👋 Hello, my friends at GRE Prep Club!

We know that topical learning and practice are essential in the early stages of GRE preparation. It makes sense to learn one subject area at a time and build skill gradually. However, it is equally important to remember that the questions you encounter on the GRE will not appear in neatly organized groups. They will be drawn from a wide range of topics in no predictable order.

For example, your first Quant question might ask you to factor an algebraic expression. The very next question could require you to calculate the median of a data set or analyze a ratio problem. This is by design. The GRE wants to see how well you adapt to moving from one type of thinking to another without hesitation. To prepare effectively, you need to train your brain to make these shifts with comfort and efficiency. That is where mixed problem sets come in.

Mixed sets simulate the actual test experience more closely than topic-based drills. They help you practice applying what you have learned in a varied, unpredictable order, just as you will have to do on test day. By adding mixed sets to your study routine, you build the mental flexibility to transition smoothly between concepts. You also start to develop a more reliable rhythm for answering questions, which is crucial for managing time under exam conditions.

Beyond test simulation, mixed sets serve as one of the most effective review tools. Imagine it has been several weeks since you last studied linear equations, percents, and ratios. A mixed set that incorporates those topics will quickly show whether the knowledge is still secure or if it has begun to fade. The feedback is immediate. You will see which areas need reinforcement and which remain strong.

This approach also keeps your preparation active rather than passive. Each week, by working through a set of questions that span multiple topics, you reinforce old learning while pushing yourself to apply it in new combinations. Over time, this ensures that earlier material does not slip away and that you remain test-ready across the full range of GRE content.

Ultimately, success on the GRE requires more than mastering topics one at a time. It requires the ability to bring everything together under time pressure. Regular practice with mixed problem sets is one of the most practical steps you can take to achieve that goal.

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep