Students who fall short of their GRE score goals often report a common experience: they struggled with the first few questions and let that struggle throw them off for the rest of the section. This is an understandable reaction, but one that can seriously affect your performance. When you're met with a difficult or confusing question right out of the gate, it’s easy to panic or assume the entire section is going to be that way. You may even start doubting your preparation.

But the truth is, not every question at the beginning of a GRE section is going to feel “gettable” right away. And that’s okay. If a question stumps you, the worst thing you can do is carry that frustration forward. Instead, remind yourself that one tough question doesn’t define your performance. Take a breath, choose the best answer you can, and move on.

Staying mentally present is key. Don’t allow a single question—or even a string of tricky ones—to shake your confidence. If you need to guess, do it strategically. Flag the question for review and move on so you can give your best to the rest of the section. If time allows at the end, revisit it. Often, coming back with a calmer mindset or from a different angle can make all the difference.

Remember, part of doing well on the GRE is staying composed and consistent. Letting go of a tough question and staying focused on what’s ahead can be just as important as getting the question right.

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

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep