After months of prep (tutoring, mocks, strategies), my GRE score hasn’t improved. My exam is next week and I feel defeated. Is the GRE just not for me?
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I felt the exact same way before my first attempt. I scored a 305, which was nowhere near my target. The pressure is real, and it makes you doubt everything.
My advice for this last week: STOP TAKING MOCKS. Seriously. Your score is unlikely to jump now, and a low mock score will just destroy your confidence. Instead, just do these two things:
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Review all the mistakes from your previous mocks. Every single one.
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Go through your vocab flashcards every day.
The goal now isn’t to learn new things, it’s to solidify what you already know and walk into the test center with a calm mind. You can do this.
Hey, I’ve been in the same boat. my GRE score wasn’t really improving either, no matter how many mocks I took. What helped me in the last week was just sticking to my strong areas, doing light practice, and making sure I didn’t mess up on timing. Honestly, being well-rested made a bigger difference than cramming another word list.
Also, don’t stress too much a lot of unis don’t weigh GRE that heavily anymore. Your SOP, GPA, and recos will matter just as much. I found this quick guide on the GRE Exam Pattern useful for revising, which might help you decide what to focus on in these last few days.
hey @laromet Honestly, the GRE can feel brutal for a lot of people. Scores don’t always move much even after months of prep, but that doesn’t mean someone can’t do well on test day. A lot of students plateau in practice but see a bump when the adrenaline kicks in during the actual exam.
Some things that usually help in the last stretch:
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Focus on revising strategies instead of learning new stuff.
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Run through a few timed sections to keep the pacing sharp.
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Prioritize rest and staying calm — fatigue kills more scores than content gaps.
It’s very common to feel stuck before the GRE, but it doesn’t mean the exam “isn’t for you.” Many students plateau despite months of prep, and often the issue isn’t intelligence but exam technique, timing, or stress management. Remember, admissions committees don’t look at the GRE alone your GPA, SOP, LORs, and experience carry equal or greater weight, especially in Europe and Canada, where the GRE is optional. With a week left, focus on test-day strategy: practice pacing, review only high-yield areas (your weakest topics), and do timed sections to build stamina. Even if your score isn’t perfect, a solid overall profile can still get you into good programs. The GRE is just one piece of the puzzle, not a verdict on your ability or future.