👋 Hello, my friends at GRE Prep Club!

You might feel that you already know how to study for the GRE. After all, the exam covers math, reading, and writing. These are subjects you have encountered for years in school and may even feel confident in. However, while the content may look familiar, the way the GRE tests your abilities is quite different. What the exam truly measures is how effectively you can apply logical reasoning and problem-solving skills within these subject areas. That distinction changes how you should prepare.

Consider the GRE Verbal section. Many test takers have read complex books and written extensively throughout their academic careers. Yet the Verbal section can still be difficult even for strong readers. One reason is vocabulary. The exam often includes advanced words that you may not have studied before, such as recondite and impecunious. Another reason is the way answer choices are written. It is common for the first few words of an answer to appear correct, only for a subtle phrase later in the option to reverse the meaning entirely. Without careful attention, it is easy to be misled.

The Quantitative Reasoning section presents its own challenges. The math concepts are not beyond your reach, but the question formats may be. For example, you may see multiple-answer questions in which more than one option is correct. These require a different approach than the traditional single-answer questions you may be used to. Success comes not only from knowing the math but also from learning how to interpret and manage these unique formats.

Every section of the GRE is timed. This means the exam does not simply measure what you know but also how efficiently you can apply your knowledge under pressure. Strong time management is essential to avoid running out of minutes before completing the section.

When you consider all of these factors—advanced vocabulary, misleading answer choices, nontraditional question types, and strict timing—the GRE becomes more than a straightforward test of content knowledge. It is an exam that requires both subject knowledge and strategy. Recognizing this distinction is the first step toward preparing effectively. A thoughtful study plan should address not only the material itself but also the way the GRE tests reasoning, pacing, and decision making. That approach is what separates casual preparation from meaningful progress.

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

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep