If this question applies to you, then it is a very important question. Indeed, if you are asking it in the first place, then most likely something you did your first time around was not optimal. Whatever this something may be, you must look to figure that something out.

Of course “something” is a terribly vague word. So first, here’s a guide to whether and how you should study for a retake. And beyond that, below you’ll find a bit more elaboration on how to tackle the beast (again!).

Your nerves totally sabotaged you

Notice I was a bit hyperbolic here. What I’m trying to get across is that only if you were overwhelmed with anxiety, should you focus the second time around on managing that stress. For the most part, and I think this goes for at least 98% of us, taking the GRE is a stressful experience, even when you’re not even sure it’s important for you application. A moderate amount of stress, however, can help you excel.

What to do this time

So let’s say you were so nervous that you scored ten to 15 points lower than your Powerprep score. If this is the case, you may want to try to make future mock tests as stressful as possible. For instance, do not stand up except for at the appointed breaks of the exam. Maybe even turn on the television in the background, say to the Home Shopping Channel, just so you can learn to cope with distractions (the last time I took the test, someone with a chest rattling cough was sitting directly next to me).

Another important way of coping with stress is to notice your breathing. When we become stressed our breaths become shallower, and we tense up. Nipping this in the bud is not simply a matter of noticing the tension in your upper abdomen. You should also work to diffuse stress by taking longer, deeper breaths. Just a few of deep breaths should calm your nerves and help restore you breathing and, most importantly, your focus.

You did not take enough practice tests

Nothing prepares you for test day better than a mock exam. And not just any mock exam, mind you. Manhattan GRE and Magoosh tend to be as difficult, if not more difficult, than the actual exam. Of course nothing beats taking an official test. There are two ETS GRE tests at the end of the GRE Official Guide, and Powerprep Test 1 and 2 that are on the CD that comes with the Official Guide.

What to do this time

Space out practice tests every five days. The assumption is you have already prepped sufficiently, and therefore do not to learn all the fundamentals over again. Much of your time in between tests should be focused on dissecting your performance. What did you do wrong? What could you have done better? Any insights gleaned should be used for the following test, i.e. you are anticipating making similar mistakes, and thus being on guard.

Mediocre prep resources

Not all prep resources are created equally. If you felt the GRE was very different, in terms of the feel of the questions, from your practice material, then you should consider using something else. For book reviews you can click here:

What to do this time

Do your research and use the material that will best help your score. And don’t just settle on one, if possible. For instance, I recommend a prep cocktail of Magoosh, Manhattan GRE, and, of course, ETS.

You did not identify your weaknesses

Over the years, I’ve encountered many a student who operates under the following assumption: the more questions I do, the more my score will improve.

While doing more questions is an integral part of an improved score, whipping through questions without taking a moment to understand where you went wrong will surely not help you. Most likely, you’ll only get burned out on questions and will continue making the same mistakes.

What to do this time

Keep an error log. This log can be highly systematized or it can be very basic. For instance, I file the question in my mental Rolodex. I remember how the question tricked me and what I should do the next time in order to avoid the same mistake. Of course, I recommend being more methodical about it. First, jot down the question number and source of the question in a notebook. Then answer the following questions:

Why you missed the question?
Why your answer is wrong?
Why the correct answer is correct?
What you will avoid doing the next time around?

Come back to this log often, especially before you take a practice test. Review your errors, so that on the practice test you will be careful not to make a similar mistake. By the time your test rolls around you will be on guard against any careless errors, and hopefully you will never have to ask yourself how to study for retaking the GRE ever again!