Of course, learning a GRE concept is one thing. Making sure you retain and can apply what you’ve learned is another. To ensure your learning sticks, you must actively practice what you study. Each time you learn a new topic, spend time answering GRE-style practice questions focused solely on that topic until you feel confident.

It is not enough to simply read an explanation or answer a few questions correctly. You need to expose yourself to a wide variety of questions that test the concept in different ways. Whether you are working on Quant topics like exponents and ratios, or Verbal skills like sentence structure and argument analysis, your goal should be to reach a level where you can solve problems reliably and without second-guessing.

Think of your GRE study process as a four-part cycle: Learn → Practice → Assess → Reinforce

For example:

• If you study exponents, do not just review the basic rules. Practice applying them to both standalone and embedded problems, including word problems, inequalities, and algebraic expressions.
  
• If you study Sentence Equivalence, go beyond vocabulary review. Practice identifying subtle differences in tone, meaning, and context across similar word choices.
  
• If you are working on Critical Reasoning-style Reading Comprehension, study how to spot assumptions, flaws, and logical connections in short passages.

When you get questions wrong, take time to assess why.

• Was it a misunderstanding of the concept?
  
• A misreading of the question?
  
• A careless mistake?

Address the root cause. Then reinforce the concept by solving more questions from that same topic. This kind of intentional repetition is what builds real mastery.

Eventually, you want your understanding to become automatic. When you see a question, you should be able to quickly identify what is being tested and apply the correct strategy confidently. That level of comfort comes from doing enough practice questions to build fluency.

If you approach GRE prep this way, you are not just reviewing concepts — you are training your brain to think the way the test expects. That is how real score gains happen.

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

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep