How Long to Study for the GRE: Top Tips + Insights

If you’re planning to apply to graduate school in the U.S., chances are you’ll need to tackle the Graduate Records Examinations (GRE), a standard entrance exam that tests key skills essential for academic and professional success. At nearly two hours long, it’s no small task! But how long do you have to study for the GRE?

The answer depends on your schedule and goals, but it’s clear that cramming just won’t cut it. Juggling work, school, or life responsibilities while preparing for the GRE is tough, but carving out time to study is important if you want to boost your score.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know to ace the GRE, focusing on how to determine how long to study for the GRE so your hard work pays off on test day.

• How Long Should I Study for the GRE?
• What Is the GRE All About?
• GRE General Test Vs. GRE Subject Test
• Best Strategies in Preparing for the GRE
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Long Should I Study for the GRE?

When it comes to preparing for the GRE, we strongly advise to set aside two to three months for focused, intensive study. This will yield better results. Others prefer to spread their prep out over three to four months—it really depends on your schedule and study habits. 

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Most people spend about one to three months preparing, clocking in a few hours a week. This can range from as little as eight hours (studying two hours a week for four weeks) to as much as 120 hours (studying ten hours a week for 12 weeks).

Everyone tackles GRE prep differently, too. You might dive into practice tests, skim your old school notes, or work through a GRE prep book. The way you prepare can make a big difference in how much time you’ll need.

If you’re tackling a GRE Subject Test, the answer varies based on your background and goals. For example, if you majored in the subject and plan to pursue grad school in the same field, you might not need as much prep time.

On the other hand, if you’re switching gears and applying to a program in an area you didn’t study in undergrad, you’ll probably need more time to get up to speed.

One thing’s for sure: cramming for the GRE just doesn’t work. The test isn’t about memorizing facts—it’s about spotting patterns and mastering skills. To really boost your score, you need to give yourself enough time to practice. Wondering how long to study for the GRE? The key is to start early, stay consistent, and focus on understanding the test inside and out.

What Is the GRE All About?

If you’re thinking about grad school, you’ve probably come across entrance exams like the GRE and GMAT. While they may seem similar, they serve slightly different purposes. The GRE is the go-to for many graduate programs, including some business schools, while the GMAT is tailored specifically for business programs like MBA degrees. So, which one is right for you?

The GRE focuses on reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills and is accepted by a wide range of schools worldwide, especially in the U.S. and Canada. Originally designed for general graduate studies, it’s now also an option for MBA applicants at certain business schools.

The GMAT, meanwhile, zeroes in on quantitative, verbal, and integrated reasoning skills, making it more specialized for business-focused programs.

Fun fact: the GRE has been around since 1936 and is taken by hundreds of thousands of people every year—about 342,000 in 2022 alone! Since Sept. 22, 2023, the GRE has been streamlined into a two-hour format with three main sections: 

• verbal reasoning (two sections with 27 questions each)
• quantitative reasoning (two sections with 27 questions each)
• analytical writing (one essay)

Each section has its own scoring range, with verbal and quantitative reasoning scored from 130 to 170 and the essay scored from 0 to 6.

If you’re wondering how long to study for the GRE, the answer depends on your background and goals. Whether you’re brushing up on math skills or honing your essay-writing abilities, giving yourself enough time to practice is needed.

And remember, how long to study for the GRE can vary from person to person—but a solid plan and consistent effort are key to acing the test!

Differences between the GRE and GMAT

If you’re thinking about what test aligns better with your goals, check out this table below:

GRE General Test Vs. GRE Subject Test?

When it comes to the GRE, you’ll need to decide whether to take the general test, a subject test, or both. The general test is all about assessing critical thinking skills that apply across many disciplines, while the subject test dives deep into your knowledge of a specific academic area.

On the general test, you’ll rely more on strategy than content. In contrast, the subject tests are more straightforward and focus heavily on content-based knowledge. Think of the general test as a reasoning challenge, while the subject test is more like a knowledge quiz.

Another key difference? Time management. The general test is timed section by section, so you’ll need to balance speed and accuracy under pressure. On the other hand, the subject test is self-paced, giving you more flexibility to decide how to allocate your time.

Here’s something else to keep in mind: the changes in September 2023 have standardized the length of these tests to just under two hours each. Whether you’re preparing for the general or subject test, understanding the format and content is key.

Now, you’re probably thinking about  how long to study for the GRE. For the general test, time is your biggest challenge, so you’ll need enough prep to master strategies for working efficiently. Similarly, if you’re gearing up for a subject test, your study timeline depends on how much content knowledge you already have in that field.

Deciding how long to study for the GRE is personal, but giving yourself the time to fully prepare can make all the difference.

Best Strategies in Preparing for the GRE

The GRE can feel overwhelming, can’t it? You know you need to prepare to get a great score, but what does that even look like? Should you dedicate two hours or two months to studying? It all boils down to the big question: how long to study for the GRE?

Finding the right amount of time to prep is the key to maximizing your score without overdoing it or burning out. Here are our best strategies for you to pass the GRE with flying colors:

1. Set a target score.

The first step to knowing how long to study is setting a target score and seeing how far you are from hitting it.

Not sure where to begin? Start by researching the average GRE scores for the programs you’re interested in. You can usually find this info on their admissions pages. Once you have those numbers, aim a couple of points above the highest scores to give yourself a comfortable buffer. This way, you’re setting realistic but strategic goals.

For example, if you’re applying to top-tier CS or engineering programs, you’ll want to aim for a math score of 165+ or even a perfect score. For English or education programs, though, the math section won’t weigh as heavily, so a score of 150 might be just fine

If you’re thinking about how long to study for the GRE to hit these benchmarks, that will depend on the gap between your baseline and your target. It could be weeks or months, so plan accordingly.

If scholarships are on your radar—like the Fulbright Scholarship—you’ll need to aim higher overall. For Social Science majors, a total GRE score of 310+ is often the goal, while Engineering majors should target 320+ or above.

Be ambitious, but keep it realistic. Choose a target score that you can confidently achieve with the time and effort you’re ready to invest.

2. Take a practice test.

Next, take a practice test if you haven’t already. This will give you a clear picture of where you stand. Take the test under real exam conditions—timed and with minimal distractions.

3. Build a schedule that works for you.

Now that you have your current and goal scores, it’s time to calculate how many hours of studying you’ll need. Here’s a general rule of thumb:

• 5 points = 40 hours of studying
• 10 points = 80 hours of studying
• 20 points = 160 hours of studying

If you’re looking for a modest score improvement, allocating 40 hours may be sufficient. This could mean studying around 5-10 hours per week for 4-8 weeks. This level of improvement might involve focusing on fine-tuning your weaker areas or revisiting specific concepts.

Aiming for a 10-point improvement often requires a deeper dive into test strategies, consistent practice, and review. This could translate to 8-10 weeks of studying at 8-10 hours per week, depending on your schedule.

You’ll need a stronger commitment for a significant improvement of 20 points. This might involve 16-20 weeks at 8-10 hours per week, tackling comprehensive review sessions, full-length practice exams, and mastering advanced strategies

These are just estimates, so adjust based on how quickly you learn and retain information. If you’re aiming for a significant score improvement, like 30+ points, be prepared to put in extra effort—and possibly enlist a private tutor like us at AdmissionSight.

Once you know the total hours you’ll need, break them into weekly chunks based on your schedule. Studying consistently over time is much more effective than cramming. Whether it’s 5–10 hours a week or a more intensive schedule, prioritize quality over quantity to get the most out of your prep.

4. Expand your vocabulary.

Building a strong vocabulary is key to feeling confident at every stage of the GRE. Start by learning high-frequency GRE words with tools like Magoosh or Quizlet. These apps can make your study sessions easier and more effective.

Use spaced repetition to make sure those words stick in your memory long-term. Wondering how long to study for the GRE to master these words? Everyone’s timeline varies, but consistent practice over several weeks or months can make all the difference.

Dig into root words, prefixes, and suffixes to get familiar with tricky, unfamiliar words you might face on test day. The more types of words you understand, the less likely you’ll be stumped.

5. Familiarize yourself with the on-screen calculator.

The GRE’s on-screen calculator can be a real lifesaver—if you know how to use it wisely. Practice with it to speed up calculations, but also hone your mental math skills for simpler problems. Understanding when to use the calculator and when to rely on basic math skills can save you valuable time.

6. Develop efficient reading skills.

You already know how to read, but GRE reading is about focusing on the right information. Train yourself to spot main arguments, supporting details, and evidence while skipping irrelevant background information. Sharpening this skill will help you breeze through the verbal section more efficiently.

7. Don’t leave questions unanswered.

Never leave a question blank on test day! There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so even if you’re stuck, take a guess—you might just get it right. Remember, every point counts, and guessing gives you a shot at earning it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to get GRE scores?

It typically takes 10–15 days after your test date to receive your official GRE scores.

2. How many times can you take the GRE?

You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times a year.

3. When can you take the GRE?

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) makes it easy to find a GRE test date that works for you. You can choose to take the test at a Prometric testing center or online with the at-home GRE option.

If you prefer the comfort of your own space, the at-home GRE is available 24/7, and you can usually schedule it within 24 hours. If you prefer to take it in a testing center, availability for GRE exam dates can depend on your location and the time of year.

Takeaways

• How long to study for the GRE truly depends on your starting point, your target score, and the time you have available before your test date.
• With a focused study plan and the right resources, you can make the most of your preparation time, no matter how much or how little you have. Remember, consistency and smart strategies are key to achieving your best score.
• If you’re feeling uncertain about how to structure your study plan or need personalized guidance, AdmissionSight is here to help. With expert coaching tailored to your goals, we can guide you through every step of the GRE prep process.