GRE Study Plan: 2-Month Schedule

A Week-by-Week Guide for Working Professionals and Students

Introduction

The GRE General Test is required for admission to many graduate programs in the United States and other countries. This guide provides a realistic 8-week study plan designed for Pakistani students who are balancing work, studies, or other commitments. The plan assumes 2-3 hours of study on weekdays and 3-4 hours on weekends.

Understanding the GRE

The GRE consists of three sections:

• Verbal Reasoning: Reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence (130-170 scaled score)
• Quantitative Reasoning: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis (130-170 scaled score)
• Analytical Writing: One essay analyzing an argument (0-6 score)

Essential Materials

• Official GRE Guide by ETS (the test makers)
• Official GRE Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions
• Free ETS PowerPrep practice tests
• Vocabulary resources (Magoosh flashcards or GRE word lists)
• Optional: Manhattan Prep 5lb Book of GRE Practice Problems

Tip: Use official ETS materials as your primary resource. Third-party materials can supplement but should not replace official practice questions.

Week 1-2: Foundation and Diagnostic

Goals

• Take a full diagnostic test to identify strengths and weaknesses
• Learn the test format and question types
• Begin building vocabulary

Week 1 Schedule

Monday: Take free ETS PowerPrep Test 1 under test conditions (3.5 hours)

Tuesday: Review incorrect answers from Verbal section

Wednesday: Review incorrect answers from Quantitative section

Thursday: Start GRE vocabulary (learn 20 words, use flashcard app)

Friday: Study GRE math concepts you scored low on

Weekend: Review test format, learn about all question types, study 40 vocabulary words

Week 2 Schedule

Weekdays: Focus on your weaker section; practice 20-30 questions daily; learn 20 vocabulary words daily

Weekend: Complete one section (Verbal or Quant) from the Official Guide; review all answers

Week 3-4: Core Skill Building

Goals

• Master core math concepts
• Develop reading strategies
• Build vocabulary to 400+ words

Week 3: Quantitative Focus

Monday: Arithmetic and number properties

Tuesday: Ratios, percentages, and proportions

Wednesday: Algebra and equations

Thursday: Geometry fundamentals

Friday: Data interpretation and statistics

Weekend: Mixed Quant practice (50 questions); review errors; vocabulary review

Week 4: Verbal Focus

Monday: Text Completion strategies

Tuesday: Sentence Equivalence strategies

Wednesday: Reading Comprehension - short passages

Thursday: Reading Comprehension - long passages

Friday: Critical reasoning questions

Weekend: Mixed Verbal practice; write first practice essay

Week 5-6: Intensive Practice

Goals

• Complete full practice sections under timed conditions
• Identify and address remaining weak areas
• Practice essay writing

Week 5 Schedule

Monday-Tuesday: Timed Verbal section practice

Wednesday-Thursday: Timed Quant section practice

Friday: Review all errors from the week

Weekend: Full practice test (PowerPrep Test 2); write two essays

Week 6 Schedule

Focus on your weaker areas based on Week 5 results

Daily: 30 minutes vocabulary review; 1-1.5 hours section practice

Weekend: Mixed practice from Manhattan 5lb book or Official Guide questions you have not yet attempted

Week 7: Full Test Simulation

Goals

• Build test-taking stamina
• Practice time management
• Simulate actual test conditions

Schedule

Monday-Tuesday: Light review of weak concepts; no heavy practice

Wednesday: Full practice test under strict test conditions (no phone, timed breaks)

Thursday: Thorough review of all questions

Friday: Address conceptual gaps identified in the test

Weekend: Another full practice test; final vocabulary review

Important: During test simulations, replicate real conditions: no phone, timed 10-minute break, no extra time on sections.

Week 8: Final Review and Test Day

Goals

• Light review without exhaustion
• Build confidence
• Prepare logistics for test day

Schedule

Monday-Tuesday: Review error logs and formulas; no full tests

Wednesday-Thursday: Light practice (20-30 questions); vocabulary review

Friday (day before test): No studying; relax, prepare documents, sleep early

Saturday/Sunday: Test day

Test Day Checklist

• Valid passport or CNIC (check what your test centre accepts)
• Confirmation email or appointment number
• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Eat a proper breakfast
• Bring a snack and water for the break

Score Expectations

Typical score improvements with consistent 8-week preparation:

• Baseline to target: 5-15 point improvement per section is realistic
• Competitive scores for most programs: Verbal 155+, Quant 160+
• Top programs may expect: Verbal 160+, Quant 165+

Tips for Pakistani Students

• The Quantitative section covers concepts taught up to Class 10. Review basics if needed.
• Vocabulary is often the biggest challenge. Start learning words from day one.
• Join study groups on Facebook or WhatsApp for mutual motivation.
• Use USEFP resources if applying for Fulbright.
• Register for the test early; popular dates fill up quickly in major cities.

Adjusting the Plan

If you have more time: Extend the intensive practice phase (Weeks 5-6) to 4 weeks.

If you have less time: Focus on practice tests and error review; spend less time on concept learning.

If Quant is your weakness: Add extra math practice on weekends.

If Verbal is your weakness: Double your daily vocabulary and reading practice.

Consistent daily practice matters more than occasional marathon sessions. Stick to the schedule, review your errors carefully, and approach test day with confidence. Good preparation will serve you well.