Common Mistakes to Avoid During GRE Prep: What Can Hurt Your Score

Are you planning to go to graduate school? Now’s the time to start learning about and preparing for the Graduate Record Examination. 

The GRE is a general graduate admissions exam. Unlike the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) or the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), this exam is not for a particular type of professional school. Therefore, it is the most widely required standardized test for U.S. graduate schools. 

Preparing for the GRE can feel like a daunting task, and although it does take a great deal of time and effort, we’ve got some tips and tricks up our sleeves. Success comes from not just working hard but also working smart. 

As you begin preparing for grad school, pay attention to these classic pitfalls. When you know how to avoid these mistakes, you can approach your GRE preparation with confidence and achieve your target score. 

1. Skipping a Structured Study Plan

Diving into GRE prep without a clear and realistic plan is a clear recipe for frustration. It’s easy to feel lost when you don’t know what to study or when to study it. This can lead to procrastination, burnout, or missing key topics. 

Avoid these problems by mapping out a study schedule early on. Determine how much time you have before your test date and break your prep into manageable chunks. Include time for mastering core concepts, reviewing problem areas, and completing practice tests. 

Tools like calendars, apps, or study planners can keep you accountable and on track. Better yet, work with a professional GRE test prep service to make sure you stay on schedule. 

2. Focusing Only on Strengths and Ignoring Weaknesses

While it’s tempting to focus on areas where you already excel, neglecting weaker areas can drastically impact your overall performance. For instance, if verbal reasoning is your strong suit but you struggle with quantitative reasoning, skipping math practice will leave you unprepared for nearly half the test. 

The GRE has multiple sections, but the test is graded as a whole (although the writing section is separate). This means you cannot take your best score for one section and combine it with your best score for the other section from another test. You need to perform well overall. 

Start your prep with a diagnostic test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Then, prioritize targeted practice in areas where you’re struggling. Balance is key; you must feel confident across every section to maximize your GRE score.

3. Practicing Without Time Constraints

The GRE’s time limits are one of the biggest challenges for test-takers. The exam lasts a total of 3 hours and 45 minutes and is made up of 6 sections with only one 10-minute break after the third section. 

If you practice questions without adhering to time constraints, you might overestimate how much time you’ll have on test day. You’ll need to answer questions quickly and efficiently. Incorporate timed sessions regularly into your study routine to familiarize your brain with the pacing and stress. 

4. Memorizing Instead of Truly Understanding

While memorizing vocabulary words, formulas, or essay templates might seem like a quick way to boost your score, it’s not enough to excel on the GRE. This test assesses your ability to analyze, reason, and apply knowledge in real-world scenarios. 

For example, learning vocabulary in context is more effective than rote memorization because it helps you understand nuances and word usage. Similarly, understanding the reasoning behind math formulas allows you to adapt them to different question types. 

Focus on comprehension over memorization to ensure you’re ready for anything the actual test throws at you.

5. Using Only One Test Prep Resource

The GRE is a complex test, and relying on a single book, course, or app can leave you with gaping blind spots. No single resource covers every question type or strategy you might encounter. 

We recommend diversifying your preparation materials so you’re fully prepared. For instance, supplement a GRE preparation book with online question banks, video explanations, and mobile apps. We recommend checking out the Official GRE practice books on the Educational Testing Service website. 

Joining study groups or working with expert instructors can also expose you to alternative approaches to solving practice problems and broaden your understanding of various concepts.

6. Overlooking the Importance of Test Strategies

The GRE is as much about your approach as it is about your knowledge. Without strong test-taking strategies, even the most prepared students can struggle.

For example, knowing when to guess, how to eliminate incorrect answer choices, and managing time within a section are essential skills. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with question formats—such as reading comprehension or quantitative comparisons—can save valuable time. 

Practice applying these strategies during your test prep so they become second nature by test day. They should feel like muscle memory. 

7. Procrastinating Until the Last Minute

One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting too long to start studying. The GRE covers a broad range of topics, and cramming simply does not work for this type of test. 

According to the Educational Testing Service, most test takers prepare for at least one to three months, or up to 200 hours total. Give yourself at least that amount of time. 

Procrastination doesn’t just limit your preparation time ー it also increases your stress, which can significantly hinder performance. Instead, start early and study consistently. Breaking your prep into small, manageable sessions over several weeks or months will help you retain information better and feel more prepared for the actual test.

8. Neglecting Your Physical and Mental Health

When high-stakes exams approach, stress levels often spike, as evidenced by a typical 15% increase in cortisol (the hormone linked to stress). So, if you’ve been feeling especially anxious about GRE prep, you’re not alone!

Just remember that neglecting your health during this time will only hurt your performance. Lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and high stress can seriously reduce your focus, memory, and ability to think critically. 

Make self-care part of your study routine by getting enough sleep, eating well, and incorporating physical activity. Taking regular breaks and practicing relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or meditation, can also help you manage stress and stay motivated.

9. Skipping Practice Essays

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is often overlooked by students who focus more on the verbal and quantitative sections. However, this section is still crucial for demonstrating your ability to analyze arguments and communicate effectively. 

To prepare, practice writing essays under timed conditions and review sample prompts to understand what graders want to see. Pay attention to structure, clarity, and logical reasoning. Reviewing scoring guidelines can also give you insight into how to maximize your AWA score.

10. Failing to Review Mistakes

Completing practice tests is important, but simply finishing them without reviewing your mistakes is a missed opportunity for growth. 

Take time to analyze why you got questions wrong on each GRE practice test. Was it a careless error, a misunderstanding of the question, or a lack of knowledge about certain concepts? Understanding your mistakes will help you avoid repeating them. 

Keep a journal of errors to track patterns and adjust your study plan accordingly. After all, you can only improve on your baseline score if you know what it is.  

Set Yourself Up for Graduate School Success

Avoiding these common mistakes can make a significant difference in your GRE prep journey. Success on this exam isn’t about being perfect — it’s about preparation, strategy, and perseverance. 

Considering that many graduate schools have acceptance rates between 5% and 27%, you need to put your best foot forward, and that starts with this exam. When you start early, practice with intention, and focus on both content and strategy, you can enter the GRE test day feeling confident and ready to succeed.

Get Support for Your GRE Test Prep

Score At The Top is here to help you achieve your GRE goals with guidance and personalized test prep support. Whether you need one-on-one tutoring, comprehensive study plans, practice tests, or expert tips, our experienced Florida-based team is dedicated to helping you succeed.

Contact us today to take the next step toward boosting your GRE score.