What am I doing wrong

GRE General
1

Hi everyone,

I’m a full-time employee preparing for the GRE, and I’ve been studying for quite some time now. My prep has taken longer than I initially expected (I had planned for about 2 months), so I wanted to check if I’m following the right approach or if I should make some adjustments.

Here’s a quick summary of what I’ve done so far:

  • Verbal (TC & SE):
    I’ve been following the 2-month plan and completed up to week 4.
    I’ve also memorized up to group 32 of Vocab Mountain.
  • Quant:
    I’m following the “I’m Overwhelmed” plan and have completed everything up to Geometry (inclusive).
  • Upcoming:
    Planning to start PrepSwift videos for AWA (essay) and continue with the 2-month plan for RC.

My Current Approach (for TC & SE)

  1. I open the 2-month plan, watch Greg’s lecture, and spend 5–10 minutes per question, deliberately trying to identify which strategy I could use.
  2. I try applying the method for about 5 minutes. If I get an answer, I compare it with Greg’s approach.
  • This usually takes me ~2 hours for a 1-hour video, but I feel it’s okay since I’m actively thinking through each step.
  • I’m not sure if this pacing is fine or if I’m overdoing it?
  1. So far, I have used old Gre walkthrough videos ( homework section of 2 month plan ) for Big Book questions, attempting them myself before checking Greg’s solutions.

Where I’m Stuck / Need Advice

  1. Big Book: I recently got the Big Book materials, but I’m not sure how to incorporate them effectively into my routine.
  2. Quant: Unsure how to move forward from Geometry — should I keep following the same plan or adjust it?
  3. Revision: How should I revise TC & SE questions? Just rewatch lectures or reattempt questions?

Additional Context

I followed Greg’s advice for Vocab Mountain (which worked really well!) and also received the Vocab & Quant Mountain progression timelines — Foundation → Strategy Mastery → Untimed Practice → Timed Practice.

However, I’m struggling with keeping my prep from dragging longer than necessary and would really appreciate advice on:

  • How to avoid unnecessary delays
  • Whether my current approach is on the right track
  • Any recommended changes to improve efficiency

@gregmat
Thanks in advance for your help and time! :folded_hands:

2

Rather than think about the future (at least not yet), you should assess how well you’re learning what you’ve already studied. Have you taken a vocabulary quiz that covers groups 1 through 32 and quant foundation quizzes that cover through geometry?

3

No,I have not of taken the quiz for vocab but have done quizzes of prep swift (The ones after a lecture is completed and have scored 27-30). So do you suggest I take the vocab quiz? And do I continue with Rc 2 month plan or switch it to one month plan?

4

You should do that to make sure you’re progressing nicely with what you’ve already learned.

  1. Arithmetic: https://forms.gle/1yNWtpatymwLQFDN7

  2. Algebra: https://forms.gle/Jbe9Y3MysMZSkmR89

  3. Coordinate Geometry: https://forms.gle/QX5NC8VzH41pema39

  4. Geometry: https://forms.gle/9U3bsaBzKVQmVBMAA