How To Study For The GRE Test And Ace It

Succeeding in the GRE is a key step for anyone aiming to enter graduate school programmes, especially in the United States and other countries where the exam is recognised. With thoughtful planning, effective resources, and a strategic approach, preparing for the GRE can become a manageable and even empowering experience. 

This blog explains how to study for the GRE test, guides you through each phase of GRE prep, and addresses common concerns to help you approach the exam with confidence.

What is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test used widely for admissions to postgraduate and business schools around the world. Designed to assess analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning, the GRE evaluates your preparedness for advanced academic study. It is commonly required for admission into master’s, MBA, and certain doctoral programmes. The test is also necessary for applications across a range of disciplines, including engineering, social sciences, humanities, and more.

The GRE takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete, including scheduled breaks. Administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the exam is offered year-round in a computer-based format, with a paper-based option available in select locations.

Also Read: The Big Question: MBA in Foreign Vs MBA in India

GRE Test Structure and Format

Becoming familiar with the structure of the GRE is fundamental if you wish to study for the GRE test effectively. The current GRE General Test consists of three main sections:

• Unscored/Research Section: Some tests include an unscored or research section, which does not count towards your score but remains unidentified. It is important to give equal effort to every section.
  
• Computer-based format: The most common format is adaptive by section, meaning the difficulty of each subsequent section depends on your performance in the previous one.

Also read: GRE Vs SAT: What’s The Difference?

GRE Test Scoring

Understanding the scoring system is a crucial part of how to prepare for the GRE exam.

• Verbal Reasoning: Scores range from 130 to 170 (in one-point increments).
• Quantitative Reasoning: Scores range from 130 to 170 (in one-point increments).
• Analytical Writing: Scores range from 0 to 6, half-point increments.

You receive separate scores for each section, alongside a percentile rank which indicates how you performed relative to other test-takers.

*Mean scores may vary year-to-year; always check the official ETS website for updates.

Creating Your Study Plan

An effective study plan is the foundation for preparing for the GRE test and achieving GRE success. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or waste valuable time. Here are detailed steps and tips to help you craft a personalised GRE prep schedule that aligns with your goals and lifestyle.

1. Set Your Target Score

• Research Your Programmes: Start by identifying the GRE score requirements of the graduate programmes or business schools you want to apply to. Look at their average accepted scores for verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections.
• Aim Above Minimum Requirements: Set a goal slightly higher than the minimum score expected. This gives you a buffer for test-day performance variations and strengthens your application.
• Consider Your Strengths: If you’re strong in verbal but less confident in maths (or vice versa), consider weighting your target accordingly while aiming to improve across all sections.

2. Assess Your Baseline

• Take a Full-Length GRE Practice Test Early: Use official GRE practice tests (e.g., ETS PowerPrep) to simulate the real experience under timed conditions. This will help you understand your current level of understanding.
• Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Analyse your results section-wise and question-type-wise. You might discover you are quick with reading comprehension but need to improve algebraic reasoning.
• Use Baseline to Inform Your Plan: Your weakest sections will need more time and practice, while stronger areas require maintenance.

3. Establish a Timetable

• Choose Your Preparation Length: Most test takers prepare between 6 to 12 weeks. Beginners may take 3 months or more, while those with prior experience might need less time.
• Study Hours per Week: Aim for consistent study hours each week (usually 10-15 hours), distributed by your availability and stamina.
• Schedule Specific Sessions: Rather than vague “study GRE” slots, assign concrete tasks: “Monday 7pm–9pm: Verbal vocab review,” or “Wednesday 10am–11:30am: Quantitative problem sets.”
• Alternate Study Topics: Break monotony by alternating between verbal, quantitative, and writing tasks.
• Allocate Revision Days: Reserve weekly or bi-weekly sessions for reviewing previous topics and practicing test sections.
• Include Full Practice Tests: Plan to take at least 1 full-length, timed GRE practice exam every 2-3 weeks, especially in the latter half of your prep. These tests build stamina and improve pacing.
• Flexibility: Allow buffer days for unexpected events or extra focus on difficult topics.

4. Track Progress

• Regular Testing: Use short quizzes and official GRE practice tests to evaluate incremental improvement on key question types.
• Error Logs: Maintain a dedicated error log – record questions you miss, note patterns (e.g., careless mistakes, conceptual gaps), and revisit these regularly.
• Weekly Review Sessions: Reflect on achievements and setbacks. Adjust your schedule if one area needs more attention.
• Celebrate Milestones: Set mini-goals (e.g., mastering a vocabulary set or scoring above a threshold on a practice section) and reward yourself for progress.

5. Balance Study Modes

• Diverse Practice Techniques: Blend reading academic articles, flashcard vocabulary drills, problem-solving, and essay writing to cover all GRE skills effectively.
• Timed Practice: Simulate the testing environment by practising questions or sections under timed conditions. This sharpens pacing and builds endurance.
• Self-Explanation: After solving questions, explain your reasoning out loud or write it down. This reinforces understanding and identifies knowledge gaps.
• Group Study or Tutoring: If you find discussing concepts helpful, join GRE study groups online or locally. Peer support can clarify doubts and motivate consistent study.
• Rest and Recovery: Avoid burnout by incorporating relaxation breaks, physical exercise, and sleep into your schedule.

To make tutoring even more effective, using tutor management system can help manage sessions efficiently. It allows you to schedule lessons, set reminders, and track progress, ensuring tutoring fits smoothly into your study plan without conflicts, so you can focus on learning rather than logistics

Section-Specific GRE Prep Strategies

Verbal Reasoning

Quantitative Reasoning

Analytical Writing

Also read: Graduate Record Examination (GRE): A Complete Guide

Resources and Tools

Using the right study materials is essential for effective GRE preparation, especially if you’re preparing from home. Some of the most useful resources include:

• Official ETS Materials: The GRE Official Guide, PowerPrep Online practice tests, and section-specific practice books.
• GRE Practice Test Providers: Reputable sources include Manhattan Prep, Kaplan, Magoosh, and Princeton Review for mock exams and quizzes.
• GRE Prep Apps: Mobile applications for vocabulary building and daily question drills.
• Word Lists: High-frequency GRE word lists are widely available online.
• YouTube and Online Courses: Free and paid video lessons targeting GRE strategies.
• Study Groups/Forums: Join online communities (e.g., Reddit’s GRE forum) to exchange tips, review tricky questions, and share study goals.
  

Tips for Test Day and Beyond

Preparing well for the GRE exam is not just about knowing the content, but also about managing practical aspects of test day and your mindset to perform your best. Here are essential tips to help you arrive prepared, stay focused during the test, and make the most out of your efforts afterwards.

Familiarise Yourself with the Test Centre or Home Setup

If you’re taking the GRE at a test centre, plan your journey ahead of time to avoid any last-minute hiccups. Try visiting the location in advance or check live traffic updates on the test day to avoid delays. It’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes early to complete check-in procedures calmly and settle in without feeling rushed. 

For those taking the GRE at home, your preparation begins with a reliable technical setup. Make sure your computer meets ETS system requirements, your internet connection is stable, and your test space meets all the necessary conditions—a quiet, private room with no interruptions. Set up your environment with minimal distractions, a comfortable chair, and all essential materials ready so you can focus fully on the test.

Bring Essential Documents and Items

Ensure you carry a valid photo ID that matches the one used during your GRE registration. This is usually a government-issued passport or driving licence. You’ll also need your GRE confirmation, either printed or accessible on your phone, to verify your test appointment. 

Leave any prohibited items at home or outside the test area. This includes phones, smartwatches, notes, and unauthorised electronic devices. If you wear glasses or require medication, prepare these in advance so you’re not caught off guard on test day. Being well-prepared ensures a smoother experience and helps you stay focused on the exam.

Practice Under Realistic Conditions

To build stamina and improve time management, take at least one full-length GRE practice test under timed, quiet, and distraction-free conditions in the weeks before your exam. Simulate the official test environment by limiting breaks, using only approved tools such as the on-screen calculator for quantitative sections, and sticking closely to section time limits. 

After each test, review your mistakes thoroughly to identify patterns and focus on weaker areas. This approach helps you perform with greater confidence and efficiency on test day.

Manage Test-Day Stress

Managing stress is just as important as mastering content when it comes to GRE success. Use deep breathing or mindfulness techniques before and during breaks to stay calm and centred. Start your test day with a steady routine, eat a balanced breakfast, stay hydrated, and limit caffeine intake, as excessive consumption can increase anxiety. 

Positive self-talk can go a long way; remind yourself of the effort you’ve put into preparing and trust your readiness. During the test, don’t let one tough question throw you off. Once you’ve answered, shift your focus fully to the next question instead of revisiting doubts. Staying composed helps you think clearly and perform at your best.

Strategic Tips During the Test

Effective time management can make a big difference in your GRE score. Avoid spending too much time on a single question—move on and return to it later if you have time. When you’re unsure, make an educated guess rather than leaving it blank, as there’s no penalty for incorrect answers. 

Use your scratch paper efficiently by keeping your notes clear and structured, especially when working through tricky calculations or outlining essay points. Staying organised under pressure helps you stay focused and make the most of every minute.

After the Exam: What Comes Next?

Once your official GRE score report arrives, usually within 10 to 15 days after testing, take time to review it carefully. Use your scores strategically during university applications, many institutions accept ETS’ ScoreSelect option, allowing you to send only your strongest results. 

If your scores fall short of your target, consider retaking the GRE, but ensure you leave enough time before application deadlines. As you move forward, start preparing your graduate applications, highlighting how your GRE performance supports your academic goals and experiences.

GRE Exam Fees and Registration

Understanding the administrative side forms part of any comprehensive GRE prep. As of 2025, here are the key details:

The GRE General Test is available as a computer-based exam, accessible both at official test centres and from home. It is conducted in a secure setting at over 1,000 ETS-approved centres across more than 160 countries. In many locations, candidates can schedule the test year-round.

For those opting to take the GRE from home, the test is offered 24/7 globally, providing flexible timing to suit individual needs.

Also Read: List Of Popular Exams For Studying Abroad In 2025

Registration Process

Understanding how to prepare for GRE starts with smooth registration. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to register efficiently and avoid last-minute issues.

Step 1: Visit the Official ETS GRE Portal

Go directly to the official GRE website managed by ETS to register – the only authorised source for exam registration and payments.

Step 2: Create Your ETS Account

Register for a personal account with a valid email address and password. This account manages your GRE application, appointments, score reports, and personal information.

Step 3: Choose Your Test Date and Venue

• Select your preferred test date from the available options. GRE test centres fill up quickly, especially during popular months (such as autumn).
• If available, decide whether to take the exam at a test centre or a home test. Consider your comfort and surroundings when making a choice.

Step 4: Pay the Registration Fee

• The standard GRE General Test fee is currently around $220 (subject to regional variation). Payment is made online via credit or debit card, or other accepted payment methods.
• Extra fees apply for services like rescheduling ($55) or sending additional score reports ($40 per recipient).

Step 5: Download or Print Your Confirmation

• Once payment completes, you will receive a registration confirmation email. Save and print this confirmation for your records and to present on test day if required.

Step 6: Register Early for Best Availability

• Early registration is critical because test dates and venues, particularly in high-demand locations, can sell out quickly.
• Register several months in advance if possible to secure your preferred time slot and reduce stress.

Mastering how to study for the GRE test is about much more than memorising facts – it requires a targeted, tailored, and positive approach. By understanding the exam format, building an effective study plan, using the right resources, and simulating exam conditions, you give yourself the best chance at a high score. 

Whether your goal is postgraduate study, business school, or a new career path, your GRE prep can be transformative. Consistent effort and smart strategy outweigh short bursts of last-minute cramming.

Just like your GRE test, it’s wise to plan your student accommodation with UniAcco well in advance, to avail the best properties at the best prices. 

Also read: The Ultimate Study Abroad Checklist Every Student Needs

FAQs

1. How to study for the GRE test effectively?

Begin with a diagnostic GRE practice test, identify your weakest sections, and create a study plan that mixes practice, review, and targeted skill-building.

2. How to prepare for the GRE exam at home?

Use official prep books, online courses, and GRE prep apps. Set a regular study schedule, practise full-length mock exams, and join online study forums for support.

3. How can I prepare for GRE test sections?

Devote time to each section: build vocabulary for Verbal Reasoning, review basic maths for Quantitative Reasoning, and practise essays for Analytical Writing.

4. Are GRE practice tests important?

Yes, taking regular practice tests is critical to familiarise yourself with timing and pressure, as well as to track your progress.

5. Can I retake the GRE if I am not happy with my score?

Yes, you can retake the GRE, but plan your test dates to allow enough time for score reporting before university deadlines.