Humans learn through exposure and repetition, and the GRE is no exception. The more time you spend with a topic and the more frequently you revisit it, the stronger your understanding becomes and the better your retention will be. True mastery does not come from a single encounter with an idea but from revisiting it until it feels familiar and intuitive.

When preparing for the GRE, consistency of review is essential. Suppose you study the addition rule of probabilities on the first day of your prep. Waiting until day sixty to revisit that concept would not be productive. Instead, a more effective approach would be to return to it periodically—perhaps on day three, day eight, and again later as your study plan progresses. Each re-exposure strengthens the connection between the concept and your long-term memory, ensuring that it remains accessible when you need it most.

From a cognitive standpoint, repetition reactivates the neural pathways where that information is stored. Every time you review a topic, you remind your brain that the information matters. Over time, this process not only reinforces the relevant pathways but also helps reduce interference from less important or competing information. The result is improved recall and greater confidence when you encounter similar material on test day.

It is worth remembering that the human brain is not designed to remember everything it encounters. If it were, daily life would be overwhelming. Instead, the brain prioritizes information based on how often and how meaningfully it is used. By revisiting GRE material in a structured, intentional way, you effectively teach your brain what deserves to be retained.

This principle of spaced repetition is simple yet powerful. Regular re-exposure to topics signals to your brain that this information is valuable and should be preserved. In practice, it means that the time you invest in review is not redundant—it is one of the most effective forms of learning. When applied consistently, this approach turns short-term knowledge into lasting understanding and gives you a distinct advantage on test day.

Feel free to reach out with any questions about your GRE prep. Happy studying!

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep