Scoring 330+ on the GRE is a phenomenal achievement. But how do the top scorers do it? Good study habits and resources are key, but so is a strategic approach to mock tests.

In my last blog post, I talked about the best mock exams for the GRE, but I didn’t delve into the best strategies for taking them. That’s the focus of this post. I’ve analyzed the habits of high-scoring test-takers and collected their insights. Here’s their advice on how to get the most out of your GRE mock tests:

Strategies to Take the GRE Mock Exams

Timing is Crucial: Start Mocks A Month in Advance

Don’t wait until the last minute to take your first mock exam! Top scorers recommend starting at least one month before your actual GRE test date. Why? Here’s the breakdown:

• Identify Weaknesses: Starting early gives you time to pinpoint areas where you need improvement.
• Build Confidence and Stamina: Mocks help you get used to the test format, reducing test day anxiety.
• Time for Improvement: If your scores are lower than expected, you’ll have crucial weeks to focus on your weak spots and refine your strategies.

Bottom Line: A month gives you a safety net, allowing you to make adjustments and maximize your potential for a great GRE score.

Spread Out Your Mocks for Maximum Benefit

While 6-8 mock tests are generally sufficient, it’s how you space them out that matters most. Here’s the breakdown:

• Don’t Cram: Avoid back-to-back mocks on consecutive days. Even worse, some people do two mocks in one day – never ever do that. The GRE is mentally demanding, and reviewing your performance is just as important as taking the test itself.
• Why Spacing Matters: Cramming tests leads to burnout, declining scores, and less effective learning. You won’t be able to fully absorb lessons from each mock.
• The Winning Routine: Top scorers typically take two mocks per week, with at least one day in between.
• Example: Take a mock on Sunday, review it thoroughly on Monday and Tuesday, then take the next mock on Wednesday or Thursday.
• Focus on Review: The days between mocks are for analyzing errors, pinpointing weaknesses, and revising strategies. This is how you accelerate your improvement!

Maximize Mock Test Performance: Time Your Tests Strategically

The best time to take a mock test is on a day when you have no other major commitments. Avoid taking mocks:

• After work or school: Mental fatigue will hurt your score and make it harder to get an accurate assessment of your skills.
• At night: You’re likely not at your sharpest after a long day.

Why Timing Matters: Top scorers mimic test day conditions. You want your practice to reflect your best performance potential.

Real-World Examples: Many test-takers see score fluctuations based on when they take mocks. Scores tend to be higher when they take the test feeling fresh and focused.

Key Takeaway: Morning mocks on free days may give you the most realistic picture of your abilities.

Adjust for Your Peak Performance Hours

While mornings on free days are ideal for many, it’s important to cater to your own best performance times.

• Night Owls: If you’re naturally more alert and focused at night, then taking your mocks in the evening can absolutely work.
• Day People: Stick to morning mocks when you’re feeling your sharpest.

The Key Takeaway: The most important thing is to take your mock tests when you have a clear head, minimal distractions, and can dedicate your full attention.

Sync Your Mock Schedule with Test Day

While not a strict requirement, many top scorers find it beneficial to take mock tests at the same time they’ll be taking the real GRE. If your exam is scheduled for 9:00 AM, try to take all your mocks at 9:00 AM as well. Here’s why:

• Builds Routine: This gets your body and mind used to performing at peak levels during your chosen time slot.
• Reduces Test Day Jitters: Familiarity with the timing can ease anxiety and boost confidence on the actual exam.
• Avoids Discomfort: Taking mocks at night when your test is in the morning can disrupt your natural rhythm and potentially impact your performance.

Important Note: If your schedule makes it impossible to perfectly mimic your test time, don’t stress! Focus on taking your mocks when you’re most alert and have uninterrupted time. 

The Ideal Mock Test Schedule

To maximize your GRE preparation, aim for this structure:

• Spread it Out: Plan to take 8 mock tests over a four-week period.
• Two Per Week: Schedule two mocks per week, ideally with a three-day gap between them.
• Maximize Off Days: Take mocks on days when you have no other commitments for the best results.
• Review and Revise: Use the days between mocks to analyze errors, identify weak areas, and improve your strategies.

Weekend Warrior Adaptation

If you only have weekends free:

• Weekend Mocks: Take one mock on Saturday and one on Sunday.
• Weekday Review: Dedicate Monday through Friday to thorough review, analysis, and working on any problem areas that your mocks revealed.

Treat Every Mock Exam Like the Real Thing

Taking mock exams seriously is crucial for maximizing their effectiveness.

• Don’t pause or spread the test over multiple days: The GRE is strictly timed, so simulate those conditions during your mocks.
• Don’t take untimed mocks: The pressure of time management is a key part of the GRE. Taking untimed mocks won’t accurately reflect your test-day performance.

Why Treating Mocks Seriously Matters:

• Builds Stamina and Focus: Mock exams help you get used to the pressure and duration of the real GRE.
• Reduces Test-Day Jitters: Realistic practice makes the test day less stressful.
• Provides Accurate Feedback: Taking mocks seriously allows you to truly measure your progress.

Real-World Example: I’ve seen students whose scores dropped by 10 points on the real exam because they didn’t take their mock tests seriously enough. Don’t make this mistake!

The Bottom Line: Mocks are a powerful tool, but only if you use them to mimic the pressure and conditions you’ll face on test day.

The Importance of Computer-Adaptive Mocks

Top scorers know that the most effective mocks mirror the real GRE as closely as possible. Here’s why computer-adaptive mocks are crucial:

• Simulate the Real Test: The GRE is computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty adjusts based on your performance. Paper-based mocks can’t replicate this dynamic.
• Practice with the On-Screen Tools: Get comfortable with the embedded calculator and other on-screen features so you’re not fumbling with them on test day.

A Note About Paper-Based Mocks: While paper-based mocks, like the five paper-based in official ETS guides, can be useful for extra practice, they shouldn’t be your primary source of mock tests. They lack the adaptive nature of the real GRE, which can skew your score and practice focus.

Mock Environment Matters:

• Test Center Mockup: If you’re taking the GRE at a test center, gather the materials you’ll need and use them during your mocks. This could include a physical pencil and paper (for testing at the test-center)or a whiteboard and marker (for testing at home).
• Home Test Mockup: If you’re testing at home, replicate your home testing environment as much as possible during mocks.

Don’t Compromise Realism

It’s tempting to use shortcuts during mocks, but resist! Avoid these common mistakes:

• Using a Physical Calculator: Stick to the on-screen GRE version calculator for authentic practice.
• Pausing or Taking Screenshots: Mocks are meant to be taken in one sitting, under timed conditions.Many students take screenshots of questions or pause the exam for extra time. Do not do that.

The Bottom Line: To get the most out of your mocks, choose computer-adaptive tests over paper-based mock exams and take them in a way that mimics actual test day conditions, including replicating your testing environment.

The Power of a Test Center Mock

If you want the most realistic GRE preparation possible, consider taking at least one mock exam at an actual test center. Here’s why this can be beneficial:

• Simulates Test-Day Pressure: It’s more than just the exam itself – the unfamiliar environment, check-in procedures, other test-takers, and being monitored by proctors can add mental pressure. A test center mock helps you experience this firsthand.
• Build Comfort and Reduce Anxiety: By facing a realistic test environment beforehand, the actual test day will feel less daunting, allowing you to focus on your best performance.
• Availability: This option exists in many locations, including Dubai and other areas in the Middle East. Reach out to your local test centers to find out if they offer mock exams.

Important: Even if you can’t take a mock at a test center, make sure your home practice sessions are as strict and realistic as possible to build your focus and stamina!

A Proven Mock Exam Roadmap

Now, let’s dive into the specifics strategies! I’ll share a proven mock exam strategy used by top-scoring GRE students. Remember, this isn’t just a theory – these are the exact tactics that have helped many achieve scores in the 320-330+ range.

Ready to learn their secrets? Let’s break down their roadmap:

Start with the Free PowerPrep Mocks

Top scorers know how to use their resources strategically. Here’s why they start with the free PowerPrep Online mocks:

• Warm-Up: The first few mocks can be anxiety-inducing, so it’s smart to use the freely available ones while you acclimate to the test format.
• Outdated Questions: Some of the PowerPrep content, especially in the quant section, is a bit old-fashioned. It’s better to get these out of the way early.
• Save the Best for Later: You want to save the most accurate and up-to-date mock tests for when your nerves have settled and you’re further along in your preparation.

Important Note: Even though some questions might be outdated, taking the PowerPrep tests is still valuable for getting used to the exam structure, timing and scoring algorithm. 

Why Two Mocks Are Better Than One to Begin With

Many top scorers recommend taking two initial mocks instead of just one. Here’s the rationale:

• More Data = Better Decisions: One mock doesn’t give you a complete picture. Two mocks provide a broader range of questions, helping you identify consistent strengths and weaknesses.
• Avoid Outliers: Sometimes, nerves or other factors can skew your score on a single mock, leading to either overconfidence or unnecessary worry. Two mocks give you a more balanced sense of your true ability.
• Strategic Planning: With the data from two mocks, you can confidently pinpoint areas for improvement and tailor your study plan for maximum progress.

Key Takeaway: Start your mock exam journey with two tests for the most reliable baseline assessment and to inform your future study strategies. 

The Power of an Untimed Mock

A surprising tactic used by top scorers is taking their first PowerPrep mock untimed. Here’s why this is a smart move:

• Isolate Skill vs. Speed: If your untimed score is close to your timed mock score, it tells you that time management isn’t your primary issue. This means your weaknesses are likely content-based rather than pacing-related.
• Targeted Improvement: Knowing your main challenge lies in specific topics or question types allows you to focus your study plan with laser-like precision.
• How to Take an Untimed Mock: The GRE PowerPrep software offers the option to disable the timer for your mock tests.

Example: If you scored 315 on your untimed mock and 312 on your timed mock, the gap is small. This suggests you need to work on certain content areas, not just speeding up.

Decoding Your Untimed vs. Timed Mock Scores

The difference between your untimed and timed mock scores reveals a lot about where you should focus your efforts. Let’s break it down:

Scenario 1: Significant Score Gap

• Example: 325 untimed vs. 315 timed
• Diagnosis: Time management is your primary challenge. You likely know most concepts but struggle to finish the test within the limits.
• Strategy: Work on time management techniques, practice pacing yourself, and learn to quickly recognize which questions are worth spending extra time on.

Scenario 2: Close Scores

• Example: 320 untimed vs. 316 timed
• Diagnosis: Your main obstacle is likely specific content areas or question types, not overall speed.
• Strategy: Analyze both mocks to pinpoint weak topics and question types. Then, focus your study plan on strengthening your knowledge and strategies related to those areas.

Important: Even when the score gap is small, there’s always room to improve your time management. But in this case, the primary focus should be on getting stronger in specific skills.

Taking Action: Now that you’ve analyzed your scores, it’s time for targeted practice and improvement!

Don’t Settle for “Just Enough”

It’s tempting to stop studying once you hit your target score on a mock exam, but top scorers understand the value of pushing further. Here’s why aiming higher is wise:

• Cushion for Exam Day Stress: Test day nerves can impact performance. Having a score buffer means that even if you underperform slightly on the real exam, you’re still likely to hit your target.
• Reach Your Full Potential: Why settle for your minimum when you could achieve even better? By striving for improvement, you may surprise yourself with a significantly higher score.

Example: If your target score is 320, don’t stop studying the moment you hit that number in mocks. Aim to consistently score a few points higher, so you walk into the real exam with confidence.

Key Takeaway: Prepare as if you want to score several points above your target. This builds confidence and provides a safety net for unexpected test day factors.

Princeton Review: A Stepping Stone to 310+

If your initial mock scores are below 310, top scorers recommend turning to Princeton Review’s mock exams. Here’s why this is a wise next step:

• More Practice, Better Results: While Princeton’s tests still follow the older 20-question format, that means you get even more challenging practice, which can accelerate your improvement.
• Focus on the Fundamentals: Princeton’s mocks emphasize medium-difficulty questions, which are perfect for strengthening your understanding of core concepts and techniques.
• Proven Results: Many test-takers who start below 310 find that working through Princeton’s mocks helps them solidify their skills and steadily raise their scores.

The Right Order:

1. Start with the Free PowerPrep Mocks: Get your baseline and analyze your strengths and weaknesses.
2. Princeton Review Mocks: If your scores are below 310, use Princeton to build your foundational skills.
3. Progress to Updated Mocks: Once you’re consistently hitting 310+, it’s time for resources that mirror the most current GRE format.

Choosing the Right Mocks Based on Your Score & Needs

Top scorers tailor their mock exam choices to match their strengths and goals. Here’s a breakdown for different scenarios:

If Your Initial Score is Below 310:

1. Princeton Review: Focus on building strong fundamentals and getting more practice.
2. Progress to Updated Mocks: Once you’re consistently hitting 310+ on Princeton Mocks, move to Manhattan mocks, then Kaplan mocks, and finally the Power Prep plus mocks right at the end.

If Your Initial Score is Above 310:

1. Manhattan Prep: After scoring above 310 in both the free Power Prep mocks, skip Princeton mocks and move directly to the Manhattan mocks, especially if you’re aiming for a high quant score. Manhattan’s mocks offer excellent challenges.
2. Kaplan: Take Kaplan mocks in between the Manhattan mocks to supplement for additional verbal practice, as needed.
3. PowerPrep Plus: Finish strong with the most accurate and up-to-date official ETS mocks.

Important Note: Remember to analyze each mock thoroughly (we’ll talk about this later!). Adjust your study plan based on the weaknesses and patterns you uncover.

Don’t Just Take Mocks – Analyze Them!

Top scorers know that blindly taking more and more mocks isn’t the path to improvement. Here’s why analysis is just as important as taking the tests:

• Identify the Root Cause: Are you struggling with time management, specific question types, or foundational knowledge? Mocks won’t fix the problem on their own – you need to pinpoint the issue first.
• Targeted Improvement: Once you know your weaknesses, you can create a study plan that directly addresses them. Simply doing more mocks without this analysis is inefficient.
• Example: If your problem is time management, taking more mocks won’t solve it. However, focused time management practice drills and techniques will.

Key Takeaway: Every mock exam is an opportunity to learn. Analyze your results carefully to design your next steps for improvement.

Beat the Clock: Targeted Time Management Practice

If your mock scores reveal that time management is your primary challenge, it’s time for targeted practice. Here’s how top scorers approach this:

• Don’t Just Rely on Full Mocks: While regular mocks are important, they aren’t enough for time management improvement. You need focused practice drills.
• Create Mini-Mocks: On your gap days, construct your own mini practice sets that mimic the real GRE: 12 questions for Section 1, 15 questions for Section 2.
• Push the Limits: Aim to finish each mini-mock slightly faster than the allotted time. For example, if the GRE gives 21 minutes, shoot for 20. This builds speed and efficiency.

Important: Choose your practice questions wisely! Focus on the question types that give you the most trouble during timed mocks.

Key Takeaway: Targeted time management practice is essential if you want to improve your pacing on the real exam. Incorporate these drills into your weekly study plan.

When Concepts Are Your Challenge

If your mock analyses reveal that your main problem is with understanding concepts and techniques, top scorers recommend this:

• Seek Out New Resources: Don’t just repeat the same material! Fresh study guides, videos, or tutorials can offer different explanations that finally make things “click.”
• Focus on Techniques: Each question type has strategies and shortcuts. Learn these from your new resources to save time and improve accuracy.
• Apply Your Learning: Don’t just passively read – practice with questions that are aligned with these new concepts and techniques you’ve learned.
• Take Another Mock: Approach your next mock exam with your newfound knowledge and see if your scores improve.

Warning: Avoid This Trap!

• Endless Mocks is not equal to Improvement: Simply taking more mocks without addressing your conceptual weaknesses won’t lead to significant score increases.
• Don’t Give Up: Feeling frustrated is normal, but the GRE is learnable! With the right approach and resources, you can overcome these obstacles.

Real-World Examples: When Mocks Reveal Your Path

Top scorers learn from their mock exams and use the data to guide their progress. Let’s look at two scenarios:

• Scenario 1: The Stagnant Score A student scored 315-317 on initial mocks, indicating that time management wasn’t the primary issue. Despite taking many more mocks, the score barely improved because the focus remained on quantity, not strategic improvement of weak areas.
• Scenario 2: The Mismatched Effort A student aiming for 312-313 practiced excessively hard questions but struggled with medium-difficulty ones. This effort didn’t translate to score improvement because it didn’t address the actual need.

The Power of Mock Exam Analysis

Mocks provide detailed insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and the types of questions causing trouble. Use this data wisely:

• Don’t Rely on Gut Feelings: Base your study plan on the hard evidence of your mock results.
• Streamline Your Strategy: Focus on the specific topics and question difficulty levels where you need the most improvement.

Key Takeaway: Mocks are more than just practice tests. They’re guides to optimizing your preparation for maximum score improvement.