Study Schedule Examples for GRE Preparation

Discover practical study schedule examples to help you prepare for the GRE effectively.
By Taylor

Preparing for the GRE can feel overwhelming, but a well-structured study schedule can make all the difference. Here, we’ve created three diverse examples of study schedules tailored to different needs and timelines. Whether you’re planning to study intensively over a short period or prefer a more spread-out approach, these examples will guide you in your GRE preparation journey.

Example 1: Intensive 4-Week GRE Study Schedule

This schedule is ideal for those who have a month before the test and can dedicate a significant amount of time each day.

  • Week 1: Focus on Verbal Reasoning

    • Monday-Friday: 4 hours/day
      • 2 hours: Vocabulary building (flashcards, apps)
      • 1 hour: Reading comprehension practice (official GRE texts)
      • 1 hour: Practice questions from a test prep book
    • Saturday: 3-hour practice test (Verbal section only)
    • Sunday: Review answers and identify weak areas.

  • Week 2: Concentrate on Quantitative Reasoning

    • Monday-Friday: 4 hours/day
      • 2 hours: Review math concepts (algebra, geometry, data analysis)
      • 1 hour: Practice problem sets
      • 1 hour: Timed practice questions
    • Saturday: 3-hour practice test (Quant section only)
    • Sunday: Review incorrect answers and concepts.

  • Week 3: Analytical Writing and Full-Length Tests

    • Monday-Wednesday: 3 hours/day
      • 1 hour: Review essay prompts and scoring criteria
      • 2 hours: Write and review two practice essays.
    • Thursday-Friday: Full-length practice test (3.5 hours)
    • Saturday: Review test results and targeted review of weak areas
    • Sunday: Rest and light reading.

  • Week 4: Review and Final Prep

    • Monday-Wednesday: 3 hours/day
      • Focus on reviewing all sections, especially weak areas.
    • Thursday: Take another full-length practice test.
    • Friday: Light review and relaxation techniques.
    • Saturday: Final review of vocabulary and important concepts.
    • Sunday: Rest and prepare for test day.

Example 2: Flexible 8-Week GRE Study Schedule

This schedule is perfect for those balancing work or school commitments and who have two months to prepare.

  • Week 1-2: Verbal Reasoning

    • 3 days/week: 1.5 hours/session
      • Focus on vocabulary, reading comprehension, and practice questions.
    • 1 weekend day: 2-hour practice test (Verbal section) and review.

  • Week 3-4: Quantitative Reasoning

    • 3 days/week: 1.5 hours/session
      • Review math concepts and practice problems.
    • 1 weekend day: 2-hour practice test (Quant section) and review.

  • Week 5: Analytical Writing

    • 3 days: 1.5 hours/session
      • Write practice essays and review scoring criteria.
    • 1 weekend day: Write one full-length essay with a timed practice.

  • Week 6: Full-Length Practice Tests

    • 2 days: Take full-length practice tests (3.5 hours each).
    • 1 day: Review results and weak areas.

  • Week 7: Targeted Review

    • 3 days: Review weak areas in verbal, quantitative, and writing.
    • 1 weekend day: 2-hour review session.

  • Week 8: Final Prep

    • 1 day: Final review of vocabulary and key concepts.
    • 1 day: Light practice test.
    • Last day: Rest and relaxation before test day.

Example 3: 12-Week GRE Study Schedule for Beginners

This schedule suits beginners who want to take their time and build foundational skills before the GRE.

  • Week 1-2: Familiarization with GRE Format

    • 2 days/week: 1 hour/session
      • Learn about each section, types of questions, and scoring.
    • 1 weekend day: 1-hour review of GRE materials.

  • Week 3-5: Verbal Reasoning Basics

    • 2 days/week: 1 hour/session
      • Focus on vocabulary and reading comprehension skills.
    • 1 weekend day: 1-hour practice with verbal questions.

  • Week 6-8: Quantitative Reasoning Basics

    • 2 days/week: 1 hour/session
      • Review math concepts and formulas.
    • 1 weekend day: 1-hour practice with quantitative questions.

  • Week 9-10: Analytical Writing Introduction

    • 2 days/week: 1 hour/session
      • Learn about essay structure and scoring.
    • 1 weekend day: Write a practice essay.

  • Week 11: Full-Length Practice Test

    • 1 day: Take a full-length practice test and review.

  • Week 12: Final Review and Preparation

    • 2 days: Review all sections and focus on weak areas.
    • 1 day: Light practice and relax before the test.

Each of these examples of a study schedule for preparing for the GRE is designed to cater to different timelines and commitments. Choose the one that fits your lifestyle best, and remember to adjust it as needed to ensure you’re making the most of your study time!