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Some students think that studying for the GRE is unnecessary and a waste of time. Their reasoning is that they have completed four years of college courses. So, the math tested on the GRE couldn’t possibly be more difficult than College Algebra or Statistics. Additionally, they took many reading-heavy courses, so their GRE verbal skills should be more than adequate. Thus, their response to the question “Do I need to study for the GRE?” is a resounding “NO!”
Have you used the logic discussed above to justify not studying for the GRE? You are very likely guilty of using specious reasoning. Even if you double-majored in mathematics and English, you will still have difficulty earning a top GRE score! Because the GRE is more than math problems and reading passages, the correct answer, and a decisive one at that, is “YES!”
In this article, we’ll look at reasons why it is a good idea to create a GRE study plan and follow it so that you’ll get a competitive score to gain admission to the graduate program you desire. Then, we’ll look at 5 crucial steps for getting started.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- The GRE – Basic Facts
- Why Do I Need to Study for the GRE?
- Are You Convinced? Follow These Steps to Get Started With Your Prep
- Step 1: Take a Practice Exam to Establish Your Baseline Score
- Step 2: Compare Your Baseline Score to Your Target Score
- Step 3: Map Out Your GRE Prep Timeline
- Step 4: Create a Personal Study Schedule
- Step 5: Choose the Best GRE Prep Materials
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s Next?
Before we discuss the specific reasons for the need to prepare for the GRE, let’s learn a bit about the exam itself.
The GRE – Basic Facts
The GRE takes 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete, and there is no break. The test has 5 sections. First, you’ll always encounter the Analytical Writing task. Next, you’ll encounter 2 Verbal Reasoning sections and 2 Quantitative Reasoning sections, in random order. Now, let’s look at these sections in more detail.
KEY FACT:
The GRE will take you 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete.
Analytical Writing
You have 30 minutes to complete the Analytical Writing section, which consists of one “Analyze an Issue” writing prompt. Specifically, you’ll respond to the prompt by evaluating the issue, stating your position, and developing points to support your views. Additionally, a very basic word processor will be provided for your use.
KEY FACT:
The Analytical Writing section assigns one writing task, which you must complete in 30 minutes.
Verbal Reasoning
The 2 Verbal Reasoning sections contain a total of 27 questions. In Verbal section 1, you’ll answer 12 questions in 18 minutes. In Verbal section 2, you’ll answer 15 questions in 23 minutes. GRE Verbal includes questions on Reading Comprehension (RC) and vocabulary.
Generally speaking, the Verbal Reasoning section assesses your ability to evaluate and analyze reading comprehension passages and your ability to use appropriate vocabulary words in sentences and passages. Specifically, you will answer questions in 3 categories:
- Reading Comprehension (RC): You’ll encounter about 13 questions that are RC, presented as both long and short passages. Generally, you need to analyze, summarize, make conclusions, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of a stated position.
- Text Completion (TC): Sentences or texts contain 1 to 3 blanks, and your job is to select the correct vocabulary word in context. You can expect to see 7 TC questions.
- Sentence Equivalence (SE): A Sentence Equivalence question requires you to select 2 words from 6 choices to fill in a single blank. The 2 correct answers produce a sentence with the same meaning.
In short, to do well on TC and SE questions, you need solid knowledge of words and their meanings in different contexts.
KEY FACT:
You will encounter Reading Comprehension passages and vocabulary-based Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions in the GRE Verbal Reasoning section.
Quantitative Reasoning
Just like the Verbal sections, the 2 Quantitative Reasoning sections contain a total of 27 questions. In Quant section 1, you’ll answer 12 questions in 21 minutes. In Quant section 2, you’ll answer 15 questions in 26 minutes. GRE Quant topics include arithmetic, algebra, data analysis, and geometry. Also, you may use an on-screen four-function calculator.
KEY FACT:
The Quantitative Reasoning sections test topics from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
Now that we know some basic information about the GRE, let’s focus on the main reasons for needing to study.
Why Do I Need to Study for the GRE?
To this point, the GRE sounds like any standardized test, right? After all, It tests you on “reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic.” So, no big deal. Initially, you might think that you would be wasting time by studying for the exam. However, you might want to rethink this position. Read on to find out why.
Reason #1: Vocabulary Is Not a Walk in the Park
State the meaning of each of the following words:
- squalid
- mendicant
- encomium
- abeyance
- erudite
- desiccate
- loquacious
- rejoinder
- fatuous
- obdurate
Tough, eh? These are not words that you’ll likely encounter in the normal course of your day. Yet they are words that you could expect to see on the GRE. Both Text Completion (TC) and Sentence Equivalence (SE) questions, which comprise fully half of the Verbal Reasoning questions on the GRE, will test you on your knowledge of words like these. As a result, if you check out the GRE vocabulary lists of any GRE prep course, you’ll find that nearly all of them recommend learning 1,000+ words in the course of your GRE study.
KEY FACT:
Most GRE prep courses recommend learning at least 1,000 vocabulary words during your GRE preparation.
Reason #2: Reading Comprehension Questions Are Not Like They Were in High School
Don’t expect to see a Reading Comprehension question asking the color of Carla’s puppy or why Brad didn’t call his mom on her birthday. After all, these are straightforward questions that you might have seen on the SAT, but you will not see them on the GRE.
Most GRE RC passages will present you with questions asking about the author’s purpose or tone or what can be inferred from the passage. In fact, a few questions will be of the infamous “Strengthen or Weaken the Argument” type, which is covered in detail in our Target Test Prep GRE course.
Also, you’ll encounter Critical Reasoning (CR) passages, which require you to make a logical extension or a decision based on the passage. For example, consider the following “complete the passage” Critical Reasoning question:
Example Question: Critical Reasoning
Which of the following best completes the passage?
White outdoor lights often attract troublesome insects. So, some entomologists suggest that homeowners use red lights rather than white lights outdoors since insects cannot see red light. However, homeowners are likely to find that replacing white lights with red lights does not completely eliminate the problem because ______________.
- all lights need at least some power in order to shine.
- the human eye does not see as well in rid light as in white light.
- some insects are attracted to the heat given off by any light.
- many people do not like the way red outdoor lights look.
- not all insects attracted to outdoor lights are troublesome.
Solution:
The correct answer is C. The rationale is that, since some insects are attracted by the heat given off by lights, then some insects will still be attracted by the heat given off by red lights. Thus, the problem of having troublesome insects may not be completely eliminated by using red lights.
Obviously, GRE Reading Comprehension questions need time and attention for mastery to be reached.
TTP PRO TIP:
To perform well in Reading Comprehension, practice using logic to answer questions about passages.
However, it’s not just the Verbal Reasoning section that is challenging. The Quantitative Reasoning section has a few surprises as well.
Reason #3: GRE Math Can Be Brutal
It’s not so much that GRE math is difficult. Rather, it’s that there is just so much material that’s tested! There are only 27 math questions, but they cover literally hundreds of math topics and sub-topics.
The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE tests your ability to use math knowledge and skills to solve problems. Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the math topics and subtopics that you need to master. Use this list to assess your current knowledge level.
Arithmetic – add, subtract, multiply, divide fractions; decimals; estimation; PEMDAS
Ratios and Percents – two-part and three-part ratios; the ratio multiplier; ratios and proportions; basic percents; percent expressions; percent change
Rates, Work Problems, and Unit Conversion – basic rate or work; average rates; converging and diverging rates; catch-up or catch-up and pass rates; round trip rates; combined workers; opposing workers; unit conversions
Number Properties – even/odd integers; positive/negative integers; prime factorization; LCM and GCF; remainder theory; evenly spaced sets; divisibility; units digit patterns
Linear and Quadratic Equations – solving one-variable and two-variable equations; the substitution and combination methods; FOILing; factoring a quadratic trinomial; quadratic identities; zero product property; eliminating fractions from equations
Exponents and Roots – add, subtract, multiply, and divide exponential expressions; non-perfect roots; rationalizing algebraic fractions; fractional and negative exponents; solve exponential equations
Inequalities and Absolute Value – equations versus inequalities; adding and subtracting inequalities; compound inequalities; solving absolute value equations
Functions and Sequences – domain and range; composite functions; graphs of functions; word problems with functions; arithmetic and geometric sequences
Statistics, Data Analysis, and Probability – mean, median, and mode; evenly spaced sets; weighted average; range and standard deviation; normal distribution; probability; addition rule and mutually exclusive events; multiplication rule and independent events
Overlapping Sets and Combinations/Permutations – the set-matrix; calculating percents in the set-matrix; Venn diagram; combinations; the fundamental counting principle; permutations; distinguishable and indistinguishable items; circular permutations; creating codes
Geometry – lines; angles; Pythagorean theorem; triangles – equilateral, isosceles, and scalene; rectangles, squares, and trapezoids; circles; inscribed and circumscribed shapes; 3D geometry (rectangular prisms, cubes, and right circular cylinders); areas and volumes
Coordinate Geometry – axes and quadrants; slope-intercept form of a line; parallel and perpendicular lines; distance formula; midpoint formula; circles in the coordinate plane; graphing inequalities
KEY FACT:
The number of math topics in the Quantitative Reasoning section is extensive.
Reason #4: Quantitative Comparison Questions Can Make Your Brain Explode
As if the overwhelming number of math topics tested were not bad enough, add to it a dastardly question type called Quantitative Comparison (QC). Notably, you have never seen a QC question, as this question type is unique to the GRE. In simple terms, a QC question asks you to determine the relationship between two quantities, A and B.
Sounds easy, right? I mean, how hard is it to compare two quantities, such as -23 and 45? Obviously, 45 is greater than -23. Done. Piece of cake.
Not so fast! Don’t be so naive as to think that a test like the GRE is going to let you get away with such an easy question. In that light, here’s a more representative GRE question, which is considered an easy QC question:
Quantity A:
X
Quantity B:
0
- Quantity A is greater.
- Quantity B is greater.
- The two quantities are equal.
- The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.
You need to practice the logic of QC questions to ascertain that the correct answer is D. So, why can’t we determine the relationship from the information given? Well, since there are no restrictions on the value of x, we have to consider all possibilities. Thus, we see that if x is positive, then x is greater than 0, and Quantity A is greater. However, if x is negative, then 0 is greater than x, and Quantity B is greater. And, to add insult to injury, if x equals 0, then the two quantities are equal! Since there is no consistent relationship between x and 0, we choose answer D.
To perform well on GRE Quant, you need to become very comfortable with QC questions. About half of the questions in the 2 Quant sections are QC questions.
KEY FACT:
Roughly half of all GRE math questions are Quantitative Comparison questions.
Are You Convinced? Follow These Steps to Get Started With Your Prep
It is pretty obvious from the 4 points previously made that you cannot take the GRE lightly. From the sheer volume of material tested, the exam is tough. In addition, the ways in which the questions are asked and the types of questions asked, most notably the QC math questions, should fill you with at least some amount of dread. So, let’s put the rubber to the road and agree that studying for the GRE is necessary for gaining admission to your dream school. To that end, here are 5 steps to help you get started with your GRE prep.
Step 1: Take a Practice Exam to Establish Your Baseline Score
Now that you are familiar with the GRE, you need to determine your baseline score by taking a practice exam. You can download an official GRE practice test for free from the ETS website. However, before you take the test, you might want to review the free Test Preview Tool, to get a bit of extra practice before you take the real thing.
Remember, you must take your practice test seriously! Taking it seriously means following test-day rules and mimicking test-day conditions. For example, turn off your phone, don’t eat or drink during your test, and use only the on-screen calculator. An accurate GRE score on your practice exam will allow you to set a solid path forward for your GRE study plan.
TTP PRO TIP:
Take an official GRE practice test to establish an accurate GRE baseline score.
Step 2: Compare Your Baseline Score to Your Target Score
If you haven’t yet researched the schools to which you plan to apply, do it now. In particular, you should determine the GRE average scores of students who were recently admitted to each of the schools you’re interested in. By doing so, you’ll establish your target GRE score.
Now, compare your baseline score to your target score. The difference will give you valuable information about how much time you may need to study to get to your target score.
TTP PRO TIP:
Compare your baseline score to your target score to get an idea of how much time you’ll need to study for the GRE.
Step 3: Map Out Your GRE Prep Timeline
After taking your practice exam, you’ll have a clear understanding of how far you are from your score goal. As a result, you can build an estimated timeline for your GRE studying.
For example, let’s assume your target score is 330, and you scored 300 on your practice test. So, if you can commit to study around 18 hours per week, you may need up to 6 months of preparation. However, if your practice exam score was 320, and you have the same target score of 330, then you might be able to achieve your target in about 3 months.
You get the point. So, spend some time estimating how much time you can commit each week, and that will help you determine how many months you will need to study.
TTP PRO TIP:
It’s important to create a timeline for your GRE prep.
Step 4: Create a Personal Study Schedule
Now that you have a timeline, you need to find the time to master the GRE material! You now need to go from a macro perspective to a micro one by devising a daily study schedule that you can commit. Of course, there are options for how much and when you can schedule your weekly prep time, but in general, a good starting point is around 18 hours per week of GRE prep.
To have a study schedule that actually works, make sure you consider all the personal and professional demands on your time. Then, build those 18 hours each week into your schedule. For example, if you’re a morning person, consider getting up early to study before starting your workday or school day. Otherwise, you might do better studying in the evening for a more productive session. Even if you can devote 2 hours each weekday to GRE prep, you’ll still need to commit to an additional 8 hours each weekend.
If all of this sounds a bit overwhelming, just remember that this is a temporary drain on your time and energy. And, more importantly, it is an investment in the rest of your life!
TTP PRO TIP:
Create a study schedule that allows you to study for at least 18 hours per week.
Once you have completed your study schedule, you’ll be one step from starting your GRE studying. After you choose your study materials, you’ll be good to go!
Step 5: Choose the Best GRE Prep Materials
All of your pre-work is done. You have committed to studying for the GRE, you know your target and baseline scores, and you have a GRE prep timeline. Almost there! Now, your final step is to choose your study materials.
An online GRE prep course is a great way to study. Specifically, you’ll have a comprehensive study plan that plans and tracks your progress. GRE experts have created the curriculum, so it covers exactly what is tested on the GRE. Additionally, a good GRE prep course will provide error logs and analytics. These tools give you feedback on the types of questions you miss and why you miss them. Furthermore, a great GRE prep course will provide extras, such as equation guides and those pesky vocabulary words on pre-made GRE flashcards. Finally, online GRE courses are available 24/7, which allows flexible study.
There are many online GRE courses available. Initially, give a few of them a trial run, and then choose the one that best fits your needs.
TTP PRO TIP:
To satisfy your study needs, consider enrolling in an online GRE prep course. Its many features can help make for effective studying.
Key Takeaways
In this article, we first learned some basic facts about the GRE. It is 1 hour and 58 minutes, with no break, and it has 3 sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
You might feel that studying for the GRE is not necessary, thinking that your college courses taught you what you need for GRE success. However, we looked at 4 aspects of the GRE that might convince you to change your mind.
- GRE vocabulary words are very challenging.
- Many Reading Comprehension questions test logic and critical reasoning skills.
- Both the breadth and depth of the GRE math topics tested are notable.
- Quantitative Comparison math questions will challenge you and require a lot of practice.
Once you have changed your mind, realizing that studying for the GRE is a good idea, you can take the following steps to get ready for your GRE prep.
- Take a Practice Exam to Establish Your Baseline Score
- Compare Your Baseline Score to Your Target Score
- Map Out Your GRE Prep Timeline
- Create a Personal Study Schedule
- Choose the Best GRE Prep Materials
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Long Do I Need to Study for the GRE?
As you can imagine, there is no magic number for how much time you need to study for the GRE. Specifically, every student has different levels of knowledge, different levels of motivation, and different amounts of time that they can commit each week to GRE preparation. To that end, you can estimate how much time you need to study for the GRE by using information from this article.
What’s Next?
Now that you see the value of investing time and energy into studying for the GRE, you want to get the most out of every minute. You can read this article to gain some valuable GRE study tips.
Good luck!
