When preparing for the GRE, it is easy to think that progress only happens during long, structured study sessions. Yet, the truth is that meaningful learning can also take place in the small, quiet moments scattered throughout your day. Think about the time you spend on routine activities—walking the dog, waiting in line, brushing your teeth, or filling your car with gas. These moments often pass unnoticed, but they can become valuable opportunities to reinforce what you have learned.

Rather than allowing these minutes to drift away, consider using them to review and recall key information. You do not need to sit at a desk or open your laptop to make progress. Mental review alone can be highly effective if you approach it with focus and consistency. For instance, while brushing your teeth, challenge yourself to recall the formula for the area of a trapezoid or the properties of exponents. When walking to the store or commuting, bring to mind a few GRE vocabulary words such as “ephemeral” or “ambivalent” and think about how you would use them in a sentence.

These brief but intentional exercises activate your memory and help transfer knowledge from short-term to long-term storage. The more often you revisit a concept in small doses, the more naturally it comes to mind under pressure on test day. Over time, these “micro-sessions” add up, turning idle moments into measurable progress.

The point is not to replace focused study time but to supplement it. Think of these moments as daily maintenance—small investments that keep your skills sharp between study sessions. Even one or two minutes of recall practice a few times a day can make a difference in your accuracy, confidence, and retention.

GRE success is not only about how many hours you study, but also about how efficiently you use the time you have. By converting ordinary moments into brief opportunities for review, you build consistency into your preparation. Each small effort compounds, helping you stay mentally engaged and steadily improving.

Every moment has potential. The key is to notice it and use it with intention.

Reach out to me with any questions about your G​RE prep. Happy studying!

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep