#8: Early testing!

Take the GRE early. If you can, schedule it in the first half of the year, rather than the October and November date. If you did math in undergrad, take it even earlier so the math is fresh! The most important reason I can offer for this is that you will be immersed in the application process by the fall, and the last thing you need is to be studying math flashcards and writing practice essays in 30-minute session to prep for the test! If you can knock the GRE out of the way early, you will thank yourself later. Taking it early also gives you the opportunity to retake the test, if you feel you need to.