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I worked with our team of 99th percentile GRE tutors to create four study schedules based on different preparation timelines and study commitments.
Each plan breaks down what to study each day, including Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing, and practice tests.
You can download a sample study schedule that best fits your schedule below.
One-month study schedules work best for students who already have a solid grasp of the most challenging concepts the GRE tests (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical writing) and can dedicate several hours a day to preparing. It’s also common for repeat test-takers to only study for a month as a refresher.
This schedule is best for students who can study 30 hours per week. Our one-month GRE study schedule covers Quantitative Reasoning during the first two weeks, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Week three focuses on Verbal Reasoning through reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence, and vocabulary practice.
In the final week, you'll practice the GRE's 30-minute Analyze an Issue essay, complete full-length practice tests, and review difficult questions before test day.
A two-month schedule works for students who are already comfortable with some of the GRE’s concepts but still need time and practice to strengthen certain areas like algebra, geometry, reading comprehension, or vocabulary. It's a good fit for students who can commit around four hours a day or 20 hours a week to studying.
Our two-month GRE study schedule spreads preparation across eight weeks. You'll spend the first three weeks reviewing Quantitative Reasoning concepts before moving into Verbal Reasoning, vocabulary, and Analytical Writing during weeks four and five.
The last three weeks focus on full-length practice tests, reviewing mistakes, and targeting weaker areas. This timeline gives you more room to work through difficult concepts before shifting your attention to test performance.
A three-month GRE study schedule works best for students who need a more thorough review of Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning concepts, particularly if they struggle with math fundamentals, reading comprehension, or vocabulary. It's also a good timeline for students doing prep while working or in school.
These schedules work best for students who can dedicate around 15 hours per week to studying.
Our three-month GRE study schedule starts with four weeks of Quantitative Reasoning, progressing from concept review and untimed drills to timed practice. Weeks five and six cover Verbal Reasoning, vocabulary, and the Analyze an Issue writing task.
During the last six weeks, you'll complete a full-length practice test each week, review difficult questions, and focus on your weak areas where you're still losing points.
Students who’ve been out of school for a while or need to brush up on their foundational math or reading comprehension skills, or those who are starting well below their target score, can use a six-month study schedule. It’s also ideal for busy students with demanding course loads who can only dedicate around 10 hours a week to studying.
Our six-month GRE plan includes content review of Quantitative Reasoning, covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis for the first five weeks. Weeks six and focus on Verbal Reasoning, including reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence, and vocabulary.
Week eight introduces Analytical Writing practice. From week nine on, you'll complete regular full-length practice tests, review difficult questions, and work on any remaining weaknesses.
The experts on my team agreed that most students should spend two to three months preparing for the GRE, dedicating approximately 15 to 20 hours per week to studying. This gives you enough time to review the concepts, identify your weaknesses, and complete several full-length practice exams.
But you should base your timeline on your starting score. Before committing to a test date, take a full-length diagnostic exam and compare your results with the GRE scores your target programs typically expect. Then choose a study schedule that gives you enough time to address your weaknesses without sacrificing consistency.
If you're already close to your target score and understand the GRE's math and verbal concepts, you may only need one month of focused preparation. If you struggle with foundational algebra, geometry, or reading comprehension, you might need more than three months to test well.
You can use our pop quiz to get more GRE practice and test your knowledge:
Yes, you can self-study for the GRE if you know you can follow a structured schedule and stay on track. You need to hold yourself accountable and be able to consistently review your mistakes and fix them to improve your score.
You should take the GRE at least four to six weeks before your earliest application deadline, although scheduling it two to three months earlier gives you more flexibility if you need to retake it since you can retake it once every 21 days.
A good GRE score is generally 310 to 319 since it beats the average test-taker’s score of 309, while 320 to 329 is a very good score, and 330 or higher is excellent. For highly competitive graduate programs, I recommend aiming for at least 320, although the ideal score depends on your target schools and field of study.
Yes, two months is enough time to study for the GRE for most students. This schedule gives you enough time to review the content before moving into targeted practice questions, timed sections, and full-length practice tests. But if your diagnostic score is a lot lower than your target score or you need to relearn several foundational concepts, two months may not be enough unless you can dedicate 30+ hours a week to studying.
Dr. Jonathan Preminger was the original author of this article. Snippets of his work may remain.
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