How Many Mock Tests Should You Take Before the GRE?

While practice exams are vital for a well-rounded GRE study plan, the ideal number you should take depends on your individual needs and available prep time. Understanding how many and when to take these tests is crucial to maximizing your study plan’s effectiveness. This guide discusses the optimal number of GRE practice tests, offering helpful advice on:

• Integrating GRE mock tests seamlessly into your study plan
• Pinpointing the precise number of tests you should target
• Timing each test to optimize your study time

Taking a GRE Mock Test

Our more than four exclusive practice exams, developed and designed by GRE experts, are a highlight of our GRE study program. By taking exams strategically throughout your preparation, you can optimize your study plan. These tests score exactly like the official GRE and help you measure progress, understand scoring, and predict potential scores. But for real improvement, you need the synergy of both practice exams and targeted review.

Mock exams assess your current abilities, revealing your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for targeted study. By analyzing missed questions and identifying key knowledge gaps, you can optimize your study plan, allocating time where it matters most. This focused approach helps you close the gap between your current standing and your ideal score range. Taking additional mock tests then allows you to track progress, celebrate successes, and refine your study plan when needed.

So, why not only take practice tests? Practicing GRE questions with expert guidance provides the critical skills and strategies needed to ace the real GRE. This combined approach of assessment and learning delivers the powerful preparation you need to achieve your score goals.

Also Read: How to Prepare for the GRE in 6 Months?

How Many GRE Mock Tests Should I Take?

The number of GRE practice exams you need hinges on your preparation timeframe—one month, several weeks, it all matters. However, the more exams you take, the more comfortable you’ll be with the format, pacing, and type of questions, ultimately boosting your confidence and performance on test day.

Less vs Many

Skimping on practice exams can blindside you on test day. The less you practice, the less you’ll grasp the GRE format, content, and timing strategies. This lack of familiarity can throw you into a tailspin on test day. 

Instead, regularly simulating the GRE with practice exams hones your test-taking muscles, building confidence and sharpening your time management skills, so you walk into the real exam calmly and collected. 

Strategically scheduling these practice sessions maximizes their effectiveness without sacrificing well-being, helping you avoid burnout and reach your peak performance on test day.

Suggested: How to Improve Your GRE Score?

What is the Ideal Number of Mock Tests for the GRE?

The optimal number of GRE mock tests will vary based on your study plan. Strategically scheduling them throughout your prep period, following dedicated study sessions and self-assessments, provides valuable insights into your progress.

For a one-month study plan, aim for at least five tests, potentially even eight or ten depending on your individual needs, as this will provide a reliable baseline assessment and allow you to track progress over time.

Also Read: How to Prepare for the GRE in 3 Months?

When to Test the GRE Mock Tests?

When Should I Take a GRE Mock Test?

Don’t rush into another practice test after your first mock exam. Take some time to actively learn from your performance. Focus on strengthening your understanding of the areas where you stumbled. Ideally, wait a few days between tests to give yourself time to process the material and regain your test-taking stamina.

When Should I Take the First Mock Test?

Gaining familiarity with the GRE format and assessed topics is valuable, but before formulating a detailed study plan, consider taking a practice exam. Reviewing your results thoroughly will shed light on areas needing improvement, allowing you to tailor your schedule to ace those challenging sections and question types.

Create a Review and Testing Routine

After your first week of studying, it’s time to take another practice exam. Review it thoroughly, noting any problems you answered incorrectly. Look for patterns in the types of questions you missed to identify specific skills or strategies you need to focus on. 

Spend the next week or two diligently working on these areas until you feel confident enough to take another practice exam. Repeat this cycle of practice tests, review, targeted study, and reassessment to steadily improve your performance.

Suggested: Tips To Follow When Preparing For the GRE

Take Tests a Few Times Per Week

Once you’ve addressed your weak areas through targeted studying, consider taking practice exams every 2–3 days. 

After each test, dedicate focused time to reviewing, analyzing areas for improvement, and adjusting your study plan as needed. Continue this practice until you consistently score within your desired range.

When Should I Take the Last Mock Test?

As you approach your GRE test date, schedule your final practice test for one or two days before. Regardless of the outcome, use this opportunity to identify areas needing improvement and track your progress in these sections. 

Analyze your mock tests thoroughly, focusing on areas that need improvement. Track your progress in these sections, particularly in the days or hours leading up to the GRE. This targeted review will optimize your performance on the real test. A lower score on a practice test is a valuable learning opportunity, not a reason for discouragement. 

Suggested: The Best GRE Prep Strategies for Working Professionals

Prepare for the GRE with Yocket Prep+

Deciding on a GRE prep platform can be tricky, so let’s understand why Yocket Prep+ might be a perfect fit for you:

• Free practice tests and diagnostics
• 40+ adaptive difficulty-level subject tests
• Video lessons and recorded classes
• Vocabulary builder
• Study schedules and performance reports
• One-on-one mentorship
• Question-solving techniques

And more!

The best way to decide is to try Yocket Prep for yourself. We offer a free diagnostic test and demo classes, so you can experience our platform firsthand before committing.

From the Desk of Yocket

Mock tests are a vital component, but knowing how many and when to wield them is key. This guide cuts through the confusion, offering a personalized approach to test integration and timing based on your unique study plan. Whether you have weeks or months to prepare, strategically taking the mock tests is your bridge to success. They reveal your strengths, weaknesses, and the areas needed for focused study. 

By analyzing each misstep and identifying knowledge gaps, you can tailor your plan, allocating precious time where it truly matters. This targeted approach closes the gap between your current standing and your dream score, with each additional test a chance to track progress and celebrate milestones.