The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a critical component of your application to graduate school, and determining how long you should study for it is one of the first steps in your preparation journey.
The answer varies based on your starting point, target score, available time, and study habits. This blog will guide you through the process of planning your GRE study timeline to maximize your score.
Assess Your Starting Point
Before diving into a study schedule, it’s important to understand where you currently stand. Take a full-length, timed GRE practice test to assess your baseline score. You can do this by signing up to a GRE test prep course which includes a fully timed practice test. This will give you a clear picture of your strengths and weaknesses across the three measures: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, each scored out of 170, and Analytical Writing, which is scored out of 6.
Sign up to a free E2 test prep course today, and assess your baseline GRE score.
Your baseline score will be your starting point. If it’s close to the average score of the programs you’re applying to, you might need only a few weeks of study. However, if there is a significant gap between your current score and your target score, you’ll likely need to dedicate a few months to preparing.
Set a Realistic Target Score
Your target GRE score should be based on the scores of admitted students to the programs you are interested in, at your desired school. Most graduate programs publish their average GRE scores, which can be found on their websites or in program brochures. For instance, top-tier programs may require scores in the 160+ range for both Verbal and Quantitative measures, and 4.5+ in Analytical Writing, while other programs may have lower requirements.
Setting a realistic target score will help you determine how much time you need to close the gap between your baseline and your goal.
Determine How Much Time You Can Dedicate
The amount of time you can devote to GRE preparation each week is a major factor in deciding how long you should study. If you are balancing a full-time job, school, or other commitments, you might only have 5–10 hours per week to study. In such cases, you’ll need a longer study period – anywhere from three to six months.
If you can commit 15–20 hours per week to your GRE prep, you might be able to reach your target score in a shorter time frame.
Tutorials with a GRE expert will help streamline your learning for those areas you need extra help with.
Choose a Study Plan That Fits Your Schedule
Once you’ve assessed your starting point, set a target score, and determined how much time you can dedicate, it’s time to select a study plan. Here are three common study plans based on different timelines:
1. Short-Term Study Plan (4–6 weeks)
- Ideal for: Test-takers who are close to their target score or have a strong foundation in GRE content.
- Schedule: 15–20 hours of study per week.
- Focus: Intensive review of weak areas, frequent practice tests, and daily drills on specific topics. Weekly one-on-one tutorials, to ensure consistent improvement.
- Outcome: This plan is designed for a quick, focused improvement, ideal if your exam date is fast approaching.
2. Medium-Term Study Plan (2–3 months)
- Ideal for: Test-takers with a moderate gap between their current score and target score.
- Schedule: 10–15 hours of study per week.
- Focus: A balanced approach combining content review, practice questions, and full-length practice tests every other week. Tutorials every other week will help keep you on track for GRE success.
- Outcome: This plan provides ample time to address both content knowledge and test-taking strategies, leading to steady improvement.
3. Long-Term Study Plan (3–6 months or more)
- Ideal for: Test-takers who need significant improvement or are starting from a lower baseline score.
- Schedule: 5–10 hours of study per week.
- Focus: In-depth content review, regular practice tests, and gradual build-up of test-taking endurance. 1–2 tutoring sessions every month can help you re-align your focus and stay on track in areas you need assistance.
- Outcome: This plan allows for a thorough mastery of GRE content, leading to significant score improvement over time.
Monitor Your Progress
It’s essential to monitor your progress regularly so you stay on track with your preparation. Do practice questions and take full-length, timed practice tests regularly to evaluate your improvement. Use these to identify areas where you’re excelling and areas that still need work. If you’re consistently scoring near your target score, you might be ready to take the GRE sooner than planned. On the other hand, if you’re not seeing the progress you expected, you may need to adjust your study strategies or extend your study period.
Take a practice test today and measure your GRE baseline.
Avoid Burnout
Studying for the GRE is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s important to pace yourself to avoid burnout. Incorporate regular breaks and relaxation into your study schedule to maintain your mental and physical well-being. Short, quality study sessions are more effective than long, unfocused hours of cramming.
Take advantage of a GRE test prep course to get started on your GRE journey today.