Month 7-8: English validation (IELTS/TOEFL if necessary)
• Month 9-10: Application file (CV, essays, interviews)

Ready to start?

Book a free demo to see the platform in action, or sign up directly at app.liwaza.org.