One of the best ways to increase your knowledge, skills, and long-term retention as you work through GRE preparation is to alternate between quant and verbal study. Alternating helps you make steady progress in both sections while also reducing the risk of burnout.

It is true that some separation of quant and verbal study is useful. If you are learning a new quant concept, you want to spend enough time practicing before shifting your attention elsewhere. However, I do not recommend completely dividing your prep into long, isolated phases of quant followed by long phases of verbal. For instance, studying quant exclusively for two months and then shifting to verbal for the next two months creates large gaps in learning. Those gaps make it difficult to retain what you covered earlier. Imagine how much quant knowledge you would lose by month four after taking two months away from it. The same principle applies to verbal if you neglect it for long stretches.

The other issue with long, one-sided study plans is mental fatigue. Even if you enjoy math, spending weeks on end working only on quant can lead to boredom, frustration, and declining focus. The same goes for verbal. Overloading the brain with too many concepts from one area without variety or balance increases the chances of disengagement. Think about what it would feel like to take nothing but math classes for an entire semester. At first, the challenge might feel rewarding. But over time, enthusiasm would fade, energy would dip, and the material might start to feel repetitive. Variety is not just a matter of preference. It is a practical way to keep your brain engaged.

This is why alternating between quant and verbal works so well. Switching topics allows the brain a natural pause from one type of material and makes space for consolidation. When you return to that topic later, you are more likely to recall it clearly and less likely to feel drained. This rhythm of rotation creates a balance that helps you both retain knowledge and remain motivated.

The exact structure can vary by student, but a good rule of thumb is to spread your efforts across the week. For example, you might dedicate two or three days to quant, then shift to a day of verbal before returning to quant again. Students who study daily might prefer alternating subjects every other day. Others may find success splitting their sessions within a single day—quant in the morning and verbal in the evening, or the reverse. The right choice depends on your schedule and concentration levels, but the principle remains the same: keep both sections in play, and do not allow either to fall behind.

By weaving quant and verbal prep into your weekly routine, you give yourself a stronger foundation for long-term retention, a steadier path to improvement, and a healthier mindset throughout the process. This balance not only prevents monotony but also keeps your preparation aligned with the actual structure of the GRE, where both sections matter equally. Students who adopt this approach are more likely to stay engaged, avoid unnecessary setbacks, and ultimately position themselves for higher scores.

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

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep