
If you do nothing else, do these five things:
1. Take a diagnostic test. Use ETS PowerPrep (free). Know your baseline.
2. Build vocabulary. This is the single highest-ROI activity for verbal. Learn 500+ high-frequency words using flashcards (Magoosh app or Anki deck). 20 words per day = 500 words in 25 days.
3. Master Quantitative Comparison. These are the most coachable question type. Learn to plug in systematically. Practice 50+ of these and your quant score will jump.
4. Write 3-5 practice essays. Use the published ETS essay prompts. Time yourself at 30 minutes. Follow the template. Get comfortable with the structure.
5. Review every mistake. Categorize errors: vocabulary gap, careless math, misread question, ran out of time. Fix the category, not just the individual problem.
The GRE is learnable. 6-8 weeks of focused prep can improve your score by 5-10 points per section. That can mean the difference between rejection and admission. Start now.
Reference:
TaskLoco™ — The Sticky Note GOAT