How to Study for the GRE: A Step-by-Step Guide to a 330+ Score

Preparing for the GRE can feel like a daunting task, but it’s not just about getting through it: it’s about excelling. Achieving a 330+ score on the GRE is your ticket to top graduate schools, whether you’re aiming for an MBA, PhD, or another competitive program. The goal isn’t just to pass, but to stand out with a score that sets you apart from other test takers and applicants.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to study for the GRE, step by step, with an effective approach and tips that the top scorers use. From understanding the test to creating a study plan, I’ll help you focus on what matters most. No confusing details, just clear, useful advice to help you do your best. Let’s get started and help you reach that 330+ score!

I’ve professionally tutored for the GRE for over 10 years, both as an instructor at UCLA where I led curriculum development, and as the founder of a test tutoring firm. I have helped hundreds of students reach their target schools and I know what works (and what doesn’t). My specialty is in helping students reach 325+ scores. I believe that almost everyone can get there, it just takes knowing your weaknesses, studying effectively, and getting help when needed. Here are some of my tips and tricks for nailing that score. For personalized support, feel free to reach out to me directly.

Before We Begin: The Two Most Important Things to Achieving a 330 Score That Nobody Is Telling You

First, understand how the test scores you. Second, stop trying to get all the questions right! I know. The second one seems completely counterintuitive and maybe a little crazy, but it is essential if you want to nail 165+ scores on each section.

For completely understandable reasons, students believe that if they learn their math, reading, and vocabulary well enough, they will get a 330. While understandable, it’s not true. That equation leaves out an essential piece of the puzzle: Test strategy. Test strategy is the key to pushing your score into the 165 range.

Both the quantitative and verbal sides of the test are divided into two sections. Your performance on the first section determines if you trigger the hard, medium or easy second section. You MUST trigger the hard section if you want a chance to score over 160. But triggering the hard section isn’t about getting all of the questions right. In fact, you can miss 3 (and sometimes 4) and trigger the hard section. That means you only need to get 75% of the questions right on the first section.

After you trigger the hard section, you can miss about 2 or 3 out of the 15 to get a 165. That’s only 80%-86%.

That means you don’t need to come anywhere close to getting 100% of the questions right to get a 330. And that is a HUGE advantage – if you understand how to use it. As you move through the test you have two things that are precious to you: 1) correct answers and 2) time. Because you can miss a number of questions and still get an elite score, you can trade off correct answers for time. The trick is we want you to be in control of when you miss questions – not the test. That means knowing when to dig in and answer a question and when to skip it or take a guess and bank the time instead. The disaster scenario that we want to avoid at all costs is not answering a question you could have nailed because you ran out of time at the end of a section.

Here are some guidelines to help you avoid that situation.

On the quant section:

1. Generally speaking, no question is worth 3 minutes or more.
2. If you can’t understand and write down exactly what you’re being asked for, you should skip the question and come back later if you have time.
3. If you can understand what you’re being asked for, but don’t have a way to crack the question open, you should skip the question and come back later if you have time.
4. If you decide to skip a question, make that decision within about 30 seconds so you can bank the time to answer harder questions further into the test.

On the verbal section:

1. If you don’t know 2 or more words in the answer choices in a vocabulary question, take your best guess quickly. Staring at the test won’t magically manifest the definitions.
2. If you can’t get an inference question into your own words, you probably don’t understand the question well enough to get it right. Pick the best answer choice you can and move on.
3. Reading passages is the biggest time sink on the verbal section and you don’t score any points for reading the passage. You need to be in and out of the passages in about a minute and a half (there are very effective techniques that even slow readers can use to read the passages quickly).
4. If you decide to take a guess on a question, try and do it within about 30 seconds so you can bank the time to answer harder questions further into the test.

Step 1: Understand the GRE Inside & Out

Before you begin your GRE preparation, it’s crucial to fully understand the structure and nature of the test. The GRE isn't just another exam; it's a tool that evaluates your readiness for graduate-level work across multiple disciplines. The better you understand the test, the more effectively you can tailor your preparation.

GRE General Test Sections

Verbal Reasoning

This section measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, as well as your ability to synthesize information and draw logical conclusions. It tests reading comprehension, critical reasoning, vocabulary usage, and overall test content. You will encounter questions that ask you to interpret passages, complete sentences, and evaluate arguments.

Skills Tested:

• Understanding complex texts
• Analyzing relationships between parts of a sentence
• Identifying the meaning of words based on context

Quantitative Reasoning

This section tests your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative data. It assesses your knowledge of basic math concepts such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation to better evaluate your test scores. You won’t need advanced math skills, but a strong foundation in high school-level math is essential.

Skills Tested:

• Basic arithmetic, algebra, and data analysis
• Problem-solving ability
• Quantitative comparisons

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA):

The AWA section tests your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively, supported by relevant examples. You will be required to write two essays: one analyzing an issue and the other analyzing an argument. This section doesn't focus on specific knowledge but rather on your analytical writing skills, ability to reason logically, and express ideas coherently.

Skills Tested:

• Clarity of thought and writing
• Logical reasoning and argumentation
• Effective communication through writing

Additional GRE Sections

In addition to the scored sections, the GRE includes an unscored research section, which ETS uses to test new questions. You won’t know which section is unscored, so treat all sections with equal importance. The presence of this unscored section doesn’t change the total number of questions or the time you have for the test; however, ensuring that you have the right study materials can help mitigate unnecessary stress. Just keep in mind that this section doesn't affect your score, so don’t worry too much about it.

Computer-Adaptivity

The GRE is a computer-adaptive test, meaning that the difficulty of the questions adapts based on your performance in earlier sections. If you perform well on the first set of questions in a section, the subsequent questions will become more challenging. Conversely, if you struggle, the test will present slightly easier questions. This adaptation makes pacing a crucial aspect of your test strategy. Because you can’t go back to review or change answers in a computer-adaptive test, it’s important to stay focused and manage your time carefully throughout each section.

What Makes the GRE Different

The GRE differs from tests like the GMAT in several ways. While the GMAT focuses heavily on business and management-related concepts, the GRE tests general critical thinking and problem-solving skills that apply across a wide range of academic fields. For instance, while the LSAT focuses primarily on reading comprehension and logical reasoning for law school admissions, the GRE’s broader focus makes it suitable for graduate school applications across disciplines, from engineering to law.

Step 2: Take a Diagnostic Test (Before You Study Anything)

Before you begin your study schedule, it’s important to get an accurate baseline score. Taking a diagnostic test will help you identify where you stand in each section and reveal your strengths and weaknesses.

Free GRE Practice Tests

• ETS – POWERPREP Practice Tests
• Manhattan Prep – Practice Test
• Magoosh – Free Practice Test & Score Report

For these practice tests, you want to get the most accurate representation of your baseline. That means:

1. Take a full-length test: Take the entire test, including all sections (Verbal, Quantitative, and AWA). Skipping sections may skew your results and give you an incomplete understanding of your strengths and weaknesses.
2. Stick to timed conditions: Simulate actual test-day conditions by timing yourself for each section. The GRE has strict time limits, so it's essential to practice under those same constraints. Use a stopwatch or a timer to help manage time for each section.
3. Don’t take breaks: Avoid taking breaks during the test unless they are scheduled breaks (such as between sections). The goal is to get accustomed to the mental stamina required for the real test.
4. Focus on gathering data, not on the end score: Don’t worry too much about the score itself during the diagnostic test. This is not the time to judge how well you're doing, your focus should be on gathering data about your strengths and weaknesses. The score is secondary; the real value lies in analyzing your performance.

Analyze Your Results

• What question types did you struggle with? Were there certain question topics (e.g., text completion, data interpretation, or math word problems) that caused you particular trouble? Identifying the specific areas where you lag will help you tailor your study plan and ensure you’re focused on the right stuff.
• How was your time management? If you struggled to complete sections on time, it’s likely a time management issue. Was it a matter of spending too much time on difficult questions? Did you rush through easier questions due to a lack of time? Identifying timing issues early on can help you adjust your pacing strategy in subsequent study sessions.
• What sections were hardest? Did you struggle more in Quantitative Reasoning or Verbal Reasoning? Were there particular math concepts (like algebra or probability) that you found difficult? Did you find yourself guessing on reading comprehension or sentence equivalence? Understanding the nature of your weaknesses will allow you to target your preparation more efficiently.
• Where are you starting from (and where should you focus your time)? Use the diagnostic test results to create a starting point profile. This profile should include your baseline score, the sections where you performed well, and areas that need improvement. Track your progress over time and compare future practice test results to this baseline. This will allow you to measure your improvement and stay on track throughout your study journey.

By taking the diagnostic test seriously and analyzing the results carefully, you will have a much clearer idea of where to focus your energy during your GRE preparation. This initial step lays the groundwork for a personalized and effective study plan.

Step 3: Build a Strategic Study Framework

With your baseline score in hand, it’s time to craft a study plan that will lead to success. A structured approach is essential, and breaking your study into three distinct phases will help you stay on track and make measurable progress. Each phase builds upon the last, ensuring you master the material and refine your skills under timed conditions.

Study Phases

Learn – This is the foundational phase where you focus on mastering the content and learning key test strategies. You’ll familiarize yourself with the GRE’s structure, question types, and the topics tested in each section. The goal here is to build a solid understanding of the material you’ll face on test day.

• Review core concepts in both Verbal Reasoning (e.g., vocabulary, reading comprehension, sentence equivalence) and Quantitative Reasoning (e.g., algebra, data interpretation, probability).
• Use GRE prep books, online courses, and official materials from ETS (Educational Testing Service) to ensure you’re working with accurate and reliable content.

Practice – In this phase, you start applying what you’ve learned by doing practice problems and taking practice tests. This is where you build your test-taking skills and strategies. The more problems you solve, the more familiar you’ll become with the question formats and time limits.

• Start solving practice problems across different sections. This includes multiple-choice questions, reading comprehension passages, and math problems.
• While practicing, focus on improving your speed and accuracy. Practice tests should be timed to simulate real test conditions.

Perform – During this phase, it’s important to replicate test-day conditions as closely as possible; this means no breaks except for the scheduled 10-minute interval. Treat each practice exam like the real test so that you’re fully prepared when the time comes.

• Based on your performance in the practice exams, make adjustments to your study schedule. Focus on areas where you’re consistently struggling and adjust your strategy accordingly.
• The final phase is all about refining your pacing and test strategies. You need to practice under realistic conditions that mirror the actual test. This means full-length practice exams under timed conditions with no interruptions. The aim here is to simulate the pressure of test day and fine-tune your ability to manage time, think critically, and make strategic decisions.

How to Allocate Time

Prioritize your weakest areas but don’t neglect your strengths. A high GRE score requires both balance and strategy. Spend 60–70% of your study time targeting your weakest areas, whether that’s quantitative comparison questions, text completion, or reading comprehension, but still dedicate time weekly to maintaining your strengths so they stay sharp.

Use timed drills and full-length practice tests to gauge progress and refine pacing. Early on, focus on content mastery and pattern recognition; in the final month, shift toward test simulation and error analysis. Identify why you’re missing questions (careless mistakes, timing pressure, or conceptual gaps) and use that insight to fine-tune your study plan. Every session should have a clear focus, a measurable goal, and a specific takeaway. That’s how you move from “pretty good” to 330+.

Step 4: Master the Core GRE Content (The Right Way)

Quant

The Quant section doesn’t go beyond high school math, but it’s not a plug-and-chug test. It’s a test of how well you understand what’s being asked and how efficiently you can solve it.

Topics covered:

• Arithmetic & Number Properties – Factors, multiples, divisibility, odds/evens, primes. These show up constantly in disguise.
• Algebra – Solving equations, inequalities, exponents, quadratic equations, and especially algebraic manipulation under time pressure.
• Word Problems & Translation – One of the most underrated skills. You must translate wordy scenarios into algebraic expressions and equations efficiently.
• Ratios, Rates, Percents, and Proportions – Think investment problems, distance/rate/time, work rate questions, and tricky percent change setups.
• Geometry – Lines, angles, triangles, circles, coordinate geometry, and 3D shapes—but less frequently than other topics.
• Data Interpretation – Reading tables, charts, and graphs, and calculating percentages, averages, or ratios from visual data.
• Quantitative Comparison – The GRE’s signature format. Success comes from pattern recognition, not brute force calculation.

What this section really tests: Your ability to recognize hidden structures, avoid traps, and manage mental math efficiently. Most students lose points here not because they don’t know the math, but because they overcomplicate problems or miss the shortcuts.

Verbal

The GRE Verbal section isn’t about vocabulary for its own sake, it’s about your ability to analyze, infer, and interpret language precisely. Success here is often more about logic than English class.

Question types:

• Text Completion – Fill-in-the-blank questions that test both vocabulary and sentence logic. A strong grasp of sentence structure and tone is key.
• Sentence Equivalence – Choose two words that complete a sentence with the same meaning. These questions test nuance, not just definitions.
• Reading Comprehension – Passages range from dense academic writing to more abstract argumentation. The GRE rewards attention to function: why a sentence is there, how ideas relate, and what can or cannot be inferred.

What this section really tests is your ability to read critically, parse complex sentences, and understand subtle distinctions in tone and logic. This isn’t about memorizing thousands of vocabulary words, it’s about understanding how words function in context and how ideas are constructed.

How to Learn the Core Content

Now that you know what you have to learn, here’s how to learn it. Again, none of this material goes above high school math. But the GRE purposefully convolutes language, hides patterns, and makes you work to figure out what they’re asking. Making sure that you have a really solid grasp of the concepts underneath that language is important.

• Build pattern fluency, not just topic familiarity. In other words, don’t stop at “I know how to solve this.” Instead, ask: What type of problem is this? What’s the signal? How would ETS disguise it next time? High scorers train for pattern recognition, not just content recall. Create flashcards or a Notion table of core GRE question “types” (e.g., overlapping sets, percent change from a base, extreme words in answer choices) and drill recognition as a separate skill.
• Reverse-engineer ETS logic. GRE questions are written with traps, distractors, and deliberate ambiguities. This makes your review exponentially more valuable and trains you to outthink the test writers. After solving, analyze the design of the question:
  • Why did they choose this phrasing?
  • What’s the common trap answer and why is it tempting?
  • What’s the one word that flipped the logic of the sentence?
• Memorize the minimum necessary. For quant, this means just enough formulas to scaffold your problem-solving – not a textbook’s worth. For example:
  • Memorize the 45-45-90 and 30-60-90 triangle ratios cold.
  • Know exponent rules, but not every permutation.
  • Create your own “cheat sheet” of core formulas + when to use them, don’t just memorize blindly.
  • For verbal, focus on function words (however, thus, because) and high-impact vocabulary in context, not just definitions.
• Use timed mini-drills to train reflexes. Most students study content in large chunks and then panic under pressure. Flip it. Use 3- to 5-question timed drills that isolate question types (e.g., three quantitative comparisons or three text completions). This forces you to develop pacing, pattern recognition, and stamina without burning out.

Step 5: Practice Like You’ll Perform

First and foremost, simulate the real test early and often. Don't wait until the week before test day to take your first full-length exam. By your third or fourth week of prep, you should begin incorporating full 3-hour simulations at least every other week. Use official ETS practice tests when possible, and stick to the real section order: Quant → Verbal → Quant → Verbal → [Experimental] → Essay. Take only the allowed 1-minute and 10-minute breaks. Train your body and brain for the exact rhythm you’ll face on test day.

This also means recreating the testing environment. No music and no snacks. As you get closer, try to take practice tests at the same time of the day that your real GRE is scheduled. The point here is to eliminate surprises.

Second, track your pacing data, not just accuracy. Top scorers don’t just review what they got wrong, they ask how long it took. For each practice test, track the 1) time per section, 2) average time per question, and 3) time spent on questions missed. This helps you spot if your mistakes are due to conceptual gaps or time mismanagement (and adapt accordingly).

Lastly, build in reflection routines after every practice test. After you’re done, don’t just mark answers right or wrong. Write out:

• The 3 types of questions that gave you the most trouble
• 1–2 habits you want to change next time (e.g., second-guessing, rushing reading comp)
• What you’ll do differently this week based on the data

Performance comes from intentional iteration. You don’t just need to take practice tests, you need to train like an athlete. Every round should sharpen your execution, not just your knowledge.

Step 6: Refine Your Strategy as You Go Through

Refining your strategy as you move through GRE prep is what separates good test-takers from great ones. The students who score 330+ don’t just work hard, they take in data and adapt. They know the goal isn’t to follow a static plan, but to evolve their approach based on weekly updates, patterns in their mistakes, and the mental demands of the test. That means regularly stepping back to ask: What’s working? What’s not? Where am I losing points, and why?

Start by treating every practice test and drill as a diagnostic tool. Don’t just track whether you got a question wrong: track the reason. Was it a content gap? A careless misread? A timing issue? This kind of granular tagging helps you fix root problems instead of repeatedly patching symptoms. Over time, adjust your pacing strategies, section approaches, and review methods based on what you discover. For example, if you consistently miss Reading Comprehension inference questions under time pressure, you may need to slow your reading upfront or annotate more strategically. If Quant mistakes stem from question misinterpretation, not concept gaps, then recalibrating your process – and not just re-studying – is the real unlock.

Treat your prep like a living system that improves with every rep. You’re not just practicing, you’re iterating and adjusting as you get more information. This is also where working with a tutor can be particularly helpful.

Step 7: Build a Final Review and Test Week Plan

In the final stretch (your last 1–2 weeks before test day) your strategy should shift from learning to locking in. This phase isn’t about cramming new content. Instead, you should be reinforcing strengths, smoothing out inconsistencies, and sharpening the mental and logistical execution that will carry you through the actual exam.

Start by building a final review calendar that balances active recall with timed performance. Revisit your error logs and flashcards daily, focusing especially on the types of mistakes that have cost you the most points: careless errors, misreads, or specific concept gaps. Don’t just rewatch lessons, test yourself. Do mini-drills in your weakest question types under strict time limits. Create a spreadsheet of formulas, strategies, and key reminders. By this point, your review should feel like a greatest-hits playlist of what you personally need and not a generic overview.

In your final 3-5 days, taper down the volume. Take your last full-length practice test at least four days before your official GRE, giving yourself time to rest, review, and fine-tune. The last two days should be focused on light review and mindset prep: sleep, movement, and a test-day plan (what you’ll eat, when you’ll wake up, what you’ll bring). If you've been practicing like you'll perform, this final phase is about building calm, confidence, and muscle memory. Treat test week like race week, you don’t want to run the race before the gun goes off.

My Final Expert Tips on Getting a 330+

In my decade of tutoring, working with hundreds of test-takers, I’ve seen that most people study harder; top scorers study smarter and more precisely. Here are five last tips that I’ve personally seen consistently separate 330+ scorers from the pack, and that you likely won’t hear in your average GRE advice thread.

Master pattern recognition, not just content.

Top scorers don’t memorize 1000 vocab words or every math rule – they learn the testing patterns. They can spot that a sentence completion is really testing tone contrast, or that a quant problem is disguising a percent-change trap. They train their brain to recognize structures and shortcuts on sight. When you review a question, don’t just ask why you got it wrong, ask what the test writer was trying to test, and what cues could’ve tipped you off.

Re-do your mistakes with a twist.

Don’t just retry the same question until you get it right. Top scorers reframe and remix. They change variables in math problems, flip assumptions in reading questions, and explain why the wrong answers are wrong. This builds flexible mastery, not rote familiarity. You’re not prepping for a question, you’re prepping for any version of that question the test could throw at you.

Build timing instincts, not just time management.

330+ scorers don’t watch the clock constantly, they feel the clock. They’ve built an intuitive sense of pace through timed drills, so they know when they’re moving too slow before they even check. You build this by doing sets of 5-10 questions under tight time, checking not just accuracy but efficiency. Can you recognize a time-waster and move on without spiraling?

Practice cognitive endurance (intentionally).

Your brain needs to train for a 4-hour test just like your body would for a marathon. That means at least 2-3 full-length practice tests under test-day conditions in the final month, with a focus not just on performance but stamina. Pay attention to when your focus dips, how your energy fluctuates, and what small rituals (a snack, a stretch, a mantra) help you reset between sections.

Build a mental game plan as seriously as your academic one.

The GRE doesn’t just test math and verbal; it tests composure, adaptability, and your response to uncertainty. Top scorers visualize tough moments before they happen: blanking on a question, losing track of time, panicking halfway through. Then they rehearse their response – breathe, anchor, refocus. Your mental recovery plan is just as important as your test strategy.

The Bottom Line

Getting a 330+ on the GRE isn’t about being a genius, it’s about building systems, spotting patterns, and practicing deliberately. It means going beyond generic advice and shaping your prep around you: your blind spots, your habits, your pacing. The most successful test-takers approach the GRE not as a content dump, but as a logic game with a playbook. They don’t cram, they iterate; they don’t aim for perfection, they aim for precision.

Whether you're targeting top MBA, grad, or dual-degree programs, your GRE score is an integral component of your application. Invest the time and focus on the right things – you got this!

Get Your Target Score With the Help of an Expert

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over my 10+ years of tutoring, it’s that strategy matters just as much as content. You can know the material cold, but if your pacing is off or test-day nerves take over, your score won’t reflect your potential.

If you want personalized support on building the habits and confidence you need to move through each section with focus and control, reach out to me. We’ll figure out where to spend time, when to skip, how to guess strategically, and how to stay calm under pressure. And if you’re struggling with a specific section – whether it be quant, verbal, or writing – we’ll tackle it together, step by step. Book a free intro call on my profile to get started.

Related Resources

• How Late Can You Take the GMAT/GRE for MBA Applications?
• Top 50+ Free Resources for GMAT & GRE Practice test
• The 3 Biggest Mistakes People Make Preparing for the GRE
• GMAT vs. GRE for Business School—Which Should You Take (and How to Ace Both)
• GRE Score Percentiles
• The 10 Best GRE Tutors

How to Study for the GRE – FAQs

How long should it take to study for the GRE?

• Most students spend about 2-3 months studying for the GRE, dedicating 10–15 hours per week. The exact time depends on your starting point and target score. A longer preparation time may be needed for higher scores.

What is the best way to study for the GRE?

• The best approach is to first learn the key concepts, then practice with targeted questions and tests. Finally, perform by simulating real test conditions with full-length practice exams. Focus on consistent study and active problem-solving.

Is the GRE exam difficult?

• The GRE can be difficult due to its timed nature and the need for quick thinking. However, with solid preparation, it is definitely manageable. Focus on pacing, content mastery, and strategy to overcome challenges.

Is 300 a hard score on the GRE?

• A score of 300 is average, but it’s not considered particularly competitive for top-tier programs. For more competitive graduate schools, a higher score (320+) is often preferred. However, a score of 300 may be sufficient for less competitive programs.