In the process of preparing for the GRE, you may come across a small but vocal group of peers who seem disillusioned by the entire test prep process. You’ll notice that they’re often frustrated and cynical — not just about the test itself, but about having to study at all. They may say things like, “I’m a strong writer and critical thinker, so why should I need the GRE?” or “What does the GRE even prove?”

You’ll quickly realize that these comments are often rooted in discouragement. In many cases, these students have struggled with their GRE prep, and rather than adjusting their approach or putting in more time, they’ve channeled that frustration into criticism of the test. They’ve talked themselves into believing the test is the problem rather than recognizing that it simply requires consistent work, patience, and strategy.

The key is not to let their negativity influence how you approach your prep. It’s easy to get pulled into a defeatist mindset, especially if you’re already feeling overwhelmed. But just because others are burned out or bitter doesn’t mean you have to be.

In fact, you can use this situation to your advantage. If other test-takers are mentally checking out or cutting corners in their preparation, your commitment to consistent, focused studying can give you a clear edge. Motivation is a powerful differentiator. When you approach the GRE with a positive, determined mindset, you increase your chances of not only reaching your target score but also outperforming those who lost their focus along the way.

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

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep