Start here: your GRE prep roadmap

If you do one thing today, do this.

Build a plan you can follow on a bad day. Not a perfect plan for a perfect week.

The 5-step roadmap (the order matters)

1. Confirm the current test format so your timing practice matches the real exam.
2. Pick a target score range based on your programs, not on a random number from a forum.
3. Take a baseline (even if it feels messy). Your baseline decides what you train first.
4. Choose a plan length (3 months, 2 months, or 1 month). Shorter plans are possible, but only if you simplify.
5. Run a tight weekly loop : learn → drill → review mistakes → repeat.

If you are completely new, start with what is GRE and then come right back here.

If you already booked a date, jump to the 30-day GRE study plan logic and build backward.

What the current GRE looks like (so your practice matches reality)

The current GRE General Test is about 1 hour 58 minutes . It has five sections: one Analytical Writing task, two Verbal sections, and two Quant sections. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

That matters because your prep should be built around section stamina and pacing checkpoints , not long marathon sessions that do not resemble test day.

Infographic: gre-test-structure-at-a-glance.png

This one-page table makes timing and pacing obvious. Use it before every mock so you rehearse the same rhythm each time.

How to use it: Print it. Circle your pacing checkpoints. Then place it next to your scratch paper during practice.

[ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Download: GRE Test Structure At-a-Glance (Infographic)

The fastest way to pick your plan length

Do not guess between 3 months, 2 months, and 1 month.

Use a simple rule: the farther you are from your target score, the more you need time for review loops and skill rebuilds .

1. Choose 3 months if you need to rebuild fundamentals, improve reading speed, or fix accuracy across multiple areas.
2. Choose 2 months if you have basics but need consistent execution and better pacing.
3. Choose 1 month if you already have strong basics and you mainly need test fitness, error cleanup, and strategy.

If you want a clean baseline flow, use a GRE diagnostic test guide and record results the same day you take the test.

Printable PDF: gre-prep-baseline-goal-sheet.pdf

This worksheet turns your baseline into a clear target and a weekly focus. It stops random studying.

Fill it once. Then update it in two minutes each week.

GRE Prep Baseline & Goal Sheet

Fill this after your first diagnostic. Keep it visible during prep.

Weekly check-in (2 minutes)

1. Biggest win this week: _______________________________________
2. One mistake pattern to fix next: ________________________________
3. Next week’s single priority: ___________________________________

Download: Baseline & Goal Sheet

A small “trusted shelf” (useful when you need a second opinion)

When you need official wording, go to ETS. When you need writing clarity, use a strong university writing center.

• ETS GRE
• Purdue OWL
• UNC Writing Center

Know the GRE format, timing, and scoring (so your plan is realistic)

Most prep plans fail for a simple reason.

They train the wrong thing. Or they train the right thing in the wrong shape.

What you are training for (the current structure)

On the current GRE, you will complete one Issue essay, then two Verbal sections, then two Quant sections. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Verbal is 18 minutes per section with 12 questions per section. Quant is 21 minutes per section with 12 questions per section. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

This tells you what to practice:

1. Short bursts of perfect focus (18–21 minutes).
2. Fast recovery between sections.
3. Decision quality when time gets tight.

Section-level adaptivity (what it means, without the myths)

The GRE is section-level adaptive . Your performance on the first section of a measure influences the difficulty of the second section of that same measure. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Here is the practical takeaway.

Section 1 is your “stability” section. You want high accuracy with calm pacing. That creates a better second section and reduces panic later.

How GRE scoring works (what to track weekly)

The GRE reports three scores: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Verbal and Quant use the 130–170 scale. Analytical Writing uses the 0–6 scale. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Now the part most people miss.

You do not improve by “studying more.” You improve by tracking the right signals.

The 4 signals that predict your score increase

1. Accuracy by question family (for example: Text Completion vs Reading Comprehension vs Quantitative Comparison).
2. Time-to-first-decision (how long you spend before you commit to a method).
3. Second-guess rate (how often you change answers without new evidence).
4. Repeat mistakes (the same trap appearing again two weeks later).

Those four signals are why an GRE error log template is not optional if you want consistent improvement.

The right way to use official practice

Official questions feel different. That is a feature, not a problem.

Your job is to learn the “feel” of official wording, then build habits that survive pressure.

1. First pass: solve untimed, but explain every choice you eliminate.
2. Second pass: solve timed in mini-sets that match the real section clock.
3. Third pass: re-solve missed questions after 7 days, without looking at notes.

If you do not re-solve, you do not own the skill. You only remember the explanation.

What to do if you are overwhelmed right now

If the GRE feels huge, shrink it.

Think in chapters . Today you only need to win one chapter.

1. Win the format and timing.
2. Win the baseline and target.
3. Win one weak area.
4. Repeat.

That is how your prep becomes predictable.

Master Quantitative Reasoning (without wasting time)

Quant can feel “math heavy.” It’s not. It’s decision heavy .

You win when you choose the fastest method that is safe for that question type.

On the current GRE, Quant is two sections: Section 1 has 12 questions in 21 minutes , and Section 2 has 15 questions in 26 minutes . [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

That works out to about 1 minute 45 seconds per question on average. Your goal is not to be fast everywhere. Your goal is to be fast on the questions that allow speed.

ETS groups Quant skills into four content areas: Arithmetic , Algebra , Geometry , and Data Analysis . [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

And ETS is explicit about what you don’t need: the Quant content “doesn’t include trigonometry, calculus or other higher-level mathematics.” [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Know the 4 Quant question types (so you can choose the right tool)

ETS lists four Quant question types: Quantitative Comparison , Multiple-choice (select one) , Multiple-choice (select one or more) , and Numeric Entry . [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Each question can appear as a standalone question or inside a Data Interpretation set that shares the same table/graph. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Quantitative Comparison (QC): the fastest points on the test

QC always asks you to compare Quantity A vs Quantity B and choose one of four fixed answer choices (A greater, B greater, equal, or cannot be determined). [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

That “cannot be determined” option is real. ETS specifically warns you not to pick it if values are clearly computable. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Use this QC decision order. It saves time and prevents traps.

1. Look for “same expression” moves.

   If both quantities share a piece, cancel it safely. If both have a common positive factor, divide it out.

2. Compare by difference (or ratio).

   Create one expression like (A − B) . If it’s always positive, A is greater. If it can flip sign, you’re headed toward “cannot be determined.”

3. Test 2–3 smart numbers.

   Pick values that stress the problem: 0 , 1 , negative, fraction, large. One counterexample is enough to prove “cannot be determined.”

4. Only compute when forced.

   ETS explicitly recommends avoiding unnecessary computation on QC. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

If you’re unsure which numbers to test, practice with a GRE quantitative comparison strategies drill set until your number-picking becomes automatic.

Multiple-choice (select one): use the choices as a tool

For many “select one” questions, ETS recommends using the fact that the answer choices are there to guide your work, including checking your method if your computed value doesn’t match any choice. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Here are three safe, high-ROI tactics.

1. Backsolve (plug choices into the condition).

   Best when the question asks for a value and the options are spaced out. Start with the middle choice.

2. Pick numbers (when variables are free).

   Choose simple values that satisfy constraints. This is especially strong for word problems and algebra expressions.

3. Estimate, then confirm.

   If you can estimate the range quickly, you often eliminate 3–4 choices instantly.

Multiple-choice (select one or more): treat it like “true/false”

ETS notes that “select one or more” questions may have only one correct choice, and you must follow the instruction about selecting all that apply. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Use this pattern to stay accurate.

1. Rewrite each option as a claim.

   You are not choosing “the best.” You are deciding “true or false.”

2. Prove or kill each option fast.

   Use a quick counterexample, or a quick check case. Don’t do full algebra unless needed.

3. Do a final “did I test the corner case?” check.

   Many wrong selections come from missing 0 , a negative, or a fraction case.

Numeric Entry: precision beats speed (but you can still be efficient)

ETS advises you to read the question carefully for the required form, pay attention to units and magnitude (like millions vs billions), and round only as instructed. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Here’s the Numeric Entry safety checklist.

1. Write the target form (integer, fraction, decimal) before you compute.

2. Delay rounding until the last line.

3. Sanity-check the size by quick estimation.

4. Re-check units (minutes vs hours, dollars vs cents).

Data Interpretation sets: don’t “study the graph,” hunt what you need

ETS says Data Interpretation questions are grouped and refer to the same data display, and the question types may be multiple-choice or numeric entry. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

ETS also recommends scanning the display briefly, focusing only on what you need, and paying attention to axes, scales, and units. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Use the “ Title → Units → One row ” habit.

1. Title first. What is the dataset about?

2. Units second. Dollars? Thousands? Percent?

3. One row/column last. Find only the values needed for this question.

Calculator strategy: use it like a knife, not a crutch

ETS provides a basic on-screen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning measure. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

ETS recommends using it for tedious computations (long division, square roots, multi-digit arithmetic), but avoiding it for simple computations that are faster mentally. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Here’s the rule that keeps you on pace.

1. Estimate first. You should know the ballpark before you touch the calculator.

2. Calculate once. Do not “re-calc” unless your estimate and result disagree.

3. Check digits. Most calculator mistakes are key-entry mistakes, not math mistakes.

If arithmetic speed is your bottleneck, your fastest fix is not more hard questions. It’s a GRE mental math drills routine that makes easy math automatic.

Quant accuracy plan: the 3-pass method (works even if you’re rusty)

This is how strong scorers stay calm.

1. Pass 1 (easy wins): grab QC you can finish safely, plus straight “select one” questions you can estimate quickly.

   Mark anything that looks like heavy algebra or messy data.

2. Pass 2 (real work): return to marked items in order of expected time , not difficulty.

   Do 1-minute checks first. Save “3-minute slogs” for last.

3. Pass 3 (cleanup): confirm bubbles, confirm units, confirm you didn’t misread “EXCEPT.”

   On GRE-style exams, last-minute points often come from preventing a silly miss.

Infographic: gre-quant-question-types-matrix.png

This matrix helps you recognize each Quant question type in seconds and choose the safest fast strategy.

Use it before practice sets. Then use it again when you review mistakes.

Download: Quant Question Types Matrix (Infographic)

Printable PDF: gre-quant-error-log.pdf

This error log turns “I got it wrong” into “I fixed the exact weakness.”

Fill it after every practice session. Review it before your next mock.

Download: Quant Error Log (PDF)

When you keep an error log, your prep becomes measurable. That matters even more than raw hours.

If you want a targeted refresh by topic, you can rotate practice blocks across GRE arithmetic basics, GRE algebra foundations, GRE geometry formulas, and GRE data interpretation in a simple weekly loop.

A Deep Dive into Verbal Reasoning (RC, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence)

Verbal is not about sounding smart.

It’s about reading precisely and following logic under time pressure.

ETS defines three Verbal question types: Reading Comprehension , Text Completion , and Sentence Equivalence . [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

First, build the right mental model of Verbal

ETS notes that about half of Verbal requires you to read passages and answer questions, while the other half focuses on completing and interpreting sentences and short passages. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

This matters because your study plan must train two different skills: passage navigation and sentence logic .

Reading Comprehension: how to read like a tester, not like a student

ETS says Reading Comprehension passages come from many disciplines and that you don’t need outside knowledge; you answer based on what the passage provides. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

ETS also notes that passages can have one to six questions each, with most passages one paragraph and one or two passages longer. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Here is the RC approach that keeps you fast and accurate.

1. Read for structure, not details.

   Ask: What is the author doing in each sentence? Defining? Challenging? Providing evidence? Explaining a mechanism?

2. Mark the pivot.

   Words like however , although , yet , and nevertheless often signal the author’s real point.

3. Summarize in 7 words.

   After the passage, force a short summary. It becomes your compass for every question.

4. Use line evidence like a lawyer.

   If you can’t point to support in the passage, your answer is a guess.

ETS lists three RC question formats: select one , select multiple correct answers , and select-in-passage (select a sentence from the passage). [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Use a different micro-strategy for each format.

1. RC “select one”: predict first, then match.

   Force a 5–10 word prediction. Then choose the option that matches it most completely.

2. RC “select multiple”: treat each choice as a claim.

   ETS explains you must select all correct answers to get credit, with no partial credit. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

   So evaluate each option independently. Find line support or reject it.

3. RC “select-in-passage”: translate the description into a target.

   ETS notes you select the sentence that meets the description, and you should evaluate relevant sentences before choosing. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

   Make the target specific. Then scan for a sentence that matches every part of the description.

If RC feels slow, you’ll improve faster with short daily reps than with marathon sessions. A GRE reading comprehension drills routine that is 15 minutes a day is often enough to change speed and confidence.

Text Completion: it’s logic + signal words

ETS describes Text Completion as omitting crucial words from short passages and asking you to select words/phrases that make the passage coherent and meaningful. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

ETS also defines the structure: passages can be one to five sentences; there can be one to three blanks; if there are two or three blanks then each blank has three answer choices; if there is one blank then there are five choices; and there is no credit for partially correct answers. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Here is the Text Completion method that stops you from “word hunting.”

1. Read for the author’s direction.

   Is the tone positive, negative, skeptical, or neutral?

2. Circle the signal words.

   Contrast: however , although . Cause: because , therefore . Addition: moreover .

3. Predict a “job description,” not a perfect word.

   Example: “a word meaning surprisingly generous ,” not “magnanimous.”

4. Lock the easiest blank first.

   ETS explicitly notes you don’t have to fill the first blank first, and it can be easier to start elsewhere. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

5. Do a coherence check.

   Does the completed passage make logical and grammatical sense from start to finish?

Vocabulary still matters. But the fastest gains come when you learn vocabulary in pairs and families . A GRE vocabulary study plan that forces active recall will beat passive word lists.

Sentence Equivalence: two answers, one meaning

ETS defines Sentence Equivalence as a single sentence with one blank and six answer choices; you must select two choices that complete the sentence and produce sentences that mean the same thing, with no partial credit. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Most people miss SE for one reason.

They chase synonyms. They forget the logic of the sentence .

Use this SE checklist. It’s simple. It’s reliable.

1. Predict first. Decide what kind of word the blank needs.

2. Check sentence logic. Your two choices must make the sentence mean the same thing.

3. Reject “almost fits.” If one choice shifts tone or direction, it’s wrong.

4. Do the double-read. Read the sentence once with choice #1 and once with choice #2.

If you want a focused skill path, split Verbal practice into three repeating blocks: GRE reading comprehension strategy, GRE text completion practice, and GRE sentence equivalence practice.

Score-6 Analytical Writing: a 30-minute Issue essay you can repeat

The current GRE has one Analytical Writing task: Analyze an Issue . You get 30 minutes. It is always first. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

This task is not about fancy vocabulary. It is about taking a clear position. Then supporting it with reasons and examples. That is exactly what ETS says the Issue task is designed to measure. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Your score ranges from 0 to 6 in half-point steps. The score descriptors reward clarity, organization, and well-supported reasoning. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

If you have seen older guides talk about two essays (Issue + Argument), that was the pre–September 22, 2023 structure. The current structure is different. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

The “Position → Reasons → Examples → Lens” blueprint

Most students lose points for one reason. They write around the prompt. They do not answer it.

This blueprint prevents that. It also keeps you fast.

1. Position: Pick a side. Add one sentence that narrows what you mean.
2. Reasons: Choose two strong reasons. Not three weak ones.
3. Examples: Give one concrete example per reason. Make it specific enough to feel real.
4. Lens: Add one “however” paragraph that shows you understand trade-offs.

Think of it as a simple contract. You promise two reasons. Then you pay it off with two examples.

What ETS really wants (in plain English)

You do not need “perfect” English. You need controlled English.

Short sentences. Clear transitions. No wandering paragraphs.

1. Answer the exact task: If the prompt asks “to what extent,” don’t write “both sides equally.” Choose a clear extent.
2. Build a logical chain: Each paragraph should prove one claim.
3. Use examples that fit the claim: A generic example feels like filler.
4. Show one limitation: A short “however” paragraph signals mature reasoning.
5. Stay readable under time: Typos happen. Confusion costs points.

If you want a deeper walk-through, use a focused GRE AWA Issue essay method that you practice the same way every time.

How to pick examples fast (without memorizing history)

Your examples do not need famous names. They need cause → effect .

Use these “example buckets.” Then customize in 10 seconds.

1. Workplace systems: feedback, incentives, training, hiring, quality control.
2. Education: curriculum, grading, mentorship, online learning, standardized tests.
3. Public policy: health, transportation, safety rules, environmental trade-offs.
4. Technology: automation, privacy, misinformation, productivity tools.
5. Personal observation: team projects, community problems, leadership choices.

You can practice using official Issue prompts from the published pool. It is the most efficient way to avoid surprise. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Printable timing plan you can run on test day

Speed comes from routine. Not inspiration.

Use this minute-by-minute plan until it feels boring.

Infographic: the-30-minute-issue-essay-timeline.png

This one-page timeline keeps you moving. It prevents you from spending 12 minutes on the intro.

Reliable example buckets (quick list): systems, workplace incentives, education trade-offs, technology side effects.

Download: The 30-Minute Issue Essay Timeline (Infographic)

Your 3-Month GRE Study Plan (Week-by-Week)

A 3-month window is long enough to build skill. It is also short enough to stay intense.

In 12 weeks, you can go from “I’m rusty” to “I know my patterns.” That is what drives score jumps.

Before you start, anchor your plan to the current exam structure. Verbal and Quant are section-level adaptive . You can preview, mark, and review within each section. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

The 12-week promise (what you’re building)

1. Accuracy first: Fix “why I miss” before you chase speed.
2. Then pacing: Speed comes from pattern recognition and clean setups.
3. Then realism: Full-length practice teaches stamina and decision-making.
4. Always review: Your score is hidden inside your mistake patterns.

If you want a simple way to track progress, use a GRE prep baseline & goal sheet and update it weekly.

Week-by-week plan (use it as written, then customize)

This plan assumes you study most days, even if it is just 60 minutes.

If you have fewer days, keep the same order. Do not rearrange the phases.

Month 1: Build accuracy and vocabulary foundations (Weeks 1–4)

Month 1 is about clean reps. You are building “first-pass correctness.”

You will also start your vocabulary system. It compounds fast.

Week 1: Orientation + baseline repairs

1. Day 1: Read the official structure once. Write the timings on one card. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]
2. Day 2: Do one light diagnostic set: 10 Quant + 10 Verbal. Untimed. Tag every miss by cause.
3. Day 3: Start your vocab routine (15–20 words). Use spaced repetition. Keep a “confusable words” list.
4. Day 4: Quant basics refresh: arithmetic + algebra setup. Focus on clean equations and units.
5. Day 5: Verbal basics refresh: 2 short passages + 10 Text Completion blanks. Focus on logic, not speed.
6. Weekend: Review everything you missed. Rewrite your best “fix rule” for each miss in one sentence.

Week 2: Verbal lifts + daily vocab

1. Daily: 15–20 vocab words + 5 minutes of review from yesterday.
2. Two sessions: Reading Comprehension drills (short passages). Practice “question-first preview.”
3. Two sessions: Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence. Tag misses as vocab gap or logic gap.
4. One session: Sentence structure repair. Learn to spot contrast, cause, and concession words fast.
5. Weekend: Write one timed Issue essay (30 minutes). Save your template. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Week 3: Quant accuracy + data sets

1. Two sessions: Data Interpretation sets. Practice reading the axes first. Then the question.
2. Two sessions: Algebra + word problems. Force yourself to write the variable definition line.
3. One session: Geometry refresh. Focus on triangles, circles, coordinate basics, and quick area logic.
4. Daily: Keep vocab moving. Do not pause the system.
5. Weekend: Do one timed Quant section. Use official timing for Section 1 (12 questions, 21 minutes). [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Week 4: Mini simulation week

1. Day 1: 1 Issue essay (30 minutes). Then 10 minutes of edit and self-score using ETS descriptors. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]
2. Day 2: 1 Verbal section under time (18 minutes for Section 1). Review immediately. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]
3. Day 3: 1 Quant section under time (21 minutes for Section 1). Review immediately. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]
4. Day 4: Error-log deep review. Retest all misses. Do not do new questions.
5. Weekend: A “half test”: Verbal + Quant (two sections total) + review. You are training stamina without burning out.

Month 2: Pacing, mixed sets, and section readiness (Weeks 5–8)

Month 2 is where most score jumps happen.

You will keep accuracy stable. Then you will add speed and mixed practice.

Week 5: Timed Verbal + RC priority

1. Two sessions: Timed Reading Comprehension. Use “mark and move” if stuck.
2. Two sessions: Mixed TC + SE drills. Aim for faster elimination, not perfect certainty.
3. One session: Vocab review + confusables cleanup (your most-missed words).
4. Weekend: Full Verbal practice: Section 1 timing (18 minutes) plus review. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Week 6: Quant speed + “setup discipline”

1. Two sessions: Quant timed sets (10–12 questions). Focus on writing the fastest setup.
2. One session: Data Interpretation timed. Train “read table first, then question.”
3. One session: Calculator practice for the on-screen style. Use it only when it saves time. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]
4. Weekend: Full Quant practice: Section 1 timing (21 minutes) plus review. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Week 7: Mixed sets and “second-section readiness”

1. Two sessions: Mixed Verbal sets (RC + TC/SE). Practice switching modes cleanly.
2. Two sessions: Mixed Quant sets (algebra + geometry + data). Practice switching topics cleanly.
3. One session: Issue essay practice. Use a new prompt. Pick two fresh example buckets.
4. Weekend: Practice the longer Section 2 timing once (Verbal 23 minutes, Quant 26 minutes). [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Week 8: First full “realistic” run

1. Two days: Light drilling only. Protect energy.
2. One day: Full-length simulation with the current 5-section structure and timings. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]
3. Next day: Review day. Retest misses. Build a “top 10 fixes” list.
4. Weekend: Patch week: redo weak topic sets and one timed Verbal section.

Month 3: Full-lengths, analytics, and confidence (Weeks 9–12)

Month 3 is where you turn preparation into performance.

You stop “learning new things.” You start “doing your best things under time.”

Week 9: First true full-length + deep review

1. Test day: Full simulation. Match the exact order: AWA first, then Verbal/Quant sections. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]
2. Review day: Review every miss and every guessed question. Rewrite the correct reasoning.
3. Patch days: Two short targeted drills (one Verbal, one Quant) based on your biggest misses.

Week 10: Fix pacing leaks

1. Verbal: Train “skip and return” deliberately using Mark/Review so you do not stall. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]
2. Quant: Train “setup first” for word problems. If setup is messy, guess and move.
3. AWA: Write one essay. Focus only on transitions and clarity.
4. Weekend: One timed Verbal + one timed Quant section, then review.

Week 11: Second full-length + confidence build

1. Full simulation: Run it again. Treat it like the real day.
2. Review: Build your “Do / Don’t” list for each question type.
3. Short drills: Only your top 3 weak areas. Nothing else.

Week 12: Taper + readiness

1. Early week: Light mixed sets. Keep your brain warm. Do not exhaust it.
2. Midweek: One last timed section of your weakest measure (Verbal or Quant).
3. Final 48 hours: Stop heavy practice. Review only your “top 10 fixes,” vocab confusables, and AWA outline template.
4. Last night: Pack your test-day plan. Sleep is now a score strategy.

How to customize this plan without breaking it

Customize volume , not sequence .

Keep accuracy month → pacing month → full-length month.

1. If you are strong in Quant, reduce Quant drills by 20%. Keep the timed sections.
2. If vocabulary is your bottleneck, increase vocab to 25 words/day for Weeks 1–4.
3. If RC is slow, add one extra short-passage drill twice a week in Month 2.
4. If anxiety is high, add more mini simulations in Week 4 and Week 7.

If you are shorter on time, jump to a faster plan using a 2-month GRE study plan or a 30-day GRE study plan . The core sequence stays the same.

If you want a clean standalone version of this timeline, follow the 3-month GRE study plan page. It’s the same logic, packaged for quick use.

Your 2-Month GRE Study Plan (Week-by-Week)

Two months is enough. But only if your plan is tight . You need a repeatable week structure, not random “study when I can.”

This chapter gives you an 8-week map. You’ll know what to do on weekdays, what to protect on weekends, and how to measure progress without guessing.

The plan assumes the current GRE structure and timing. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

How to use this plan (in 90 seconds)

1. Pick your test date first. Everything else snaps into place after that.
2. Protect one “timed day” every weekend. Timed work is the engine of a 60-day plan.
3. On weekdays, rotate skill + practice + review. Small sessions. No drama. Just consistency.
4. Track mistakes in one error log. Your log becomes your custom textbook.

The 8-week schedule at a glance

Use this table as your map. Then use the week notes below to run it like a script.

Week 1: Baseline and foundations (do not skip)

Week 1 is about truth . Not vibes. You need a baseline and a gap list.

If you already have a baseline, still do a quick timed section for each measure. Your recent reality matters most.

1. Day 1: Take a baseline using an official practice test if possible. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]
2. Day 2: Build your gap list (Quant topics, Verbal types, AWA structure).
3. Days 3–5: Start core routines:
   1. Quant: arithmetic + algebra refresh.
   2. Verbal: one RC set + one TC/SE set.
   3. AWA: outline one Issue prompt (no pressure yet).
4. Weekend: one timed day (1 Verbal + 1 Quant). Use official section times. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Weeks 2–3: Build accuracy, then add difficulty

In a 60-day plan, accuracy is your multiplier. Speed without accuracy becomes panic.

Use ETS’s content outlines to stay aligned to what the test actually measures. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

1. Quant drill rule: Easy → Medium → Timed (same topic). Then review immediately.
2. Word-problem storyboard: underline givens, circle the ask, sketch a mini table/number line, translate to equation.
3. TC “signal-bridge” habit: find contrast/continuation words, write a 5-word “bridge” meaning, then choose words that match.
4. RC “purpose-first” habit: after paragraph 1, write the author’s goal in one short line. Then read faster.

Week 4: Mid-plan checkpoint (the honest mirror)

At the end of Week 4, do one official full practice test if you can. It tells you if your current strategy works.

Use ETS’s official practice environment for the cleanest signal. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

1. Before the test: set a quiet room. Remove distractions.
2. During the test: mark every guessed question number.
3. After the test: write a “Top 5 misses list” (the five misses that repeat).
4. Then: revise Weeks 5–6 to target those misses first.

Weeks 5–7: Timed stability, flow rehearsal, and error-log dominance

Now your plan becomes more like test day. You’ll practice the work under time . You’ll also practice the order.

This is where many students gain “silent points” by avoiding end-of-section meltdowns.

1. Week 5 focus: full Verbal sections under time, then targeted RC fixes. ETS describes the Verbal measure and skills it tests. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]
2. Week 6 focus: timed Quant sets + data interpretation practice. ETS outlines Quant topics and skills. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]
3. Week 7 focus: mixed days and order rehearsal:
   1. Day A: Verbal → Quant (timed) → review.
   2. Day B: Quant → Verbal (timed) → review.
   3. Day C: error-log redo day (only your tagged mistakes).

Keep one weekly Issue essay. Use ETS’s published pool to see real prompts. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Week 8: Polish, calm reps, and test readiness

Week 8 is not “learn new stuff” week. It’s “make your best stuff show up” week.

Do one final simulation early in the week. Then shift to light timed sets, review, and confidence reps.

1. Do: small timed sets (one section at a time).
2. Do: error-log redo (re-solve old misses until they feel boring).
3. Do: 2–3 Issue outlines (fast). Then write one full essay.
4. Don’t: chase a new book or a new “miracle method.”

If you want a clean standalone version of this timeline, follow the 2-month GRE study plan page. It’s the same logic, packaged for quick use.

Your 1-Month GRE Study Plan (Week-by-Week)

One month is intense. But it can work if you stop trying to “cover everything.”

You will focus on high-frequency skills , timed drills, and ruthless review. Your goal is stability, not perfection.

This plan matches the current shorter GRE structure and section timing. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

The 4-week structure that makes 30 days work

Think of the month as four waves. Each week has a clear job.

1. Week 1: foundations + patterns (algebra basics, core vocab, short RC).
2. Week 2: add difficulty (harder Quant, longer RC, multi-blank TC).
3. Week 3: timed drills + AWA + data interpretation.
4. Week 4: simulations, review, and calm polishing.

Daily rhythm you can remember (3 blocks)

This rhythm is the secret. It prevents “studied for 3 hours, learned nothing.”

1. Block A (30–45 min): learn one concept or one strategy.
2. Block B (45–60 min): deliberate practice on that exact thing.
3. Block C (15–30 min): review + vocab + error-log entry.

Week 1: Foundations & fast wins

Week 1 is about stopping the bleeding. You will fix the mistakes that cost points quickly.

You will also build momentum so you don’t quit in Week 2.

1. Quant days (3–4 days): arithmetic + algebra + word problems.
2. Verbal days (3–4 days): TC/SE practice + short RC sets.
3. One AWA day: outline + one full Issue essay.

ETS describes the Verbal and Quant skills tested. Use those descriptions to decide what to prioritize this week. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Week 2: Add difficulty (without losing accuracy)

Week 2 is where the plan becomes GRE-like. You now do harder items, but you keep your process.

On Verbal, your goal is speed with control. On Quant, your goal is clean setup with fewer careless errors.

1. RC focus: longer passages. One passage at a time. One-sentence purpose after paragraph 1.
2. Quant focus: exponents/roots, equations, geometry, and percent/rate word problems.
3. Mixed sets: every 3–4 days, do a mixed mini set from your error log.

Week 3: Timed drills + AWA + data interpretation

Week 3 teaches pacing. This is where most one-month students finally feel the clock.

Use the official section times so your pacing is honest. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

1. Two timed Quant sets: then review immediately.
2. Two timed Verbal sets: track where RC slows you down.
3. One Issue essay: use the official pool to pick prompts. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]
4. One data interpretation session: charts, tables, and reading carefully before calculating.

Week 4: Simulations, review, and calm polishing

Week 4 is when you stop “learning” and start performing .

Do your last full simulation early. Then shift to review, light reps, and confidence.

1. Early week: one full practice test or a full mini-simulation (AW → Verbal → Quant). [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]
2. Mid week: redo 20–30 error-log questions. Same questions. Better process.
3. Last 2–3 days: light timed sets + short review. Protect sleep.

If you want the complete daily schedule version, use the 30-day GRE study plan . It’s built for copy-paste execution.

Test-Taking Strategies: Pacing, Anxiety, and Educated Guessing

Most score drops on test day come from three things: clock pressure , panic loops , and bad guessing .

This chapter gives you simple rules you can execute under stress. No motivational fluff. Just moves that work.

Pacing: use “checkpoints,” not constant clock-watching

The clock is useful. But staring at it every question makes you slower.

Instead, use 2–3 checkpoints per section. That keeps you calm and on track.

Use the official section structure and time as your anchor. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

1. Checkpoint 1: after the first third of questions, you should feel settled.
2. Checkpoint 2: after the second third, you should not be “behind and rushing.”
3. Checkpoint 3: last third is where you protect points with smart skips and clean finishes.

Anxiety: break the panic loop in 20 seconds

Panic is not a personality trait. It’s a pattern. And patterns can be interrupted.

1. Name it: “I’m in a panic loop.”
2. Reset posture: feet flat, shoulders down, jaw relaxed.
3. One clean breath: inhale 4 seconds, exhale 6 seconds.
4. One tiny action: pick the next question you can do. Do it slowly. Get a win.

Educated guessing: a 3-step rule that saves points

Guessing is part of the GRE. The difference is whether you guess with a plan.

1. Eliminate first. Cross out anything that is clearly impossible.
2. Choose the “least wrong.” Especially in Verbal, wrong answers often have one word that breaks the logic.
3. Move on fast. A perfect guess is not worth a time collapse.

Printable PDF: gre-test-day-score-packet.pdf

This one-page checklist makes test day boring. You’ll know what to bring, what to verify, and what to record right after the test.

It also includes a tiny “8–10 days” reminder box so you remember the score reporting window without overthinking it.

1. Before you leave: Confirm your test appointment details and your ID matches your registration name.
2. Pack: ID, water, simple snack, and a light layer (jacket) for cold rooms.
3. Warm-up (10 minutes): 3 easy Quant questions + 3 short TC/SE items to feel sharp.
4. During the test: Use your checkpoint pacing plan. Skip time-sinks fast.
5. After the test: Write down (a) which question types felt slow, (b) where you guessed, (c) what surprised you.
6. Score packet: Record your test date, your target schools, and your next action (apply, retake, or wait).

Download: Test-Day Score Packet (PDF)

Advanced Tips and Common Traps to Avoid

At this point, you don’t need more “content.” You need clean execution .

This chapter is a trap-buster. It shows you the sneaky ways the GRE steals points. Then it gives you the simplest counter-moves.

First, update your mental model of the GRE (so you stop fighting the test)

The GRE is section-level adaptive for Verbal and Quant. Your performance in the first section influences the difficulty of the second section for that measure. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

The computer-delivered design also lets you skip , mark , and change answers within a section while time remains. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

That means your strategy should be flexible. You’re not trapped on one question.

Trap #1: Treating every question like it deserves equal time

Time is your scarcest resource. You win by protecting it.

So you need a rule for when to commit and when to move .

Infographic: gre-skip-mark-guess-decision-tree.png

This decision tree stops time leaks. Use it for Quant and Verbal so you always know your next move in under five seconds.

It’s also perfect for timed practice. You can train the habit before test day.

Download: Skip / Mark / Guess Decision Tree (Infographic)

On the GRE, wrong answers don’t subtract points. Your raw score is based on the number of questions you answer correctly. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

ETS also states plainly that points are not deducted for wrong answers, so guessing beats leaving blanks. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Trap #2: Misusing “mark and review”

Mark and review is powerful. But it can also become an excuse to run away from hard thinking.

ETS recommends using mark-and-review and the review screen to revisit questions within the time for that section. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Use this “mark rule” (simple, but strict)

1. Always pick an answer before you mark. Even if it’s a guess.
2. Only mark questions with a clear return plan. Example: “I’ll re-check units” or “I’ll re-read line 12.”
3. Limit yourself to 3 marks per section. More than that becomes a panic list.
4. Return in order of easiest fix first. Quick wins first. Time sinks last.

Trap #3: Underestimating the “shorter GRE” changes on test day

Some older advice still talks about a scheduled 10-minute break.

ETS’s shorter GRE FAQs state there is no scheduled 10-minute break on the shorter GRE, and if you take a break at a test center, the clock does not stop unless you have an approved accommodation. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

So your plan should assume continuous work. If you need a quick reset, train “micro-resets” instead of relying on a long break.

Trap #4: Losing points on Quant to “invisible” details

Quant traps are rarely about hard math. They’re usually about details you didn’t notice.

Quant trap checklist (run it fast)

1. Units: dollars vs cents, minutes vs hours, meters vs centimeters.
2. Integer vs real: if it says integer, treat it like a strict rule.
3. Zero and negatives: test them when you’re unsure.
4. “Cannot be determined”: especially in Quant Comparison, stop trying to force a number.
5. Geometry diagrams: not drawn to scale unless stated.

When this checklist becomes a habit, your careless errors drop. That’s one of the fastest ways to raise your Quant score in a 30-day GRE study plan sprint.

Trap #5: Falling for “tempting” Verbal answers

Verbal wrong answers are designed to feel safe. They often match one phrase in the passage but break the main logic.

Your job is to learn the common wrong-answer patterns.

Verbal wrong-answer patterns (the big five)

1. Too extreme: words like “always,” “never,” “entirely,” “must.”
2. Out of scope: talks about something the passage never addressed.
3. Reversed logic: flips cause and effect or flips the author’s stance.
4. Half-right: one clause is true, one clause is false.
5. True but irrelevant: correct statement, wrong question.

When you practice GRE reading comprehension strategies, tag each wrong answer with one of these labels. Your accuracy rises quickly because your brain stops trusting “familiar” words.

Trap #6: AWA essays that feel “smart” but score lower than you expect

In Issue writing, clarity beats complexity. Most score drops come from structure and example quality, not grammar.

Use the official Issue pool so you practice the same style of prompts you’ll see on test day. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

AWA traps to avoid (simple fixes)

1. No clear thesis: fix it by writing one sentence that states your stance and your reason.
2. Examples that are too vague: fix it by naming a specific scenario and the chain of cause → effect.
3. No concession: fix it by adding one “However…” paragraph that shows balance.
4. Repetition: fix it by using one sentence per point, then moving on.

Trap #7: Getting blindsided by score timing

Your official GRE scores are available in your ETS account about 8–10 days after your test date. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

That’s why your last-week plan should focus on stability, sleep, and clean reps, not risky new material.

Trap #8: A test-day ID mismatch

Your ID must match the name you used to register, and ID rules depend on location and citizenship. ETS warns you may not be permitted to test if the requirements aren’t met. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

If you test outside your country of citizenship, ETS’s GRE ID requirements say you must present a valid passport as primary ID, with no exceptions to that policy. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

One “advanced” habit that changes everything: redo, don’t just do

Most students do thousands of questions. Then they wonder why they don’t improve.

Improvement comes from redoing your mistakes until your process becomes automatic.

1. First solve: you learn the surface.
2. First review: you learn why you missed.
3. Redo 48 hours later: you learn the correct habit.
4. Redo 7 days later: you prove you actually own it.

This is why an GRE quant error log is not “extra.” It’s the system that makes your practice stick.

A Curated List of the Best Free GRE Resources

Free resources are everywhere. The problem is that most people use them randomly.

This chapter gives you a small set of high-quality resources. It also tells you how to use each one without wasting time.

Rule #1: Start with official materials (then add support)

ETS is the exam maker. So official practice is your highest-signal practice.

Use third-party resources to fill skill gaps. But don’t replace official practice with endless “similar” questions.

1) Official ETS resources (start here)

1. GRE test structure (official).

   Use this to anchor pacing and avoid outdated advice. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

2. PowerPrep (official practice tests).

   Use these for baseline, mid-plan, and final simulations. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

3. Issue essay topic pool.

   Use it to practice real prompt style and build an example bank. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

4. Score reporting and timelines.

   Use this to plan around deadlines and reduce anxiety about “when scores arrive.” [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

5. Sending scores and ScoreSelect.

   Understand your options for sending scores and selecting test administrations. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

2) High-quality writing support (for AWA clarity)

For Issue essays, your goal is clear argument structure and clean paragraph logic.

These writing centers are excellent for learning how strong academic paragraphs work.

1. Purdue OWL (writing fundamentals).

   Use it to tighten thesis statements, topic sentences, and transitions. [ Source: Purdue OWL. ( Purdue OWL ) ]

2. Harvard College Writing Center (argument and clarity).

   Use it to learn what strong academic reasoning looks like on the page. [ Source: Harvard College Writing Center. ( Harvard College Writing Center ) ]

3) Skill-building practice (use sparingly and strategically)

Third-party practice can help you build volume.

But your score moves fastest when you use it to fix a specific weakness you already identified.

Use this “support stack” (simple and effective)

1. Step 1: Identify one weakness from your error log (example: “RC inference questions”).
2. Step 2: Do a targeted drill set.
3. Step 3: Immediately redo the missed items.
4. Step 4: Return to an official mixed set to test if the fix transfers.

If you’re working week-by-week, connect this chapter to your 2-month GRE study plan or your 3-month GRE study plan . The resource stack works best when your schedule is stable.

Registration, Scores, and Retakes: Handle Logistics Like a Pro

You can study perfectly and still lose points if test-day logistics go sideways.

This chapter gives you a simple system for scheduling, ID, score delivery, and retakes.

Do this once. Then forget it. Your brain stays on prep.

Step 1: Confirm the exact test format you’re preparing for

The current GRE General Test is about 1 hour 58 minutes with one Issue task , two Verbal sections, and two Quant sections. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Verbal has 12 questions (18 min) then 15 questions (23 min) . Quant has 12 questions (21 min) then 15 questions (26 min) . [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Both Verbal and Quant are section-level adaptive , meaning section 2 difficulty depends on section 1 performance. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Your 20-minute setup checklist (do it once)

This is the boring part. It’s also the part that prevents last-minute panic.

Open your ETS account. Then run this checklist in one sitting.

1) Make your name match your ID

ETS can require the name on your account to match your ID, so treat your ID as the source of truth. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

If you will test outside your country of citizenship, ETS says you must present a valid passport as your primary ID. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

2) Choose a test date by working backwards

Official scores typically post to your ETS account 8–10 days after your test date . [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

ETS also notes that electronic scores are delivered to schools on a schedule, so don’t cut it close to deadlines. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

A safe rule: aim to test at least 3–4 weeks before your earliest application deadline.

3) Plan score sending on test day (the “free four”)

On test day, ETS allows you to designate up to four graduate institutions or fellowship sponsors to receive your scores as part of your test fee. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

If you need to send scores later, you can order additional score reports for a fee. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Use ScoreSelect to send Most Recent , All , or Any specific test administration from the last five years. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

4) Understand retakes before you need them

ETS says you can take the GRE General Test once every 21 days , up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period (365 days) . [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

This matters because it changes your strategy. If your first attempt is a baseline, you must still leave enough calendar room for a second attempt.

5) Learn the scoring scales (so your goal is realistic)

Verbal and Quant are scored from 130 to 170 in one-point increments. Analytical Writing is scored from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

ETS also states that nothing is subtracted for incorrect answers in Verbal and Quant, so you should answer every question. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

6) Don’t “discover” the calculator on test day

The GRE provides an on-screen calculator on Quant, but ETS warns it should supplement your math judgment, not replace it. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Practice with it during timed sets. Build the reflex: estimate first, calculate second.

Your Next 7 Days: A Calm, High-Impact Start

You do not need motivation. You need a first week that proves progress .

Once you see progress, consistency stops being a fight.

Day 1: Pick the plan length that matches your calendar

1. If your test is 10–12 weeks out, use the 3-month GRE study plan .
2. If your test is 6–8 weeks out, use the 2-month GRE study plan .
3. If your test is 4–5 weeks out, use the 30-day GRE study plan .

Day 2: Run a baseline and write down only three truths

1. My current score range (not my wish).
2. My slowest area (time, not accuracy).
3. My biggest leak (careless errors, vocab, or RC structure).

Days 3–6: Build your “core loop”

This loop is why top scorers improve faster.

1. Timed set (short, strict, uncomfortable).
2. Review (slow, honest, specific).
3. Error log (portable rules, not regrets).
4. Redo (prove the fix under time).

Day 7: Do one thing that makes test day easier

1. Practice with the on-screen calculator for 15 minutes. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]
2. Do one full AWA Issue response with a strict 30-minute clock. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]
3. Write your test-day “pacing rule” on paper and tape it near your desk.

If you want the simplest single sentence to remember, it’s this: accuracy first, then speed, then score.

FAQs

Short answers. No fluff. If you’re unsure about a policy, always confirm in your ETS account and the official ETS pages linked below.

1) How long is the current GRE General Test, and what are the sections?

The current GRE General Test is about 1 hour 58 minutes and includes one Analytical Writing Issue task, two Verbal sections, and two Quant sections. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

2) Is the GRE adaptive?

Yes, Verbal and Quant are section-level adaptive . ETS states the difficulty of the second section depends on your performance on the first section of that measure. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

3) Do wrong answers hurt my score?

ETS says nothing is subtracted for incorrect answers in Verbal and Quant, so it’s best to answer every question. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

4) When will I get my official GRE scores?

ETS says official GRE General Test scores are available in your ETS account 8–10 days after your test date . [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

5) How many times can I retake the GRE?

ETS says you can take the GRE General Test once every 21 days , up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period (365 days) . [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

6) How do I send scores, and what is ScoreSelect?

ETS says you can designate up to four score recipients on test day as part of your test fee. [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

With ScoreSelect , ETS allows you to send Most Recent , All , or Any specific test administration from the last five years (where applicable). [ Source: ETS. ( ETS ) ]

Content Integrity Note:

This guide was written with AI assistance and then reviewed and edited by Andrew WIlliams (10 years coaching GRE candidates into top universities). Official test structure, timing, scoring, and policy details are sourced from ETS (the exam maker) and other reputable academic resources, and are cited inline above.