How to Study for the GRE in 3 Months?

The GRE is a standardised test that many international students must take to pursue a master’s degree or PhD abroad. Scoring well on the GRE is important because top universities often shortlist and prioritise applicants who meet a certain score range on the exam.

While three months might seem like a tight timeframe, it’s absolutely possible to achieve a good score with a dedicated GRE three-month study plan. This guide will provide you with the knowledge and strategies you need to succeed.

We’ll provide a detailed three-month study schedule that outlines a step-by-step approach to mastering the GRE. By following this plan and incorporating the strategies we discuss, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a score that opens doors to your dream graduate program.

Prepare for the GRE in 3 Months: A Step-by-Step Guide

Three months can be a challenging but achievable timeframe to prepare for the GRE. Here’s a step-by-step guide with a detailed weekly breakdown to get you started:

Month 1: Assessment and foundation building (weeks 1–4)

Week 1

• Diagnostic test: Take a full-length official GRE practice test from ETS or Yocket Prep+. Analyse your results to identify strengths and weaknesses in Verbal Reasoning (VR), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Analytical Writing (AWA).
• Plan it out: Dedicate 20–30 hours per week to studying. Create a weekly schedule with specific time slots for each GRE section and vocabulary building. Schedule practice tests throughout the month (e.g., one every other week).
• Vocabulary: Start building your vocabulary with GRE flashcards (physical or digital) or mobile apps like Magoosh or Anki. Aim for 10–20 new words daily, focusing on context and usage examples.

Week 2

• Quantitative reasoning fundamentals: Focus on core quantitative reasoning concepts like algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Use prep books like Manhattan Prep’s Quant or Khan Academy’s GRE video lessons.
• Verbal reading foundations: Brush up on GRE reading comprehension strategies and grammar rules. Explore prep books like Kaplan’s Verbal Reasoning Workbook or online resources like The Princeton Review.
• Practice makes progress: Begin practicing VR and QR question types using question banks from prep materials or Yocket Prep+. Start with easier questions and gradually progress to more challenging ones.

Week 3

• AWA fundamentals: Review the AWA task format and scoring criteria provided by ETS. Practise writing GRE issue essays using past prompts. Analyse model essays to understand strong structure and argumentation.
• Practice makes perfect: Continue practising VR and QR question types, incorporating a timer into your sessions to simulate test conditions. Aim for 2–3 practice sessions per week.
• Review and refine: After each practice session, thoroughly review your performance. Analyse your mistakes, identify recurring weaknesses, and adjust your study approach.

Week 4

• Full-length practice test: Take your second full-length practice test under timed conditions. Analyse your performance and identify areas needing further focus.
• Vocabulary reinforcement: Review your accumulated GRE vocabulary words and practice using them in sentences. Consider creating your own mnemonics or visual aids to aid memorization.

Month 2: Practice makes progress (weeks 5–8)

Week 5

• Quantitative reasoning strategies: Dig deeper into advanced GRE quantitative reasoning topics and practice solving challenging word problems. Use online resources or video tutorials to target specific weaknesses.
• Verbal reasoning strategies: Focus on honing your reading comprehension skills. Practice summarising complex passages and identifying key arguments. Explore advanced GRE verbal question types like Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence.
• Practice with a focus: While continuing VR and QR question practice, dedicate specific sessions to address your identified weaknesses from previous tests and practice analyses.

Week 6

• AWA practice makes progress: Practise writing persuasive essays using past prompts. Focus on developing a strong thesis statement, logical reasoning, and clear supporting arguments.
• Practice under pressure: Increase the difficulty of your GRE practice questions and shorten the time limits to simulate the actual GRE test’s intensity.
• Review with a partner: Consider studying with a partner and reviewing each other’s practice test performance or GRE AWA essays. Offer constructive feedback and learn from different approaches.

Week 7

• Full-length practice test: Take your third full-length practice test under timed conditions. Pay close attention to time management and test-taking strategies.
• Analyse and adapt: Review your performance on the full-length practice test meticulously. Identify areas requiring last-minute improvements and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Week 8

• Vocabulary mastery: Revisit all your learned vocabulary words and practice using them in context. Use flashcards or quizzes to test your recall.
• Familiarise with test centre procedures: Review the official GRE testing guidelines and familiarise yourself with the testing centre procedures.

Month 3: Sharpening your skills and building stamina (weeks 9–12)

Week 9

• Full-length tests: Take 2–3 full-length practice tests this week under timed conditions. Simulate the actual GRE testing environment by replicating the number of breaks and question order.
• Time management skills: Analyse your full-length practice test performance and refine your time management strategies for each section. Practise the “flag and move on” technique to save time for more questions.

Week 10

• AWA in the spotlight: Dedicate focused time to the AWA section. Practice writing well-structured essays addressing different writing prompts, focusing on both Issue and Argument formats.
• Review model essays: Utilise model essays provided by ETS or reputable prep companies to understand scoring expectations. Analyse their structure, argumentation, and writing style.
• Stress management: Begin incorporating relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises into your routine to manage test-day anxiety.

Week 11

• Weaknesses become strengths: Focus on eradicating any lingering weaknesses identified in your recent practice tests. Use targeted practice questions and video tutorials, or consult a tutor if needed.
• Get ready for test day: Prepare all necessary materials for the GRE test day, like your photo ID, admission ticket, and approved pencils.
• Positive reinforcement: Visualise yourself succeeding in the GRE exam. Focus on your strengths and the progress you’ve made through your dedicated studying.

Week 12

• Pre-test power down: The night before the test, get a good night’s sleep (7-8 hours) to ensure you’re well-rested and alert on test day. Eat a healthy breakfast and arrive at the testing centre early to avoid last-minute stress.
• Test day: Stay calm and focused, and follow the test administrator’s instructions. Manage your time effectively within each section and utilise the “flag and move on” technique. Remember that there’s no penalty for guessing, so don’t leave any questions blank.
• Post-test reflection: After the test, take some time to relax and unwind. Regardless of the outcome, reflect on your preparation journey and the valuable skills you’ve developed.

Note: Consistency is key throughout these 12 weeks. Sticking to your plan, regularly reviewing practice test results, and adapting your approach will significantly enhance your chances of GRE success.

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Supplemental Materials to Aid Your GRE Preparation

The schedule we have prepared includes some optional materials for extra practice. It is perfect for those with additional time to dedicate to their GRE preparation. Let’s break down these resources:

• McGraw-Hill’s Conquering the New GRE Math (optional): This book is specifically designed for those who are feeling overwhelmed by the math section and need a refresher on the fundamental concepts.
• Manhattan GRE Online Practice Tests (optional): This resource offers one free practice test, with the option to purchase six additional tests.
• Manhattan GRE Books (optional): This is an eight-volume set, and you can choose to purchase as many books as fit your budget and study needs. While not mandatory, these GRE preparation books are highly recommended. They do require some additional scheduling to accommodate the extra reading, but they can significantly improve your score.

Note: We recommend skipping the Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence books, as they tend to focus on overly obscure vocabulary.

• Vocabulary-building resources (optional):

1. Quizlet.com: This website provides online flashcards you can access from anywhere. It makes vocabulary reviews convenient on your mobile device.
2. Vocabulary.com: This website offers example sentences in a conversational style. It gives you a better understanding of how the words are used in real-world scenarios.
3. Word Dynamo (Dictionary.com): This website adds a fun element to vocabulary learning with quizzes and games.

Note: The optional materials are meant to supplement your core study plan. Choose the resources that best suit your learning style and the areas you want to focus on.

Suggested: Interview with GRE Topper Ashwini Nene (340/340)

5 Tips to Ace the GRE in 3 Months

1. Targeted practice and strategic review

Take a full-length GRE practice test initially to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Focus your studying on areas that need the most improvement. Use question banks and practice problems from resources like Yocket Prep+ to solidify concepts and hone test-taking strategies. Review the incorrect answers thoroughly, understanding why they’re wrong and the reasoning behind the correct choices.

2. Master the clock:

Integrate a timer into every practice session, replicating real test conditions. Set realistic time limits per question based on difficulty, and track your progress. Develop a strategy for handling challenging questions, including “flagging and moving on” to avoid wasting time on a single problem.

3. Vocabulary builder

The GRE heavily emphasises vocabulary. Dedicate your daily time to learning new words. Use flashcards and mobile apps, or incorporate vocabulary building into your reading routine. Focus on learning words in context and understanding how they’re used in sentences and passages.

4. Practice makes perfect

Take advantage of full-length practice exams from Yocket Prep+ or other reliable sources. Aim to complete multiple practice tests throughout your study period. Analyse your performance on each exam, identifying areas for improvement and gauging overall progress.

5. Seek additional resources

Consider supplementing Yocket Prep+ with other resources, like GRE prep books. This can provide a more well-rounded approach, offering different teaching styles and additional practice materials. Explore official GRE materials from the ETS for the most up-to-date test format and question types.

Also Read: The Top 10 Stratеgiеs to Score 320+ in the GRE

The Top 3 Time Management Strategies

Here are the top 3 time management strategies to ace the GRE:

1. Practice with a timer

The GRE is a timed test, so mimicking those conditions during practice is crucial. Incorporate a timer into every practice session, whether it’s full-length mock exams from Yocket Prep+ or targeted practice questions for specific sections.

Set realistic time limits per question based on difficulty, and track your progress over time. This will help you develop a sense of pace and identify areas where you might need to speed up or learn to leave a question for later.

2. Flag and move on

Don’t get stuck on tricky questions. If you find yourself spending excessive time (think 20–30 seconds) grappling with a problem, use the flagging feature to mark it for later review. Move on to the next question to avoid wasting precious time.

After completing the easier ones or those you feel confident about, come back to the flagged questions. You might have a fresh perspective or have gained valuable clues from solving other problems that can now help you solve the tougher ones.

3. Develop a smart guessing strategy

The GRE doesn’t penalise wrong answers, so there’s no reason to leave anything blank. If you’re truly stuck on a flagged question or running out of time, develop a smart guessing strategy.

Eliminate answer choices you can demonstrably rule out as incorrect. Even if you can’t pinpoint the right answer, educated guesses can still improve your score compared to leaving the question blank.

How to Ace the GRE with Yocket Prep+

Are you looking to maximise your GRE score and get into your dream school? Yocket’s Prep+ can be your one-stop solution for achieving that goal.

We offer a comprehensive platform designed to streamline your entire GRE preparation process. You’ll get access to a variety of free resources, including full-length mock tests and a diagnostic test to assess your strengths and weaknesses. This initial step will help you identify areas that need the most focus.

But we don’t stop there. We personalise your prep with over 40 practice tests that adapt to your difficulty level. As you progress, the tests get harder, ensuring you’re constantly challenged. And to solidify your understanding, you’ll receive instant feedback with detailed solutions for each question.

We also provide 7 ultra-realistic GRE-style tests that closely mimic the actual exam. You’ll also gain access to in-depth topic-wise tests, allowing you to focus on specific areas that need improvement. Additionally, Yocket Prep+ offers a priority dashboard to keep you organised and on track with your studies.

But perhaps the most valuable aspect of Yocket Prep+ is the extensive library of GRE lessons led by Yocket’s expert instructors. These instructors have over 15 years of experience and can provide invaluable insights and strategies to help you master the GRE.

Don’t wait any longer. Sign up for Yocket Prep+ today! You can even start your prep journey for free by taking Yocket’s full-length GRE diagnostic test. This will give you a taste of what the platform has to offer and help you decide if Yocket Prep+ is the right fit for you.

From the Desk of Yocket

With focused and strategic studying, you can significantly improve your score in 3 months. There are numerous resources available online and in libraries to help you master the concepts tested on the GRE. Additionally, practising with official practice tests from the ETS will familiarise you with the question format and time constraints of the actual exam.

However, learning a significant amount of material in a short period of time can be stressful. If you have a weak foundation in math or haven’t built a strong vocabulary, achieving a very high score might be difficult. Be realistic about your starting point. If you have substantial gaps in your knowledge base, you might need to adjust your expectations or extend your study timeline.