A helpful way to set expectations for your GRE preparation is to understand how long meaningful score improvement typically takes. As a general guideline, you can plan on dedicating about eight weeks of study for every ten-point increase you hope to achieve, assuming you are able to commit roughly fifteen hours per week. This framework is not a strict rule, but it provides a realistic foundation for building a study schedule that supports consistent growth.

Of course, individual circumstances vary widely. Some students pick up GRE concepts quickly because the material aligns well with their academic background or strengths. Others are able to dedicate more than fifteen hours a week to preparation, which can shorten the overall timeline. In these situations, the path to improvement may be faster than the guideline suggests.

On the other hand, many students balance GRE prep with full-time work, family responsibilities, or other commitments. Some may find the Quant or Verbal material less intuitive and require additional time to reach the same level of mastery. If that describes your situation, it simply means your journey may be longer, not that your goal is out of reach. What matters most is staying consistent and keeping your long-term objective in focus. Progress on the GRE is built through steady, repeated effort, not rushed shortcuts.

It is also helpful to understand where you stand relative to other test takers. Knowing your approximate percentile ranks gives you context for your performance and helps you set realistic goals. While many graduate programs do not publish strict cutoff scores, they often share the score ranges of admitted students. Understanding these benchmarks can guide your planning and ensure that your study timeline aligns with the expectations of your target programs.

GRE preparation is an investment in your future. With a clear plan, a realistic timeline, and consistent effort, you can move steadily toward the score you need for graduate school success.

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

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep