How Long Should You Study for Your Target GRE Score?
How Long Should You Study for Your Target GRE Score?
The moment you commit to pursuing a master’s degree abroad, a silent timer starts ticking in your head. Time becomes your biggest currency. And while the GRE may seem like just another checkbox on your grad school to-do list, it’s actually a cornerstone of your application, one that deserves both strategy and seriousness.
Whether your target GRE score is 310, 320, or even 330+, the first big question is: How long should I study to get there? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but this blog is here to break it down into actionable parts.
First Things First: What’s Your Target GRE Score?
Before you create a study plan or open your prep books, you need to define your target GRE score. This step is often overlooked, but it’s the most important. Shooting blindly won’t get you far. Aim first, then fire.
Let’s be honest: Many Indian students aim for the absolute best, 330+ out of 340. But remember, the GRE isn’t scored on emotion; it’s scored on relevance. A 320 might be phenomenal for one university and average for another. That’s why your target score must be based on research, not rumor or peer pressure.
How to Set Your Target Score:
- Shortlist your dream and safe universities.
- Check the average GRE scores for the programs you’re targeting.
- Add 5 points to that average. That’s your target.
Example: If Georgia Tech requires 155 in Verbal and 160 in Quant, your target could be 160 Verbal / 165 Quant.
The point is to aim a little higher than the benchmark, giving yourself breathing room, because score cutoffs are often just the minimum. The better your score, the stronger your profile.
Step 2: Where Do You Stand Right Now?
Once you’ve set a target, the next step is diagnosis. Think of it like a health checkup before surgery. You need to know your current strengths and weaknesses.
Take a diagnostic test.
It could be an official ETS practice test or a reliable mock test from a reputed source.
Let’s say your diagnostic verbal score is 11 out of 27. That’s your starting line, and it’s a perfectly fine place to begin. Be proud of it. Because now you know where you stand. No more guesswork. Now you can create a strategy to bridge that gap.
So… How Long Will It Take?
This is the million-dollar question. And the honest answer is: it depends.
Here are the major variables:
- Your current score vs. target score
- Your available prep time (daily + weekly)
- Whether you’re taking coaching or studying solo
- Your academic/work schedule
- Your discipline and ability to stick to the plan
Let’s break it into two scenarios.
Scenario A: Coaching + Consistency
If you’re enrolled in GRE coaching and attend classes regularly:
- Weekdays: 1 to 2 hours/day
- Weekends: 8 to 10 hours total
With this setup, you can expect to improve significantly in about 6 to 8 weeks, especially if you’re focused and using feedback loops (mock analysis, expert support, etc.).
Why coaching helps:
- Structured approach
- Timed assignments
- Peer accountability
- Expert doubt resolution
Scenario B: Self-Study Warrior
If you’re prepping solo, it’s still very doable, but you’ll need to ramp up the discipline:
- Weekdays: 2–3 hours/day (minimum)
- Weekends: 10–12 hours
You’ll also need to double down on: - Making your own study plan
- Tracking your errors and progress
- Finding and using free online resources
In this mode, the timeline may stretch to 10 to 12 weeks, depending on your consistency.
Study Smart, Not Just Hard
The GRE isn’t about how much time you clock, it’s about how effectively you use that time.
Many students cram 3000 words, hoping to score high in Verbal. But GRE Verbal rewards contextual understanding and logic, not brute memory.
Here’s what really moves the needle:
- Focused study sessions (avoid distractions)
- Process of Elimination (POE) techniques
- Context-based vocab learning
- Timed practice (build stamina for the actual exam)
- Mock test analysis (learn from your mistakes)
📍 Pro Tip: Treat your GRE prep like a gym plan, slow, steady, and progressive overload.
1-Month GRE Prep? Is It Possible?
Yes, but only if:
- Your diagnostic score is already within 5–10 points of your target.
- You have prior test-taking experience (CAT, GMAT, etc.).
- You can dedicate 4–5 hours daily, consistently.
- You’ve cleared the basics already.
Otherwise, pushing for a 320+ in one month from scratch is not advisable. It may lead to burnout and underperformance.
Final Thoughts: The GRE is a Chapter, Not the Book
It’s true, your GRE score plays a critical role in your application. But it’s not the sole deciding factor. Admissions committees look at your full story: GPA, SOPs, LORs, research, internships, and more.
But yes, a good GRE score can open doors that might otherwise stay shut.
So don’t overdo it. Don’t underdo it either.
Just do it right, with purpose and a plan.
Too Long, Didn’t Read- Summary
- Define your target score (based on university research)
- Take a diagnostic test
- Analyze your current level
- Allocate 6–10 weeks for prep depending on your path
- Create a study schedule and stick to it
- Track progress with regular mocks and feedback
- Start NOW, the clock is already ticking!
How to Decide: A Strategic Chain of Thought
- Are you applying to just business schools? → GMAT leans more specific.
- Do you want to keep other grad school options open? → GRE offers flexibility.
- Do you perform better at logic-heavy sections or vocabulary-heavy ones?
- Do you want to stand out at the very top of the score ladder? → GMAT helps differentiate.
- Are target employers expecting one over the other? → Check hiring trends.
FAQs
Can I take the GRE for an MBA?
Yes. Top business schools accept GRE. Just check if your target employers post-MBA have a GMAT preference.
Is the GMAT harder than the GRE?
Not objectively—depends on your skills. GMAT is trickier in quant and verbal logic. GRE is harder in vocab.
What is a good GMAT/GRE score?
GMAT: 700+ is competitive for top 20 MBA programmes
GRE: 325+ combined is generally strong (V+Q)
Can I submit both?
If you’ve taken both and one score is stronger, submit that. Don’t submit both unless the school requests it.