Build winning GRE habits for long-term results
Jeff is the founder of Long Island Test Prep. He has been helping students maximize their success since 1991, both in his previous career as a Social Studies Teacher and in his ongoing work guiding thousands of students through the SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, and GMAT exams. In recent years, he has found particular enjoyment in helping students make the most of technology to boost their progress. From mastering the fundamentals to conquering the peculiarities of each exam, he enjoys the challenge of helping students find the path to achieving their goals.
Even highly motivated graduate school applicants can find the GRE difficult, despite strong academic backgrounds. Ongoing challenges such as repeated mistakes, anxiety, or slow progress can quickly undermine confidence. Why do so many capable students sometimes stumble, even after putting in long hours of study? More importantly, what steps can they take to change this outcome?
Many struggles stem from issues with preparation, test-taking strategies, and handling stress effectively. By focusing on improving these core areas, you can break through barriers and move steadily toward your goals.
Choosing the right test environment
Where you take the GRE plays a significant role in your results, yet it’s easily overlooked. Today’s GRE can be taken either at a test center or from home. At-home testing may seem convenient, but test centers typically offer a more controlled and reliable environment for most students.
Test centers are specifically designed to reduce distractions and maintain standardized procedures. They feature dependable equipment and internet connections, which help ensure a smooth testing experience. Clear security protocols and limited personal items mean fewer surprises.
At-home testing, while flexible, presents its own set of challenges. You’re responsible for technical readiness and for creating a distraction-free space. Interruptions from daily life, spotty internet, or technical glitches can all disrupt your focus. Although remote proctors are present, the experience can be less predictable and sometimes more stressful.
As you prepare for test day, recreate the conditions of your chosen testing location. Take full-length, computer-based practice tests in a quiet room, stick to official timing, and use the same GRE interface you’ll see on the actual exam. This kind of practice gets you comfortable with both the format and the pacing. Relying solely on untimed sessions or paper-based practice won’t prepare you for the real GRE experience.
Treat your testing environment as an essential part of your preparation. If possible, opt for a test center and conduct your practice sessions in a quiet, distraction-free location. Being prepared in this way helps your confidence grow and sets you up for your strongest performance.
Question approach: What works and what doesn’t
How you tackle each GRE question makes a real difference in your outcome. Not every shortcut is reliable; some can actually lower your score. Focus on logical, content-driven methods rather than searching for patterns or guessing on the fly.
Don’t fall into the habit of choosing the same answer repeatedly or assuming patterns in how options appear. The GRE is designed to prevent such tricks from being effective. Treat every question independently, and carefully evaluate the information provided.
For Quantitative Comparison questions, don’t base your answer on just one value. The GRE often includes examples that look simple, but change when you try different numbers. Test a range of options (like positive and negative numbers, zero, or fractions when possible) to spot exceptions and avoid easy mistakes.
When it comes to Verbal questions, especially those with unfamiliar vocabulary, break the problem down step by step. Search for clues within the sentence, make use of any word roots you recognize, and see how each answer fits the context. When more than one answer is needed, group choices by meaning and methodically narrow them down. Cross off choices that clearly don’t fit.
Before you look at the answer choices, predict what you think the answer should be, whether it’s a specific word or a numerical value. This approach helps you stay focused and shields you from clever distractors under time pressure.
Using these strategies aligns your preparation with the test’s design and mirrors the thought process of successful test-takers. By concentrating on genuine understanding and logical problem-solving, you rely less on guessing and more on your own ability.
Building mastery through deliberate practice
Raising your GRE score depends far more on how you practice than on how many hours you put in. Deliberate practice, focused, purposeful, and guided by feedback, drives much better results than cramming or mindless repetition.
Timed, full-length practice tests are a must. Completing them under official conditions trains you to budget time, build stamina, and cope with the demands of the actual test. Studies show that taking at least three full, timed GRE simulations with thorough review brings more improvement than endless review of untimed or isolated questions.
Real progress occurs during your review sessions. Keep a journal noting your errors, the types of questions you missed, and your thought process in the moment. Record not just the wrong answers, but also any guesses or questions you felt uncertain about. Look for trends: Was there a certain math skill you struggled with? Did you misinterpret what the question was asking, or did you rush because time was running short? Pinpointing these patterns directs your future study where it’s needed most.
Develop productive habits early. Consistent practice, prompt review, and organized notes will build stronger skills than last-minute cramming ever could. The gradual development of abilities is more lasting, and structured preparation enhances both your confidence and your results.
Between practice exams, spend time working deliberately on your weak spots, whether it’s a particular math topic, reading skill, or pacing. The targeted study is much more impactful than repeatedly simulating the whole test, and it ensures steady, visible progress.
Ultimately, excelling on the GRE comes down to a reliable routine: practice under real test conditions, analyze your performance, and use what you learn to focus your next efforts. This approach raises your score and helps you develop effective study habits you can rely on throughout your academic and professional journey.
Keys to GRE success
Success on the GRE hinges on three key factors:
- Selecting a reliable test environment
- Employing logical and methodical strategies for each question
- Practicing with discipline and self-reflection
Dedicated test centers typically provide the most stable and secure experience. For tackling questions, logical reasoning and true understanding should always take priority over guesses or shortcuts. Most importantly, invest in consistent and focused practice: learn from mistakes, review regularly, and tailor your study plan to address your weak areas.
These time-tested principles, built on real-world experience and solid research, can help you achieve outstanding GRE results. When you pay attention to your process, honestly assess your progress, and commit to ongoing improvement, you prepare not only for the test but also for future challenges in school and beyond.
