👋 Hello, my friends at GRE Prep Club!

The GRE is a timed exam, so it is natural to feel pressure to answer questions quickly. However, when you are beginning your GRE Quant preparation, focusing on speed too early can be counterproductive. Your primary objective at this stage should be accuracy and a deep, clear understanding of the material.

Rushing through problems prematurely often leads to careless mistakes, scattered thinking, and reduced focus. Pushing your brain to process information faster than it is ready for makes errors almost inevitable. Instead, allow yourself the time to fully grasp the underlying concepts, methodologies, and logical structures that each problem requires.

Think of this phase as building a strong foundation for a house. The more solid and stable the base, the stronger and more reliable the structure. Similarly, a well-grounded understanding of Quant principles will make it easier to handle complex problems confidently as your preparation advances. Use your early practice sessions to carefully analyze questions, understand the reasoning behind each solution, and learn to approach problems methodically.

With consistent practice and skill development, you will notice a natural improvement in speed. As your confidence and accuracy grow, you will begin to recognize patterns, apply strategies efficiently, and solve problems with greater ease. This type of organic improvement in speed is far more sustainable and reliable than trying to rush through questions before your understanding is secure.

Mastery takes time, and the early stages of preparation are about building competence rather than chasing the clock. By prioritizing accuracy and conceptual clarity, you will create a strong base that allows you to perform efficiently under the timed conditions of the GRE.

Focus on doing problems correctly first, and speed will follow naturally. With persistence and deliberate practice, you will be fully prepared to excel in the Quant section on test day.

Reach out to me with any questions about your GRE prep. Happy studying!

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep