The day before your GRE is not the time to learn new material or do tons of practice questions. Instead, it’s a day for stepping back, resting your mind, and setting yourself up to perform at your best on test day. Yes, it can be tempting to squeeze in a little more studying, especially if you feel like there’s still ground to cover. But at that point, the most important thing is not what you can cram in at the last minute, but how rested and focused you are when you sit for the actual test.

So, take a break. Do something you enjoy that doesn’t require much mental effort. Go for a walk, watch a movie, read something unrelated to the GRE. Get dinner with a friend. Do whatever helps you feel calm, clear-headed, and grounded. A light workout or some time outdoors can help shake off any lingering anxiety. The goal here is to bring your stress levels down and let your brain shift into recovery mode.

If every instinct is telling you to study, keep this in mind: the GRE is the mental equivalent of a marathon. And no marathon runner would think it’s a good idea to run 25 miles the day before a race. They taper. They rest. They trust the preparation they’ve already done. You should do the same.

On a related note, while practice tests are an important part of your GRE prep, taking a full-length exam just before test day is not a good strategy. By now, you’ve likely taken a few practice tests already. You’ve identified your strengths and worked on your weaknesses. In the final stretch, there’s very little to be gained from more full-length testing, and a lot to lose in terms of energy and confidence. If you absolutely feel the need to do something academic, focus on light review. Maybe skim through your notes or do a few warm-up problems, but that’s it. The goal is not to learn more. The goal is to walk into the test center with a rested mind and a steady hand.

Test day is demanding. It requires mental clarity, emotional control, and stamina. So, use the day before to make sure all those things are in place. Sleep well. Hydrate. Eat good meals. Get everything ready for the morning. And most importantly, give yourself permission to stop working. You’ve earned it.

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

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep