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Last Updated on October 11, 2024
Your GRE score is one of the most important components of your grad school or business school application, so a strong start is imperative to GRE planning. A key first step in studying for the GRE is determining how much time you’ll need for preparation.
Then, you will need to develop an effective GRE study schedule to keep on track. You probably have many demands on your time, so it is important to create a GRE study plan that balances school, work, family, and social commitments with the added responsibility of preparing for the GRE. And, don’t forget, you’ll need time to complete the rest of your application.
In this article, we’ll discuss multiple factors to consider when you’re creating an effective GRE study plan. We’ll look at determining your GRE score goal, establishing your baseline GRE score, your application timetable, and deciding how much time to commit to studying so that you’re ready to crush the exam on test day. In addition, we’ll present you with doable options for selecting the best GRE study tools.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- Choosing Your Test Date
- When Should You Start Studying?
- How Will You Prepare for Your GRE?
- Summary
- What’s Next?
First, let’s discuss the importance of figuring out when you need to take your exam before you create a study schedule.
Choosing Your Test Date
You cannot create an effective GRE study schedule until you have chosen a test date, and a few important factors will affect your decision. If you’re still in school, you will have to consider exam schedules or due dates for big projects. If you’re working, you might have seasonal demands that require 12- to 15-hour workdays. Family commitments, such as vacations or holidays, also may impact the date you choose for taking the test.
In addition, application deadlines for the schools you hope to attend are important when choosing a test date. For instance, a graduate school with a September start date will likely have an application deadline in December or January. So, to be safe, you’ll want to ensure your GRE test score is available by December 1.
If you are applying to business school, consider which application deadline you plan to meet. The deadlines for Round 1, Round 2, and Round 3 are generally September 1, January 1, and March 1, respectively.
You must ensure that your entire application package, including your GRE test score, curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation, is ready by your deadline. So, you must invest significant time to ensure that each part of your application is exceptional, in addition to keeping up with your other commitments.
TTP PRO TIP:
Know the admissions deadlines for the schools that interest you.
With your application deadlines in mind, let’s discuss how to set your GRE test date.
Your GRE Test Date
The good news is that you have unlimited flexibility in scheduling your GRE test date.Since you can take the exam in person at a test center or online at home, virtually any date or time will be available. The key is to ensure that you take the GRE early enough to receive your test results in time to meet your application deadline. Official results are available about 8 to 10 days after your test date.
Don’t forget that you will want to leave a cushion in your timetable for retaking the GRE, in case your first score isn’t as high as you’d like. Keep in mind that there is a 21-day waiting period before you can retake the exam. If you incorporate this into your study schedule, you will be able to retake the test and meet your application deadlines.
With all of these factors in mind, it makes sense to schedule your test at least 2 months before the admissions deadlines of your desired schools. You’ll have plenty of time to obtain and submit your official score or retake the exam if necessary.
TTP PRO TIP:
Schedule your GRE at least 2 months before the application deadlines of your chosen programs.
Next, let’s discuss when to begin studying in order to be ready for your chosen test date.
When Should You Start Studying?
Choosing the best time to begin your GRE studying is paramount. If you start too early, you might peak before exam day. On the other hand, starting too late may leave you scrambling for time, feeling anxious and ill-prepared on test day.
Don’t leave your decision of a GRE studying start date to chance! A wrong guess could spell disaster. So, consider the following items to help you make your decision.
Determine Your Score Goal First
Many students start studying for the GRE with no idea of the score they need or what that score represents. Scoring “as high as possible” or “high enough to get into grad school at Cornell” (or whatever their dream school is)” is not a solid strategy. After all, how do you know what a “high enough” score is without researching GRE scores at your dream school?
Thus, the first task in your GRE preparation is to determine your target score. Look up the GRE scores of applicants accepted at the schools and programs you’re interested in. Note that many schools publish a range of GRE scores, rather than specific averages. Don’t think that scoring at the low end of the range will guarantee you admission. Instead, aim for at least the middle of a school’s GRE score range.
A benefit of determining your target score is qualifying for scholarships or assistantships. Many of these awards are based—either solely or partly—on your GRE score, so research any minimum GRE scores required for qualifying. A great GRE score could be worth tens of thousands of dollars!
TTP PRO TIP:
Research the GRE scores of applicants who were accepted at the schools you’re interested in.
The next step is to take a practice test. Let’s discuss.
Take a GRE Practice Test to Determine Your Baseline Score
After you know your score goal, you’ll want to take a practice GRE exam to get your baseline score. You can get 2 free practice PowerPrep GRE exams, and you can purchase 3 additional exams. Before you take your practice test, learn a bit about the format and structure of the GRE. Keep in mind, you do not need to spend time memorizing formulas or reading a GRE prep book with lots of practice questions. The role of the practice test is only to give you a baseline score, which you will compare to your goal score. The gap between these two scores will give you a sense of how much studying you may need to do.
TTP PRO TIP:
Take a practice GRE to determine your baseline score.
Let’s now examine how to determine how long you’ll need to study to reach your score goal.
Decide How Much Time You’ll Need to Study
After comparing your baseline and target scores, you’ll know the score increase you need before GRE test day. For each 10-point improvement in your score, you will want to plan for roughly 8 weeks of study, based on 15 hours of study time each week. Note that this is a general guideline.
There are many variables that will affect the actual time you’ll need to reach your target score. For example, you could have a high aptitude for learning the material tested on the GRE. Or, perhaps you can dedicate more than 15 hours each week to studying. In either case, the amount of time needed to complete your studies would be reduced.
On the other hand, if you don’t have a natural aptitude for the material tested on the GRE, or if you have other work or family commitments, you may require a longer GRE prep timeline than what is suggested. Just keep your eye on the prize, and stay the course.
It is useful to know your approximate percentile ranks, so that you have an idea of how you compare to others who have taken the GRE. Many graduate programs do not specify minimum GRE scores in their admissions criteria, so it is useful to have a general idea of your relative performance. Below are selected Quant and Verbal section percentiles, based on GRE test-taker data from 2020 to 2023:
| Section Score | Verbal Percentile | Quant Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 170 | 99 | 92 |
| 165 | 95 | 70 |
| 160 | 84 | 53 |
| 155 | 65 | 40 |
| 150 | 39 | 25 |
TTP PRO TIP:
Calculate the score increase you’ll need by comparing your target score to your baseline score.
Next, let’s discuss how to plan your weekly GRE studies.
Decide How Much Time You Can Commit to Studying Every Week
Here’s the thing: you have a busy life. You may have school, work, family, and friends, and other demands on your time. Thus, it may be difficult to carve out the necessary GRE study time as well.
Look at the big picture: an outstanding GRE score can help you gain admission to a highly reputable school in your discipline. This, in turn, leads to more options for your future. As you can see, an exceptional GRE score is a worthwhile short-term investment that may pay big dividends for the rest of your life!
TTP PRO TIP:
An exceptional GRE score is a worthwhile investment in your future.
To reach your goal score, approach GRE studying in the same way that world-class athletes approach practice: it’s a necessity. Don’t make a half-hearted statement like, “I will try to study every day.” It shows desire but not commitment. Instead, make specific study goals, set timelines, and stick to them.
Studying at least 15 hours each week is a realistic goal. 15 hours is enough time to ensure that you learn and retain information, but it is not excessive to the point of overload. If you were to study for just one hour each weekday and 5 hours on each weekend day, you would meet the 15-hour goal.
Remember, your GRE prep will last for just a few months. You’ve survived some tough academic semesters in the past, so you have the skills to make it through a few challenging months of GRE prep. And keep in mind the potential payoff of that excellent score!
TTP PRO TIP:
Plan to study at least 15 hours each week.
Now it’s time to plot out your weekly schedule. Let’s discuss the importance of sticking to your schedule once you’ve set it.
Make a Schedule and Stick to It
At this point, you already have calculated your test date: 2 months before your application deadline. And you have an idea of the time commitment you’ll need each week for studying. Now it’s time to put the pedal to the metal and get started!
Many students find that using a calendar, either digital or paper, is useful. It’s a strong and ever-present tool that provides a visual reminder of scheduled study time. A calendar may hold you more accountable to yourself (and others) regarding the commitment you have made to getting a great GRE score.
Unless there’s an emergency, don’t veer from your schedule. If you have committed to study 15 hours each week, then schedule your study sessions ahead of time. And once you put those hours on the schedule, don’t miss those scheduled study times! Get in the mindset that you have as much responsibility to meet your GRE study schedule as you would to get to a class meeting or an appointment on time.
TTP PRO TIP:
Create a GRE study calendar to keep you on track to achieve your GRE score goal.
Now that you have your GRE timeline in mind, it’s time to decide how to prepare. So, let’s discuss your GRE prep options.
How Will You Prepare for Your GRE?
Your planning is complete. You’ve researched your target score. You’ve taken a practice GRE to determine your baseline score. In addition, you’ve chosen a test date, you have a study schedule, and you’re ready to get cracking!
So, what to do now? Should you buy a GRE study book and start answering random problems? Should you take an additional practice test to pinpoint the topics that need more concentration? Do you do a quick internet search for “2-month GRE study schedule” or “3-month GRE study schedule” to get some ideas about what topics to study and how much time to devote to each?
There are many strategies for GRE preparation, but they are not all equally worthwhile. Fortunately, you have many effective options, from private tutoring to online self-study courses. Let’s look at several of them now.
TTP PRO TIP:
Consider the many available strategies before starting your GRE studying.
Is Self-Study for You?
Studying on your own can be a great GRE study strategy, if you have the required motivation and self-discipline. You might spend some time on the internet collecting useful study materials and searching for structured study plans that might work for you, ensuring they cover all the Quant and Verbal topics that are tested on the GRE. Also, consider reading blogs and postings on GRE websites.
There are some drawbacks to using a GRE self-study plan. First, you must take full responsibility for keeping yourself motivated and on schedule. Next, you must be able to teach yourself GRE material that is new or unfamiliar. Finally, you must deal with the isolation that is a part of self-study, with no one to commiserate or collaborate with. But, if you can overcome these drawbacks, self-study can be an effective approach for accomplishing your GRE preparation on your own terms.
TTP PRO TIP:
If you’re motivated and self-disciplined, GRE self-study is a viable study strategy.
How About a Prep Class?
Another option is to enroll in an in-person or online prep class. A structured class has many benefits. First, the class schedule will keep you accountable for attending class on particular days and times. As a result, you will be less likely to avoid material that you may find difficult, confusing, or easily glossed over if you were self-studying.
Also, you’ll be assigned homework, which will motivate you to keep up with your class syllabus. A big plus is having a knowledgeable instructor who can explain difficult concepts. Additionally, enrolling in a class has a social component: you’ll share common interests with your classmates.
A structured GRE class does have a few potential drawbacks. First, you lose flexibility in choosing your study times because class meeting times are pre-set. Second, the course syllabus will be largely fixed, so your instructor won’t be able to adjust the teaching pace to accommodate your individual needs.
KEY FACT:
A structured GRE prep class will keep you on track but may not accommodate unique needs.
Tutor, Anyone?
If you want a truly personalized GRE prep study plan, hiring a private tutor might fit the bill. A good tutor will design every tutoring session around your specific needs, so each session will be efficient. Plus, your tutoring sessions will keep you on track with your study timeline. In addition, your tutor can be your GRE cheerleader to help you get back on track should you encounter setbacks. A big plus is that a tutor will home in on the GRE topics that give you the most trouble and ensure you master them.
A drawback to private tutoring is that the cost may be prohibitive for some students. If cost is a concern, look for a company that offers hourly tutoring rates and not just packages, such as TTP’s expert online GRE Tutoring program. That way, you can still benefit from working with a tutor — even if it’s only for a session or two.
KEY FACT:
A tutor can tailor your GRE prep to your specific needs.
Create a GRE Study Group
If you are a social animal, then you can benefit from creating or joining a GRE study group. A study group gives you the best of both worlds: studying and spending time with others. Find friends or coworkers with similar GRE goals and study habits, agree on a meeting schedule, and start studying together!
The GRE study group members can agree on a syllabus, study resources, and other organizational details. Then, be sure study sessions stay on schedule, and keep the group focused on their study goals. Working collectively can be an effective tool for learning GRE material. The synergy of the group can benefit everyone!
As long as all members of the group stay committed and on track, the study group can be an effective way to meet every member’s GRE learning goals.
TTP PRO TIP:
Forming a GRE study group can help all members reach their GRE study goals.
An Online GRE Prep Course May Be Your Best Choice
An online GRE prep course may be a great match for you. Most prep courses provide you with a comprehensive study plan and track your progress. One of the best features of an online prep course is that the curriculum will cover exactly what is tested on the GRE. In addition, many GRE prep courses provide error logs and analytics, giving you useful feedback on the types of questions that you have trouble with and why you miss them. A good GRE prep course may provide extras, such as equation guides and flashcards. Many of them offer private tutoring services as well.
Online GRE courses abound, so you should give a few of them a trial run until you find the one that fits your needs. The Target Test Prep GRE Course offers a free 5-day trial. All online GRE courses offer 24/7 access, which is a useful feature for those who like flexibility in their study times.
TTP PRO TIP:
An online GRE prep course may satisfy all your study needs.
Summary
In this article, we have focused on planning your GRE prep schedule.
To start, determine when you will begin your studying by determining your application deadlines. Then, count backward about 2 months to set your test date. This gives you time to receive your official score, as well as a cushion in case you need to retake the exam.
Consider the following factors to decide when to begin your GRE studying:
- Determine your target score by researching the schools that interest you and finding the average or range of GRE scores of accepted students.
- Take a practice GRE from ETS to determine your baseline score.
- Compare your target score to your baseline score to determine the number of points you’ll need to improve. Approximate the number of weeks you’ll need to study to reach your target score.
- Decide the number of hours you can commit to studying each week, aiming for 15+ hours.
- Make a study schedule that will work for you.
Next, decide on the study strategy that will work for you. We discussed several options:
- self-study
- in-person prep class
- private tutor
- GRE study group
- online GRE prep course
Each of these has pros and cons, and there is not a perfect GRE study schedule. So, weigh all of your options, and choose the resource that works for you!
What’s Next?
A great GRE study schedule is not an accident. Consider all of the factors that will make it possible for you to earn the score you want. Whether your score goal is 305 or 330+, you will benefit from reading this article about acing the GRE.
Good luck!
