Thinking about graduate school? Whether working with a professional GRE coach or studying independently, having a study plan is crucial. You need a timeline covering all content areas, test-taking tips, and providing enough practice exams to achieve your best GRE score.
As a professional grad school exam preparation coach, I’ve developed this structure to help you get into your top-choice graduate school.
Assess Your Starting Point
It’s important to know where you’re starting from. Take a diagnostic test to determine your strengths and weaknesses.
Set Your Goal
Look at the score required by your top-choice graduate school to determine your target score. Break down your goal into smaller milestones for each section of the GRE. Setting specific, measurable goals makes your studying manageable.
Create a Study Schedule
As a grad school test prep professional, outlining a structured study schedule is invaluable to helping students reach their target scores and get into their top-choice grad schools.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
6 to 9 Months Before the Exam: Familiarization and Foundation
- Get to know the GRE’s format, structure, and how questions are written
- Review basic verbal and quantitative reasoning concepts
3 to 6 Months Before the Exam: Intensive Preparation
- Dive deeper into each section (verbal, quantitative, analytical writing)
- Practice timed exercises and quizzes to improve speed and accuracy
- Focus on test-taking strategies (the “tips and tricks”) for tackling different kinds of questions
2 to 3 Months Before the Exam: Review and Practice Tests
- Review weak areas identified through practice tests
- Take full-length practice tests under exam conditions
- Analyze test results and refine strategies accordingly
Breakdown by Area
Verbal Reasoning
- Vocabulary-building exercises
- Reading comprehension strategies (“tips and tricks”)
- Practice sets and review
Quantitative Reasoning
- Review math concepts
- Develop problem-solving strategies (“tips and tricks”)
- Practice sets and review
Analytical Writing
- Review essay structures and prompts
- Practice outlining essays and then fleshing them out
- Practice writing essays under timed conditions
- Consider your tutor’s feedback or feedback from others
Practice Tests
Practice tests help you gauge your progress and get comfortable with the test format. Remember, this exam is a marathon, not a sprint—you must build up to running this particular marathon. Schedule practice exams regularly throughout your study schedule, taking more during the final weeks. Use these to analyze your performance and identify regular errors or weaknesses.
Balancing Reviewing vs. New Material
Effective studying needs to balance reviewing covered material and learning new concepts. Leave time each week for both.
Use the Best Resources for You
There is an overwhelming amount of study resources, such as textbooks, online materials, practice books, and GRE-prep apps. Different perspectives and exercises enrich your understanding of the GRE. Other students have different needs and study styles; your graduate school exam prep tutor will guide you to the best resources for you.
Be Flexible
Keep your timeline flexible. Life events, unexpected challenges, or faster-than-expected progress may require adjustments. Evaluate your timeline’s effectiveness regularly and revise as needed to stay on track toward your goals.
Maintaining Motivation and Self-Care
Studying for the GRE is demanding mentally and emotionally. Celebrate successes and take breaks. Balancing study time and downtime makes you most productive and prevents burnout.
Final Weeks Before the Exam
Immediately before your exam, review weaker topics, continue practicing with timed tests, and ensure you are well-rested and focused on exam day.
Exam Day Strategies
On the day of the exam, arrive early, make sure you have the required documents, water to stay hydrated, and a small snack to keep you going (I recommend a small snack box of raisins for a little unprocessed sugar boost), and stay positive. Remember to pace yourself, use educated guesses, and manage your time effectively.
Conclusion
Creating a well-structured study plan for the GRE will help you achieve your goal and help you get into the graduate school of your choice. Following these steps will maximize your preparation efforts and approach the exam confidently. Consistency, dedication, and strategic planning are the cornerstones of GRE success. Good luck!
Let me help
If you are considering taking the GRE, I am happy to provide you with a FREE GRE Exam Study Checklist. Reach out for this free, invaluable self-guide, or to schedule your GRE prep tutoring today.
Dr. Nathan Hurwitz has been called the “Guru of Graduate Exams.” He has degrees from NYU, Northwestern, and the University of Pittsburgh. He has been on faculty at NYU, Syracuse University, the University of Pittsburgh, Point Park University, NSULA, and Rider University. He has helped students reach their dreams of attending Brown, Cornell, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Michigan, Penn State, the University of Chicago, Annapolis, the University of Madison, the University of Florida, UCLA, Texas A&M, and many more.