Many GRE students hit a plateau. They spend time watching video lessons, reading strategies, and reviewing vocabulary and math formulas. They feel they are learning a lot. But when they take a practice test, their score barely changes. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone.

This kind of plateau is common, and here is why. The GRE is not just a test of knowledge. It is a test of reasoning. You are not rewarded simply for knowing math rules or understanding vocabulary. You are rewarded for applying that knowledge under time pressure to solve problems you have never seen before. If your prep has focused mostly on passive learning, it is time to shift toward active practice.

Here is a better approach.

1. Pick a topic and focus on skill-building.
Let’s say you have been studying exponents. Rather than moving on after watching a few videos or reading a concept summary, commit to mastering that topic. Begin with easier questions and make sure you consistently get them right. Then move on to medium and harder ones. Make sure you understand why each correct answer is correct and what makes each wrong choice incorrect. Aim for depth, not speed.

2. Track your mistakes carefully.
Use an error log to record every missed question. Write down what went wrong. Did you misread the question? Misapply a formula? Get stuck on vocabulary? Or rush through without fully analyzing the answer choices? Be specific. Vague notes like “silly mistake” are not helpful.

3. Review your log regularly.
Once a week, go back through your error log. Try the questions again. Reflect on whether you’ve addressed the root cause of your mistakes. If not, now is the time to revisit those areas. Reviewing your mistakes is just as important as learning new content.

4. Practice using strategies, not just learning them.
Reading about a method for Text Completion or a formula for a math concept is not the same as being able to use it under time pressure. Once you study a strategy, give yourself repeated chances to apply it in real test-like conditions. That is what builds confidence and speed.

5. Be patient and embrace repetition.
Skill takes time to develop. It may take dozens of questions for one topic to really click. That is normal. Keep at it. The GRE rewards those who commit to mastering the process.

If your score has stalled, the solution is rarely more content review. More often, it is about changing how you study. Stop focusing only on what you are learning and start focusing on how well you are applying it. Active practice, reflection, and refinement are the keys to progress.

Consistency and focus will lead to real skill. And skill leads to results.

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

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep