GRE Study Plan 6 Months: How to Prepare for the GRE in 6 Months

The GRE General Test is your gateway to graduate programs abroad, from master’s degrees to PhDs. With varying score requirements across universities and programs, setting a realistic target GRE score is important before you start on your 6-month study journey.

Scoring above 300 on the GRE can significantly strengthen your application. This comprehensive guide will outline your 6-month GRE preparation plan, maximising your chances of landing a seat at a top college. Remember that the GRE’s wide-ranging syllabus demands a dedicated approach, and this step-by-step plan will prepare you with the tools and strategies you need to crack the exam!

Prepare for the GRE in 6 Months: A Step-by-Step Guide

The first step to acing the GRE exam is choosing a test date that aligns with your goals. This important decision sets the foundation for your entire study plan. Once you have a target date, you can work backwards to create a customised study schedule that spans roughly six months.

This plan outlines a GRE study approach for the next 6 months, divided into three phases: Months 1–2, Months 3–4, and Months 5–6.

Months 1–2: Building the foundation

• Diagnostic test: Take a full-length GRE practice test (available from ETS or Yocket Prep+) to assess your baseline score and identify weaknesses.
• Vocabulary building: Start building your vocabulary with flashcards (physical or digital), focusing on 20–30 words daily.
• Quantitative reasoning review: Brush up on math fundamentals (algebra, geometry, and data analysis) using prep materials or the best GRE books. Focus on understanding core concepts, not memorising formulas.
• Verbal reasoning practice: Begin practising GRE reading comprehension and analytical writing skills. Read challenging articles from The Economist or The New Yorker. Analyse arguments in editorials or opinion pieces.
• Official resources: Familiarise yourself with the official GRE pattern and question types by reviewing the ETS PowerPrep software or the Official Guide to the GRE General Test.

Months 3–4: Sharpening skills

• Targeted practice: Focus on specific question types in both the GRE verbal reasoning and Quantitative sections identified as weaknesses in Phase 1. Utilise practice problems from prep companies or official guides.
• Vocabulary reinforcement: Increase your daily GRE vocabulary words intake to 40–50 words. Review previously learned words to ensure retention.
• Time management: Start taking timed practice sections under real GRE test conditions. This helps you develop time management skills crucial for success.
• Analytical writing practice: practice GRE Analytical writing essays using prompts similar to the GRE format. Focus on clear structure, strong arguments, and supporting evidence.
• Error analysis: Review practice test mistakes thoroughly. Understand why you got them wrong and develop strategies to avoid similar errors in the future.

Months 5–6: Peak performance

• Full-length practice tests: Take multiple full-length practice tests under stricter timed conditions, simulating the actual GRE environment.
• Adapting strategies: Analyse your performance on full-length tests and refine your test-taking strategies.
• Vocabulary mastery: Maintain consistent vocabulary review. Focus on using new words in context through writing exercises.
• Mock exams: Consider taking a proctored mock exam to experience a realistic testing environment.
• Review and relaxation: Review key concepts and commonly encountered question types. Prioritise sleep and relaxation to maintain focus and avoid burnout.

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Additional Materials to Supplement Your GRE Preparation

Yocket Prep+ offers comprehensive exam prep, with many achieving success using only our materials. However, this plan suggests additional resources for deeper learning, aligned with how the brain retains information.

We want you to excel, so these resources provide extra practice, different explanations, and extended reviews. While not essential, these recommended books and resources can significantly boost your score.

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5 Tips to Prepare for the GRE in 6 Months

This detailed 6-month GRE study plan helps you to solve all sections of the exam with confidence. It helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, guiding you towards a strategic and successful GRE preparation journey.

By following this comprehensive plan and incorporating these valuable tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your target GRE score.

1. Master the test format: Thoroughly understand the GRE’s structure and question types. Use GRE practice questions to solidify your grasp of each format. This not only saves you time on test day but also minimises surprises.
2. Solve the easy ones first: While practising GRE questions, prioritise the easy ones where you feel confident. This builds momentum and frees up valuable time for solving more challenging problems.
3. Don’t leave anything to chance: Unlike some tests, the GRE doesn’t penalise you for incorrect answers. Aim to attempt all questions within the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections to maximise your potential score.
4. Time management is crucial: Integrate time management strategies into your 6-month GRE study plan. Poor time management during the actual exam can significantly impact your score. Start practising under timed conditions early on to improve your pace and build endurance.
5. Minimise careless errors: Double-check your answers after completing each section to avoid careless mistakes. This simple step can significantly improve your final score.

How to Ace Your GRE with Yocket Prep+

To maximise your GRE score, consider Yocket’s GRE Prep+. Our platform offers a comprehensive solution to streamline your preparation.

• Take advantage of free mock and diagnostic tests, along with free GRE resources. 
• Yocket tailors your prep with over 40 personalised practice tests that adjust to your difficulty level and provide instant feedback with detailed solutions.

Yocket Prep+ offers even more benefits, including 7 ultra-realistic GRE-style tests, in-depth topic-wise tests, a priority dashboard, and extensive GRE lessons led by Yocket’s expert instructors with over 15 years of experience.

With Yocket Prep+, you’ll not only be prepared with the knowledge and practise you need but also get access to a list of universities that accept scores in the 300–310 range, increasing your chances of landing at your dream school. Remember that a strong GRE score significantly improves your application’s competitiveness. Sign up for free now and take Yocket’s free full-length GRE practice test to jumpstart your prep journey.

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From the Desk of Yocket

Six months can be a good amount of time to prepare for the GRE, but it depends on your starting point and target score. Six months allows for consistent studying and spaced repetition, which is important for vocabulary building and grasping quantitative concepts. 

With a well-structured plan, you can identify weaknesses early on and dedicate sufficient time to improvement. There are also plenty of resources available, from prep courses to practice tests, that can guide your studying and keep you motivated.

However, if you’re aiming for a very high score or have a shaky foundation in math or verbal reasoning, six months might be a bit tight. The GRE tests critical thinking skills that take time to develop. Cramming for short-term gains might not translate to long-term success. Additionally, people with busy schedules might find it challenging to fit in consistent study sessions over such a long period of time.