Time Management Strategies for GRE Success
Master your GRE exam with effective time management techniques. Learn how to allocate time wisely across sections and improve accuracy under pressure.
Time management is one of the most critical skills for excelling on the GRE. Even if you know all the concepts, poor time management can lower your score. Here are proven strategies to help you manage your time effectively during the exam.
1. Understand the GRE Structure
Familiarize yourself with the exam format and timing:
- Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections, 20 questions each, 30 minutes per section
- Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections, 20 questions each, 35 minutes per section
- Analytical Writing: 2 tasks, 30 minutes each
2. Set Section-Specific Time Goals
Allocate time to each question based on the section:
- Verbal: ~1.5 minutes per question
- Quant: ~1.75 minutes per question
- Analytical Writing: 5-10 minutes for planning, rest for writing
Pro Tip: Stick to your time limits strictly to avoid rushing at the end.
3. Prioritize Easy Questions First
Start with questions you find easier to build confidence and save time for tougher ones:
- Skip and mark difficult questions
- Return to them after finishing easier ones
- Use the process of elimination to save time
4. Practice with a Timer
Simulate real exam conditions while practicing:
- Set a strict timer for each section
- Track your time spent per question
- Identify questions where you consistently take too long
5. Use Mental Math and Shortcuts
For Quantitative sections:
- Practice mental calculations to save seconds
- Learn shortcuts for common formulas
- Estimate when exact answers are not required
6. Monitor Your Pace
Keep an eye on the clock without obsessing:
- Divide your section into mini-checkpoints
- Ensure you are on track halfway through
- Adjust pace if you are falling behind
7. Stay Calm Under Time Pressure
Stress can waste precious time. Tips to maintain composure:
- Take deep breaths during tough questions
- Focus on one question at a time
- Do not dwell on mistakes—move on quickly
8. Review Strategically
If time permits:
- Check flagged questions first
- Look for careless mistakes
- Ensure all questions are answered
9. Build Speed Through Regular Practice
Regular timed practice improves both accuracy and speed:
- Track your average time per question
- Gradually reduce time without sacrificing accuracy
- Focus on weak areas to increase efficiency
10. Develop a Personal Time Management Strategy
Every student is different. Experiment to find what works best for you:
- Note which question types consume most time
- Adjust your plan accordingly
- Stick to a routine during practice to develop consistency
Effective time management can dramatically boost your GRE performance. Combine these strategies with strong content knowledge and consistent practice to achieve your target score.