GRE Preparation Tips 2026: Best Strategies & Tips for GRE Exam

Let’s be real: Scoring 320+ isn't just about studying hard. It is about studying smart. Here are the top GRE preparation strategies that actually work, written in plain English.

Pick a Date and Commit

Don't just say, "I'll take the test when I'm ready." You will never feel 100% ready. Go to the ETS website and book a date 8 to 12 weeks from now. Having a real deadline is the best motivation for your GRE preparation.

Take a Mock Test "Cold"

Before you buy any books, take a free official practice test. Think of this as a check up. It shows you exactly where you stand so you can build a custom GRE study plan. Focus on your weak spots.

Know Your Target Score

Don't aim for a "good GRE score." That is too vague. Check info about universities you want to apply to. Do they need a 310 or a 325? Write that number down. Your goal is to get cut off scores for your dream school, not to get a perfect 340.

Know Your Mistakes

This is secret weapon of high scorers. Every time you answer incorrectly, write it down in a notebook. Reviewing this log is helpful for covering GRE syllabus.

Train Yourself

There are no scheduled breaks in new GRE. You need to train your brain to stay focused for 2 hours straight. Take your full length GRE mock tests at same time of day. It will build stamina.

Pick Weak Topics First

It feels good to practice what you are already good at. But that will not improve your score. If you hate math, spend 70% of your time on the Quantitative section. You only grow when you tackle tough topics.

"Shorter" GRE 2026 (Format)

These preparation tips are fully updated for latest shorter GRE General Test pattern, effective from September 2023.

GRE is no longer a 4 hours marathon. It is now a sprint. Here is how the shorter format changes your preparation strategy for 2026:

For students to master the section-wise preparation for GRE, they can start the preparation early so that they can get enough time for practice and attempting mocks. Get more details below.

1. Start by Taking a GRE Practice Test: The first step towards preparing for your GRE exam would be to know your current standing. By taking a full-length GRE practice test, the candidate should be able to identify weak areas and sections that would need extra focus.
2. Determine your GRE Cut off Score: This would be the score you would require to apply to your preferred university. Candidates should note that their GRE target score should be above the average score of the university. This way, the candidate would be able to make his application stand out.
3. Close the Gap: The next step in the GRE preparation process would be to plan on closing the gap. Candidates can opt for GRE preparation online, or offline.
4. Practice with and without a calculator: Candidates would have access to an onscreen calculator, which is a huge advantage but can also prove to be a liability. So it is important that the candidate knows when to use the calculator and when he is better at using the rules of a key math concept.
5. Build up your GRE vocabulary: Candidates are required to read a lot of analytical non-fiction to build up their GRE vocabulary.
6. Practice GRE Practice Papers: Candidates are required to practice GRE sample papers as many times as possible and review their results, and note down their progress.  

One big question everyone preparing for this exam, faces is figuring out how to start the GRE preparation. Some prefer good old private tuitions, coaching classes, or self-studies, the most recent favourite among students is online prep courses with solving GRE sample papers. If you are confused between coaching classes or online prep, here are a few points clarifying why online exam prep is suddenly a rage among test-takers internationally.

1. Convenient and customizable
2. Personalized lessons
3. Learn at your speed
4. Evaluation
5. Cost-effective

As mentioned earlier, the GRE exam is made up of multiple sections that come together to make the GRE test. Check out section-wise GRE preparation tips and tricks for our readers. 

GRE Analytical Writing Prep Tips

• Understand Task
• No Right or Wrong Opinion
• Use the ETS Topic Pool
• Practice with Timed Tests
• Follow a Template

GRE Verbal Reasoning Section Prep Tips

• Understand Goal
• Build Strong GRE Vocabulary
• Use Multiple Learning Techniques
• Practice Sentence Equivalence and Text Completion strategies
• Focus on Clues, Not Guessing

GRE Quantitative Section Prep Tips

• Do not ignore Math fundamentals.
• Give due importance to the math topics that are tested more extensively.
• Refer to Official Guide and take a look at the list of all the math topics that may appear on the GRE
• Keep in mind that although GRE doesn’t test you on esoteric math concepts, questions are often tricky.

If you take the route of self-study to prepare for this exam, there are a lot of GRE study materials available to help you. The official ETS has its own official study guide and a mobile app. Refer to the following GRE books and guides to help you create a study plan -

• The Official Guide to the GRE revised General Test, Second Edition - Both the book and eBook feature two actual, full-length tests, hundreds of authentic GRE test questions, explanations for many answers, test-taking strategies, sample essay responses with reader commentary, and more.
• The Official GRE Guide app - It gives you access to authentic test questions with answers and explanations, plus valuable test-taking tips and strategies. The Official GRE Guide app is the most accurate and informative GRE revised General Test preparation available in an interactive, electronic format.
• Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions, Volume One - this guide includes an authoritative overview of the GRE Analytical Writing measure, complete with sample writing tasks, and scored sample responses.

• Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions, Volume One – This book offers 150 never-before-published Quantitative Reasoning questions with complete explanations. It also includes a review of the math topics you need to know for the test.
• ScoreItNow! Online Writing Practice Service for the GRE revised General Test – This service is a web-based tool that can help you sharpen your analytical writing skills and prepare for the Analytical Writing section of the GRE revised General Test. 
• Manhattan Prep - They offer 8 test-taking strategy guides, focusing on each of the tests' content areas, including Algebra, Fractions, Decimals & Percents, Geometry, Number Properties, and Word Problems.