If you’re preparing for the GRE, you already know it’s not a test you can cram for the night before. Between math formulas, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and time management, there’s a lot to cover. It can definitely feel overwhelming at times. The good news? Many students make the same GRE mistakes when preparing.
The better news? You can avoid them. We’ll walk you through the top 5 GRE prep mistakes students make, and how to steer clear of them to boost your score and your confidence.
1. Skipping a Realistic Study Plan
A lot of students dive into GRE prep with good intentions, but no real plan. They either study randomly or try to cover everything in a short period of time, which leads to burnout or poor results.
Why it’s one of the GRE mistakes:
Without a clear, consistent schedule, it’s hard to stay on track or measure progress. You might end up focusing too much on what you’re already good at and ignoring your weak spots.
What to do instead:
- Set a study timeline based on your test date (ideally 8–12 weeks out).
- Break your prep into manageable goals each week: e.g., “Finish Algebra review” or “Take one full-length practice test.”
- Be realistic about your time. It’s better to study 30–60 minutes a day consistently than try to cram once a week. Two hours three times a week also works.
Make sure your timeline considers at least two test sittings. You should plan to take the GRE at least twice. The first time is to just get the jitters out. The second time is your real score.
2. Not Hiring a Tutor
Let’s be honest: tutors can be expensive and seem a bit unnecessary. It seems like plenty of people prepare for the GRE on their own, so why hire a tutor?
Why it’s one of the GRE mistakes:
You’ll waste time and energy. You might not be studying concepts that are seen more frequently on the test or you may be using sub-optimal study materials. Moreover, you’ll never really know if you could have scored higher on the test if you had worked with an expert. Saving money now can cost you later. We’ve had students gain admission with scholarships that were 10x or 15x what they spent on GRE tutoring.
What to do instead:
- Give yourself one week to study on your own. If you can craft a schedule and study at least 3 days that week, keep going until you hit a wall.
- If you haven’t done math since high school, brushing up on algebra, geometry, and data interpretation might feel intimidating. Some students even avoid it altogether until the very end. Your tutor can help you avoid this type of procrastination.
- Book a FREE consultation to get an idea of the actual costs of a GRE tutor (we post our prices online). You may be able to study on your own and then bring in a tutor for troubleshooting or to help boost your score between the first and second times you take the GRE.
3. Memorizing Vocabulary Without Learning Strategy (Huge GRE Mistake!)
Another classic GRE mistake? Trying to memorize hundreds of GRE vocabulary words using flashcards and nothing else.
Why it’s one of the GRE mistakes:
The GRE Verbal section doesn’t just test whether you’ve seen a word before. It checks if you understand how it’s used in context. Memorizing definitions without context can lead to confusion, especially in sentence equivalence and text completion questions. Besides, memorizing vocabulary words is a huge waste of time and mental energy that can be used for other concepts.
What to do instead:
- Ask your tutor. Strategy is more important in the GRE Verbal section than vocabulary. Your tutor can teach you the strategies to boost your score without having to waste brainpower on vocab (even though EVERYONE does this).
- Read short form content from The Economist, The Financial Times, The New York Times, or The International Herald Tribune to see high-level vocabulary in action.
4. Ignoring Full-Length Practice Tests
Some students spend all their time doing individual practice questions and forget to take full-length GRE practice tests. Others take them once or twice without analyzing their performance.
Why it’s one of the GRE mistakes:
The GRE requires more than 2 hours of consistent focus. If you don’t train for the stamina and pacing, you risk burning out or running out of time on test day. Plus, without practice tests, it’s hard to see your real progress.
What to do instead:
- Take at least 2–3 full-length timed practice tests before your actual exam.
- Simulate real test conditions: sit in a quiet room, use the on-screen calculator, and take scheduled breaks.
- After each test, review your mistakes (meaning rework the question completely) and track which question types slow you down or trip you up.
Your goal isn’t just to finish. It’s to get faster, smarter, and more confident with each full test you take.
5. Not Practicing the AWA (Essay) Section
The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is often the most overlooked part of GRE prep. Some students think, “It’s just writing. I’ll wing it.” Others assume schools don’t care about the essay score. Not true.
Why it’s one of the GRE mistakes:
The AWA matters—especially if you’re applying to competitive graduate programs. A low AWA score (0-3 out of 6) can raise red flags about your communication or reasoning skills. Plus, writing an essay at the beginning of the test takes energy and timing, which you won’t be ready for if you haven’t practiced.
What to do instead:
- Practice the Issue essay.
- Time yourself and aim to complete the essay in 30 minutes, just like the real test.
- Use the official GRE scoring rubric to evaluate your writing or get feedback from a teacher or tutor.
You don’t need to be a brilliant writer. You just need to write clearly, logically, and stay on topic. Practice helps. Your tutor can also give you a template that makes the process much easier.
Preparing for the GRE doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By avoiding these common GRE mistakes—lack of a plan, not hiring a tutor, memorizing without context, skipping practice tests, and ignoring the essay—you can study smarter and feel more confident on test day.
Tired of second-guessing your GRE prep strategy?
We’ve got you covered. Our private GRE tutoring is designed to help you avoid common mistakes, target your weak spots, and build the confidence you need to crush test day.
- Personalized study plans
- Expert support for Quant, Verbal, and AWA
- Proven strategies to boost your score faster
Whether you’re just starting or stuck in a rut, our tutors are here to guide you every step of the way. Book your free consultation today and start prepping smarter, not harder!
