Pacing Your Prep for the GRE
A 6-month time span is ideal, and here is a training plan that you can follow 3 to 6 months before the test:
Vocabulary
Memorize 10 vocab words per week by reviewing them every day and using them as much as possible. You can create and share flashcards by looking up various sources, including Brainfuse's own connections with Flashbulb.
You can use index cards as well. Find a word list at the following link:
Timed Tests
Take 2 practice sections per week.
o Writing and Verbal
or
o Verbal and Math
or
o Math and Writing
Brainfuse
Continue to review the skills on your study plan by watching videos, reading lessons, and working with live tutors. You may also submit your essays to the writing lab.
2 months to go ...
- Switch to 3 timed practice tests per week (one for each section). They can be taken as a single full-length test or completed separately.
- Continue to follow the plan for building vocabulary.
One month to go …
- Do 2 full-length simulations of the test in the first fortnight (two weeks) and review any incorrect answers. Log on to work with a tutor on similar problems to make sure that you have mastered any troublesome skills.
- Practice taking the sections that you need to work on most in the last stretch and review any incorrect answers.
- Continue to follow the plan for building vocabulary.
The night before ...
- Have a healthy and filling dinner.
- Sleep for at least 8 hours.
Morning of ...
- Eat a healthy breakfast with protein (That may include eggs, egg whites, or peanut butter, and bring a healthy snack, like trail mix or a granola bar ... though the test center won’t be very wild.)
- Dress in layers to adapt to the temperature of the testing room
The 3-Month Plan
For the first two months:
10 vocab words per week (See the"Upgrade Your GRE Vocabulary" resource)
- All 3 practice sections per week (You may take them as a full-length test or separately) Just make sure to review each incorrect answer and log on for Live Help with a Brainfuse tutor to practice solving similar problems.
For one month:
- Continue to follow the vocab plan.
- Do 2 full-length simulations of the test in the first fortnight (two weeks) and review the answers
- Take the sections that you need to work on most in the last stretch and review any incorrect answers. You can also log on to Live Help to work on those problems with Brainfuse tutors.
The night before:
- Have a healthy and filling dinner.
- Sleep for at least 8 hours
Morning of --
- Eat a healthy breakfast with protein (That may include an egg, egg whites, or peanut butter, and bring a healthy snack, like trail mix or a granola bar ... though the test center won't be very wild)
- Dress in layers to adapt to the temperature of the testing room
The 2-Month Plan
- 10 to 15 vocab words per week
- 3 practice sections per week
For one month:
(You can click on the "Upgrade Your GRE Vocabulary" resource for more tips on developing your vocabulary.)
- Do 2 full-length simulations of the test in the first fortnight and review the answers.
- Take the sections that you need to work on most in the last stretch and review any incorrect answers.
1-Month Plan
Memorize most popular GRE words (see the link below), and then continue to follow the vocabulary plan above.
- Do 2 full-length simulations of the test in the first fortnight and review the answers.
- Take the sections that you need to work on most in the last stretch and review any incorrect answers.
1-Week Plan
After taking the first full-length test and reviewing your answers, memorize most popular GRE words:
https://magoosh.com/gre/2011/the-top-20-most-common-gre-words/
Take the sections that you need to work on most in the last stretch and review each incorrect answer. You can also log on to Live Help to work with a Brainfuse tutor on any troublesome questions.
You will also have access to Brainfuse lessons and video tutorials on the skills needed to excel on the GRE.
VIDEO TUTORIALS TIP:
Be an active viewer -- Press pause and try to answer each question on screen. You can then play the video to see how you did.