During your GRE preparation, you may come across a small but vocal group of students who are frustrated with the process. These individuals often express strong opinions about how unnecessary or irrelevant the GRE is. You may hear things like, “This test has nothing to do with grad school,” or “Why do I need to study for a standardized test when I already have a strong academic record?”

What you will often find is that these individuals are struggling with their preparation. Rather than focusing on how to improve, they spend their energy questioning the test itself. It is much easier to complain than to confront difficult topics and commit to the kind of consistent practice required for improvement.

It is important not to let this kind of attitude affect your own. The GRE is one of the few parts of your application that you can still actively improve. Use that to your advantage. While others are discouraged or disengaged, your ability to stay focused and motivated can be a key differentiator. Even if the test does not feel exciting, the discipline you show while preparing for it can set you apart.

In a competitive admissions environment, mindset matters. Every hour you spend strengthening your skills while others are distracted is a step forward. Stay focused. Stay consistent. Let others be frustrated. You have a goal, and you are working toward it.

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

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep