When to Start Preparing for the GRE?

The GRE preparation timeline is a question that plagues countless undergraduates with dreams of grad school. You’re bombarded with advice from friends, counsellors, and online resources, all suggesting different timelines for GRE prep. Some say 6 months is the minimum, while others claim 3 months is sufficient, and a few even advocate for a mere 90 days (with varying results). It’s enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed!

This conflicting information can be incredibly frustrating and leave you feeling lost. Does this sound familiar? If you’re an undergraduate wondering, “When should I actually start preparing for the GRE?” don’t worry anymore! This blog will shed light on the GRE prep timeline and help you overcome confusion and approach your studies with clarity and confidence.

Overview of the GRE

The GRE exam took a significant step towards streamlining the testing process in September 2023. The revised GRE General Test is now a shorter and more efficient exam designed to assess your readiness for graduate school. The entire test takes roughly 1 hour and 58 minutes, condensing the prior format that stretched nearly four hours. This is achieved by reducing the number of sections and questions.

There are now five core sections on the GRE. The GRE analytical writing section remains unchanged, which requires you to write one essay in 30 minutes. Following this, the test will present two sections of GRE quantitative reasoning and two sections of GRE verbal reasoning in randomised order. Each reasoning section is shorter as well, with 27 questions each. Notably, the experimental section, which didn’t contribute to your score, is removed.

The core content tested on the GRE remains unchanged. The Verbal Reasoning section still evaluates your GRE reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical reasoning skills. The Quantitative Reasoning section continues to test your understanding of basic math concepts and your ability to apply them to solve problems.

This means that existing GRE prep materials are still valuable resources for studying. The scoring system also remains the same. This ensures compatibility between scores from before and after September 2023.

When to Start Preparing for the GRE?

If you have a strong academic background and are aiming for a moderately high score, you might be able to achieve your target score with 3–4 months of dedicated study. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for a very high score or need significant improvement, 6 months gre study plan or more is advisable.

Additionally, you should factor in your application deadlines. Graduate programs typically have application deadlines in the fall or spring semesters. Work backwards from that deadline to give yourself ample time to take the GRE, receive your scores, and include them in your application. Aim to take the GRE at least a month or two before the application deadline to avoid any last-minute stress.

The ideal time to start preparing for the GRE exam depends on several factors, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you work full-time or have other commitments, you might need to spread out your studying over a longer period of time. On the other hand, if you can dedicate a lot of time to focused studying, a shorter preparation window might work for you.

It’s always better to start preparing early and build your endurance gradually than to cram everything in at the last minute. A well-paced study plan will help you feel more confident and prepared on test day.

Suggested: How to Prepare for GRE in 2 Weeks

8 Proven GRE Preparation Tips

The first step is to determine how much time you have to prepare. Consider your existing commitments and choose a realistic study timeframe, whether it’s six months, three weeks, or even just a few days. By following these tips and our personalised study plan, you can approach the GRE with confidence and achieve your target score.

1. Register early and stay Informed

Craft an action plan, regardless of your timeframe. Begin by registering for the GRE and scheduling your exam date, time, and location with ETS. Don’t forget to pay the fees and familiarise yourself with score reporting and the special home testing arrangements (if applicable). Additionally, stay updated on any announcements or changes from ETS that might affect your preparation.

2. Know your enemy

Take a practice test to understand the GRE’s format: content areas, question types (multiple choice, select-all-that-apply, numeric entry, etc.), number of questions, time limits per section, and break times. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.

3. Practice makes perfect

Solve as many practice tests as possible. This builds your stamina for handling complex questions, tight time constraints, and the pressure of the actual exam. Use free resources from Yocket’s Prep+ to enhance your preparation.

4. Master the question formats

Be familiar with the various question types in the verbal and quantitative sections, including single-answer choices, multiple-answer choices, numeric entries, and more. The writing section requires essay writing, so understand the instructions thoroughly to avoid confusion during the test.

5. Develop winning strategies

Learn time-saving techniques like skim reading and shortcut formulas for specific problems. Explore test-taking strategies like using the review screen to track answered, unanswered, and incorrectly answered questions.

6. Learn from your mistakes

Maintain a record of your errors and revisit them for further practice. This will prevent them from derailing your performance on test day.

7. Choose reliable resources

Select study materials that offer a variety of GRE practice questions with detailed answer explanations and practice tests that mirror the actual GRE. Evaluate the GRE book table of contents and structure before purchasing.

8. Second chances exist

Many students retake the GRE to improve their scores. You can do the same with a minimum gap of 21 days between attempts. Remember that you can take the GRE up to five times within a year, so relax and focus on giving your best effort.

Suggested: How to Study for the GRE in 3 Months

How to Ace the GRE with Yocket Prep+

Maximise your GRE score and gain a competitive edge for your dream school with Yocket’s Prep+. Our comprehensive platform offers a personalised and streamlined prep experience to ensure you reach your full potential.

• Free diagnostic test: Identify your strengths and weaknesses to target your prep effectively.
• Free mock tests: Simulate the real GRE experience and get a feel for the test format.
• Free practice questions: Sharpen your skills with access to a variety of practice problems.
• 40+ personalised practice tests: Yocket adapts to your learning pace by adjusting the difficulty level based on your performance.
• Instant feedback with detailed solutions: Learn from your mistakes and gain a deeper understanding of concepts.
• 7 ultra-realistic GRE-style tests: Experience the real GRE format and timing to build confidence on test day.
• In-depth topic-wise tests: Target specific areas for improvement and master all GRE concepts.
• Priority dashboard: Track your progress efficiently and stay motivated with a personalised dashboard.
• Expert-led GRE lessons: Benefit from over 15 years of instructor experience to gain valuable test-taking strategies and GRE knowledge.

A strong GRE score can significantly improve your application’s competitiveness. Sign up for free now and take Yocket’s full-length GRE practice test to jumpstart your prep journey!

From the Desk of Yocket

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the ideal GRE prep start time. It depends on your current skill level, target score, and application deadlines. However, aim for a comfortable prep window. Ideally, give yourself 3–4 months to study. This allows you to develop a solid foundation in core concepts, practice effectively, and refine your test-taking strategies. Cramming in less time might be stressful and lead to subpar scores.

Consider your starting point. If you’re already comfortable with GRE-style math and vocabulary, you might need less prep time than someone who needs to brush up on fundamentals. Take a practice test to gauge your baseline score and adjust your prep timeline accordingly.

Additionally, factor in score reporting times when setting your test date. Most programs require GRE scores a few weeks before the application deadline. Plan your preparation around these deadlines to avoid last-minute stress.