👋 Hello, my friends at GRE Prep Club!

One of the challenges of GRE prep is that the problem-solving skills you develop are highly perishable. It is not enough to learn a topic once and move on, assuming the knowledge will stick. Unless you actively reinforce what you have learned, those skills can fade, and your performance may suffer as a result.

The solution is to build regular review into your study routine.

Why Review Matters

Let’s say you spent your first few weeks studying algebra topics like linear equations, quadratics, and absolute values. You worked through the lessons, made flashcards, and completed practice questions. But after moving on to other topics such as geometry or probability, you did not revisit those earlier subjects for a while.

When that happens, it becomes easy to forget key concepts, misapply formulas, or fall for trap answers in problem sets. You might still recognize the material, but not well enough to apply it quickly and accurately on test day.

How to Review Effectively

Flashcards are useful for reinforcing definitions and formulas, but reviewing alone is not enough. You also need to apply that knowledge to real GRE questions. One simple strategy is to set aside time in every study block for review. For example, if you study for 90 minutes in a day, consider spending 30 minutes on problems from topics you have already studied.

Try to create mixed-topic practice sets that include older material. That way, you can see whether you are retaining what you have learned and maintaining your speed and accuracy. If you discover gaps or weaknesses, go back to your notes or lesson materials and fill them in. The sooner you catch a gap, the easier it is to fix.

Build a Rotation

Each week, rotate through previously studied topics. For instance, if you covered exponents and inequalities two weeks ago, include those in your upcoming review sets. Make sure your review covers both your strengths and weaknesses. Do not just revisit topics you already feel comfortable with. The goal is to challenge yourself and make sure nothing has slipped through the cracks.

Personalize Based on Your Retention

Everyone retains information differently. Some students need to revisit material more often to keep it fresh. Others can go longer between reviews. The key is to track your own retention honestly. If you struggle to recall how to approach a certain question type, that is a signal to increase review time for that topic.

Repetition Builds Confidence

The more exposure you get to past material, the more confident and efficient you will become. You will likely find that review sessions become quicker over time, and your problem-solving becomes more fluid. This is exactly what you want on test day.

So, do not treat review as optional. Build it into your routine, be consistent, and use practice problems to check your understanding. Your future self will thank you for the effort.

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

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep