Once you’ve found your baseline score from the GRE diagnostic test and determined your target GRE score from researching your desired programs, you’ll want to set your GRE study goals based on this information. The gap between your baseline and your target gives you a clear sense of how much work lies ahead and where to focus your effort.

The diagnostic test will give you a breakdown of how you did on each section. For instance, in math you’ll be able to see the specific concepts you struggle with. If you seem to struggle, say, with Geometry, but do great with Algebra, then you know your study plan should make plenty of room for Geometry. This kind of targeted prep allows you to make efficient use of your time.

Of course, it’s also important to understand how common a concept is. If you struggle with combinations, though they only tend to appear once per test, these should be deprioritized unless they are the only question type you are struggling with. The GRE is a game of trade-offs. Your time is limited, and your prep should reflect which concepts appear frequently enough to justify focused attention.

Once you’ve identified the concepts you need to focus on, you can break them down into actionable milestones. These can play into a larger goal you can set for yourself. For example, you might aim to master Geometry fundamentals in the first two weeks, then move on to Data Interpretation in week three. Defining these checkpoints helps you track progress and stay accountable. It also gives your study sessions a clear purpose, rather than simply moving from question to question without a bigger structure in place.


Assess your current skills with TTP’s free, 40-question GRE diagnostic test, carefully crafted by our experts. You’ll get a precise analysis of your knowledge of each topic on the GRE, so you can plan your prep for maximum results.

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

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep