GRE 320+ Study Plan: Complete Preparation Strategy
Your Roadmap to a 320+ GRE Score
Achieving a 320+ score on the GRE (160+ in both Verbal and Quantitative sections) requires strategic preparation, consistent practice, and the right resources. This comprehensive 12-week study plan is designed for busy professionals aiming for top MBA programs.
Quick Stats: What Does 320+ Mean?
- Percentile Rank: 80th-85th percentile overall
- Target Breakdown: V160+ (85th percentile) + Q160+ (70th percentile)
- MBA Programs: Competitive for most top 20 programs
- Study Time Required: 120-150 hours over 3 months
Pre-Study Preparation (Week 0)
Essential First Steps:
- Take a Diagnostic Test: Use the free PowerPrep test to establish your baseline
- Set Realistic Goals: Aim for 10-15 point improvement from baseline
- Gather Materials: Official guides, prep books, and online resources
- Create Study Schedule: Block out 10-15 hours per week
- Join Study Groups: Find online forums or local study partners
12-Week Study Schedule
Weeks 1-4: Foundation Building
Quantitative Focus (6 hours/week)
- Review arithmetic and algebra fundamentals
- Master geometry concepts and formulas
- Practice data interpretation basics
- Complete 20-30 practice problems daily
Verbal Focus (4 hours/week)
- Build vocabulary with 20 new words daily
- Read complex passages (The Economist, Scientific American)
- Learn text completion strategies
- Practice 10-15 verbal questions daily
Weekly Milestones:
- Week 1: Complete diagnostic review and identify weak areas
- Week 2: Finish arithmetic/algebra review + 200 vocabulary words
- Week 3: Complete geometry review + text completion strategies
- Week 4: Take first full practice test and analyze results
Weeks 5-8: Skill Development
Quantitative Focus (6 hours/week)
- Advanced problem-solving techniques
- Time-saving calculation methods
- Data sufficiency strategies
- 50+ problems daily with timing
Verbal Focus (5 hours/week)
- Critical reasoning patterns
- Sentence equivalence mastery
- Complex reading comprehension
- 30+ verbal questions daily
Weekly Milestones:
- Week 5: Master quantitative comparison questions
- Week 6: Complete 500+ vocabulary words total
- Week 7: Achieve 80% accuracy on practice sets
- Week 8: Take second practice test (expect 5-10 point improvement)
Weeks 9-12: Test Readiness
Integrated Practice (8 hours/week)
- Full-length practice tests weekly
- Timed section practice daily
- Error log analysis and review
- Stress testing with harder questions
Test Strategy (4 hours/week)
- Perfect pacing strategies
- Question prioritization
- Educated guessing techniques
- Mental stamina building
Weekly Milestones:
- Week 9: Score 315+ on practice test
- Week 10: Complete error pattern analysis
- Week 11: Final practice test (target: 320+)
- Week 12: Light review and test day preparation
Essential Study Resources
Official ETS Materials (Must-Have)
- Official GRE Guide: The gold standard for authentic questions
- PowerPrep Online: Two free full-length adaptive tests
- PowerPrep Plus: Three additional tests ($40 each)
- Official Verbal/Quant Reasoning Books: Extra practice questions
Third-Party Resources
- Manhattan Prep 5lb Book: Extensive practice problems
- Magoosh GRE Prep: Video lessons and practice questions
- GregMat+: Affordable comprehensive video course
- Vocabulary Apps: Magoosh Vocabulary, Anki flashcards
Section-Specific Strategies
Quantitative Section (Target: 160+)
Key Strategies:
- Master the on-screen calculator efficiently
- Learn to estimate and eliminate options
- Memorize key formulas and number properties
- Practice data interpretation with real graphs
- Focus on your weak areas (usually probability/combinations)
Time Management:
- Spend max 2 minutes per question
- Flag and skip if stuck after 90 seconds
- Leave 5 minutes for review
Verbal Section (Target: 160+)
Key Strategies:
- Build vocabulary systematically (500+ words)
- Read actively with passage mapping
- Learn common wrong answer patterns
- Master contrast and support words
- Practice under timed conditions daily
Time Management:
- Text Completion: 1-1.5 minutes
- Sentence Equivalence: 1 minute
- Reading Comprehension: 2-3 minutes per question
Weekly Study Plan Template
Sample Week Schedule (12-15 hours)
| Day | Focus Area | Activities | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Quantitative | Problem sets + concept review | 2 hours |
| Tuesday | Verbal | Vocabulary + Text completion | 1.5 hours |
| Wednesday | Mixed | Timed practice sections | 2 hours |
| Thursday | Quantitative | Advanced problems + review | 2 hours |
| Friday | Verbal | Reading comp + sentence equivalence | 1.5 hours |
| Saturday | Full Test | Practice test or intensive review | 4 hours |
| Sunday | Review | Error analysis + weak areas | 2 hours |
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Vocabulary Cramming: Build vocabulary gradually, not in the last week
- Ignoring AWA: Practice essays weekly to avoid test day surprises
- Calculator Dependency: Practice mental math for time efficiency
- Skipping Error Analysis: Learn from every mistake thoroughly
- Burnout: Take rest days and maintain work-life balance
- Over-reliance on Tricks: Focus on fundamental understanding
Test Day Strategy
24 Hours Before:
- Light review only - no new concepts
- Prepare test day materials (ID, confirmation)
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep
- Plan your route to the test center
Test Day:
- Eat a balanced breakfast with protein
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Use breaks strategically - walk and stretch
- Stay calm if you encounter difficult questions
- Trust your preparation and timing strategy
Score Improvement Timeline
Typical Progress Pattern:
- Week 0: Baseline score (e.g., 305-310)
- Week 4: +5-8 points (310-318)
- Week 8: +10-15 points (315-325)
- Week 12: +15-20 points (320-330)
Note: Individual progress varies based on starting point and study consistency
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