Preparing for the GRE can feel stressful, especially if your exam date is just a week away. Don’t panic, though. You can still perform better if you have the correct strategies and concentrate. The last seven days are all about staying calm, making thoughtful plans, and rewriting important ideas.

In this tutorial you will get some simple tips to improve the efficiency of your last-minute preparation. Many students also choose GRE classes to get that extra push in these final days.

Know the GRE Format First

Before you start, understand how the test is built. The GRE has three main parts.

• Analytical Writing: Single tasks (Analyze an Issue). You get 30 minutes.
• Verbal Reasoning: Two sections, Section 1: 12 questions – 18 minutes, Section 2: 15 questions – 23 minutes
• Quantitative Reasoning: Two sections, Section 1: 12 questions – 21 minutes, Section 2: 15 questions – 26 minutes

The entire exam duration is about 1 hour and 58 minutes.

Knowing the structure enables you to manage your time more wisely. Students doing GRE exam prep often start here to build confidence.

Hack 1: Revise Essential Concepts

In the last week, don’t try to learn everything new. Focus only on what matters most. Just concentrate on what is more important. Review vocabulary lists, grammar rules, math formulas and writing frames.

• For Verbal, sentence equivalence and text completion are to be practiced. These are tough, but repeated drills can help you master them.
• For Quant, revise formulas for algebra, geometry, and probability. Also, practice mental math so you don’t waste time on the on-screen calculator.
• For Writing, prepare outlines for “Analyze an Issue” and “Analyze an Argument.” A clear structure saves time on exam day.

Hack 2: Take Full-Length Mock Tests

Mocks are the best way to see where you stand. In the final week, take at least two full-length practice tests. Try to do one mid-week and one two days before the exam.

Mocks will help you get used to sitting for almost 4 hours. They also show which areas you keep making mistakes in. Don’t just take the test-review your errors carefully. If you miss a question type more than once, give that topic extra practice.

Hack 3: Use Analytics and Tracking Tools

Some online platforms give you tools to track your GRE performance. These show trends in your scores across different sections. For example, you may notice that you always lose points in reading comprehension but do well in sentence completion. That information helps you plan where to focus.

Even if you don’t have fancy tools, you can make your own error log. Write down the type of question, the mistake you made, and the right method. Review this list every day.

Hack 4: Focus on Time Management

The GRE is as much about time as it is about knowledge. Many students know the answers but run out of time. Here’s how to manage it better:

• Don’t get stuck. If you can’t solve a question in 90 seconds, mark it and move on.
• Guess smart. There’s no negative marking, so don’t leave blanks.
• Divide your time. For example, in Verbal, spend no more than 90 seconds on text completion and 2–3 minutes on long reading passages.

Practice timing yourself during mocks so that the real test feels natural.

Hack 5: Sharpen Your Writing in 30 Minutes

Analytical Writing can feel tough. But with practice, you can learn to write a clear essay in 30 minutes. Use this plan:

• 5 minutes to plan.
• 20 minutes to write.
• 5 minutes to review.

Keep your essays simple. Use clear examples and logical flow. Don’t try to sound too complex. A clean, error-free essay scores better than a messy one with big words.

Hack 6: Revise Vocabulary Daily

The GRE vocab is too large to cover over the 7 days but you can set a strong foundation! Devote your study time to learning 20–30 new words every day. Revise them in small breaks, like while roaming or waiting for food. Use flashcards or mobile apps.

Also, don’t just memorize. Make sentences with each word. That way, you’ll remember the meaning better during the test. 

Hack 7: Practice Mental Math

Quantitative sections can feel slow if you depend too much on the calculator. Instead, practice quick calculations. Sketch out some shortcuts for multiplication, fractions and percentages. These little tricks save minutes, and in the exam it all adds up.

Hack 8: Stay Healthy and Rest Well

Many students forget this part, but your brain works best when your body feels good. Eat healthy meals, drink enough water, and sleep at least 7 hours daily. Don’t try to cram the night before. A fresh mind is worth more than one extra hour of study.

Hack 9: Be Ready for Exam Day

Have everything prepared in advance. Print your admission ticket, pack your ID and note the location of your test center. If you are opting for an online version, check your system, internet speed and room setup.

On exam day, arrive early, keep yourself calm and believe in your practice.

Final 7-Day Study Plan

Here’s a simple plan to follow in your last week:

• Day 1–2: Revise key formulas, word lists, and essay outlines. Take one full mock test.
• Day 3–4: Focus on weak areas. Review mistakes from the mock. Practice timed sections.
• Day 5: Revise vocabulary and do light practice. Focus on writing tasks.
• Day 6: Take another mock test. Review results.
• Day 7: Light revision only. Relax, sleep well, and prepare for exam day.

Conclusion

The GRE isn’t about being perfect. It is about keeping yourself calm, focused, and being strategic. Have faith in the work you’ve done. Even in the last 7 days, you can boost your score with the right hacks.

A good plan and the right support can make a big difference. If you want expert help, Jamboree offers one of the best online GRE prep courses for students. Their simple methods help you score high with confidence.