Some people spend very little time preparing for the GRE. Perhaps they’re applying to lower-tier graduate program or they’re only concerned about one-half of their final score (math or verbal). Or maybe they’re very smart or else very accustomed to taking high-stakes multiple choice tests.

For almost everyone else, the GRE requires a serious commitment in terms of time and money. We recommend several months of intensive test prep. After all, that’s what most people do: Instead of traveling or seeking additional work experience, they take the summer ahead of their graduate school admissions deadlines to prep for the GRE and work on their essays and work on their applications.

However, test prep may take various formats:

Private Tutor 

This is convenient. You can study at your home or office. You can use your existing study materials and get new ones from your coach. It’s also individualized and personalized. If you’re already scoring well on one half of the best (math or verbal), you can ask your coach to focus on the other half.

Study group 

Informal study cooperation works for some people. If you have friends or colleagues who share similar graduate admissions objectives, perhaps it makes sense to prep for the GRE together. The study group option may combine elements of the other options.

If you already have a study group organized, please contact us for a free of charge GRE demo experience.

Prep Course

One of the primary advantages of a prep course is that you have other people around to motivate you. The advantage is lost somewhat if you chose an online prep course, however, most people find that sitting at the kitchen table and watching a video lecture is ultimately very similar to sitting in the back of a large classroom watching a live instructor. So online and offline courses are both worth considering.

Self Study

There’s a lot of free information on the internet about how to prepare for the GRE. Survey the information, source your prep materials, draw up a plan, put it on a calendar and do it.