Taking the GRE can feel overwhelming, but a lot of the stress comes from making common, fixable mistakes during preparation and on test day. Think of your GRE journey like training for a marathon—it’s not just about running fast, but running smart.
Here at Suganta Tutors, we want to share the simplest, most human ways to study and take the test, so you can stop tripping up and start succeeding!
5 Simple Pitfalls to Avoid on Your GRE Journey
1. The "Vocabulary Overload" Trap (Verbal Reasoning)
Many people think the Verbal section is just a huge vocabulary test, so they try to cram thousands of obscure words.
The Mistake: Flashcard burnout and studying words you’ll likely never see.
The Simple Fix: Focus on high-frequency words (the ones that appear often) and learn words in context. When you see a new word, look for it in an actual sentence, not just its definition. Understanding the feeling and nuance of a word is more important than memorizing its exact meaning.
2. Treating the Math (Quant) Like High School Homework
The GRE Math isn't hard because of the concepts; it's hard because of the way they ask the questions.
The Mistake: Rushing through problems or only doing straightforward practice questions.
The Simple Fix: Practice "Why-Questions." When you solve a problem, ask yourself: "Why did the test maker set it up this way?" and "What is the trick?" The Quant section is a puzzle, not just arithmetic. Slow down, read carefully, and find the subtle clue they buried in the text.
3. Skipping the Essay (AWA) Practice
The essays come first, and starting your 4-hour test by staring blankly at the screen is a bad way to begin.
The Mistake: Not writing a single practice essay before test day.
The Simple Fix: Write just two timed practice essays (one "Analyze an Issue" and one "Analyze an Argument"). This isn't about perfect grammar; it's about building a template. Know your structure (Intro, 3 Body Paragraphs, Conclusion) so you can fill in the blanks quickly under pressure.
4. The Endurance Problem
The GRE is long—about 3 hours and 45 minutes with the optional 10-minute break. Your brain will get tired!
The Mistake: Only studying in short bursts and never taking a full-length mock test.
The Simple Fix: Take at least two full practice tests (at home, using a timer, with no distractions). You need to train your brain and body for the marathon. You'll figure out when you get tired (usually around the third section) and learn how to push through.
5. Getting Stuck on "The Hard One"
Every GRE section has a few monster questions designed to waste your time.
The Mistake: Spending 4-5 precious minutes battling one impossible problem because your pride is hurt.
The Simple Fix: Use the "Two-Minute Rule." If you read a question and don't know exactly how to start solving it within 30 seconds, or if you've been working on it for two minutes and aren't close to the answer, mark it and move on. Every question is worth the same amount, so secure the easy points first!
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You don't have to face the GRE alone. At Suganta Tutors, we connect you with verified, experienced tutors who have mastered these simple strategies. Our educators understand the human side of test-taking and provide personalized, stress-free guidance to help you focus on what really matters: your best score.
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Quick GRE FAQs (Questions & Simple Answers)
Q: Do I lose points for guessing?
A: No! The GRE has no penalty for incorrect answers. Always guess!
Q: How long should I study?
A: Most experts recommend 2-3 months of focused, consistent study. Remember, quality is better than quantity.
Q: What's the best time to take the test?
A: Take it when you feel ready, but ideally 6-8 weeks before your first application deadline. This gives you time to retake the test if needed.
