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Free GRE Prep Resources

Free GRE Prep Resources

Hello, intrepid yet thrifty GRE prepper! Vince here. I've put together a LOT of free GRE prep resources over the past 15 years.

If you're just getting started, begin with one of my free GRE study plans. A study plan gives you a clear structure, so you know what to do first, what to save for later, and how to use the rest of the resources on this page without getting overwhelmed.

The basic GRE prep sequence is straightforward: build your foundation, especially GRE math concepts and GRE vocabulary. Then learn strategies for Quant, Verbal, the Issue essay, and time management. Then get experience with real GRE-style questions. Finally, move into timed work, official ETS PowerPrep tests, and careful review with a GRE error log.

If you already know what you need, use the sections below to jump to free GRE math help, free GRE verbal help, GRE vocabulary resources, essay help, test-taking tips, and free GRE prep videos.

My Free GRE Study Plans

For most people, the best free GRE prep resource is a realistic study plan. Pick the one that fits your timeline:

If you're struggling with a study plan, it could be a good idea to invest in a personalized GRE study plan.

And finally, feel free to email me to tell me your biggest challenge with GRE prep so far. I will personally write back with some quick advice.

Below, you'll find the rest of my free GRE resources.

Key:

  • *** Essential
  • ** Great
  • * Useful

Free GRE Resources

Overall GRE Prep

Start here if you're new to the GRE, not sure how to study, or trying to organize all the moving pieces: math, vocabulary, verbal strategy, essay writing, timing, and official practice tests.

GRE Vocabulary

GRE vocabulary is still important, especially for Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence. The best free GRE vocab prep is steady review: learn words, quiz yourself, use spaced repetition, and make words memorable with mnemonics, cartoons, roots, and examples.

GRE Verbal

For GRE Verbal, use official ETS questions whenever possible. Build vocabulary, learn the logic of Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence, and review Reading Comprehension questions carefully enough that you can explain why each wrong answer is wrong.

GRE Math

GRE Quant is mostly high-school math, but the test is good at making basic concepts look unfamiliar. Build your foundation with my complete GRE math concept list, then learn GRE math strategies like choosing numbers, backsolving, estimation, skipping intelligently, and using the GRE calculator only when it actually helps.

GRE Essays

The current GRE has one Analytical Writing task: the Issue essay. Use my GRE Issue essay template to learn how to build a clear argument, use sensible examples, organize your paragraphs, and write cleanly under time pressure.

GRE Test-Taking Tips

Once your foundation and strategies are in place, GRE test-taking is mostly about decision-making. Use my GRE test day tips to think about timing, nerves, and section strategy, and use my guide to skipping intelligently on the GRE so you do not waste time on low-probability questions.

Graduate School Admissions Essay Tips

If you're taking the GRE for grad school applications, your essays and statements may matter just as much as your test score. Start with my 30 personal statement tips if you need help with application essays.

Other Stuff

Want personalized GRE help?

Free GRE prep can take you a long way, especially if you use a study plan, review your mistakes with a GRE error log, and practice with official ETS PowerPrep tests. But if you're tired of studying by yourself, want a clearer plan, or need help diagnosing what's holding your score back, check out my personalized GRE study plan or the options on my GRE prep page.

Free GRE Prep Videos

These free GRE videos cover vocabulary, verbal strategy, test anxiety, and time pressure.

Video: GRE Vocabulary

(one of my YouTube vocab cartoon shorts)

Video: GRE Verbal ***

(Above: Vince explains how to categorize GRE passages)

Video: GRE Test-Taking Tips

(Above: GRE Test Anxiety Tips)

(Above: Dealing With Time Pressure)

Free GRE Prep FAQ

What is the best free GRE prep resource?

The best free GRE prep resource is usually a realistic study plan. Start with a 1-month, 2-month, 3-month, or 4-month GRE study plan, depending on your timeline. Then supplement with free GRE math, vocabulary, verbal, essay, and test-taking resources as needed.

Can I study for the GRE for free?

Yes, you can do a lot of GRE prep for free. You can use free GRE study plans, free vocabulary resources, free GRE videos, free math concept guides, free verbal strategy posts, free error-log templates, and the free ETS PowerPrep tests. Paid help can still be useful if you need structure, diagnosis, tutoring, or a personalized plan.

What should I study first for the GRE?

Start with foundation: GRE math concepts and GRE vocabulary. Then learn strategies for Quant, Verbal, the Issue essay, and time management. After that, build experience with official ETS questions, mixed practice, timed sections, and full practice tests.

Are free GRE practice questions enough?

Free GRE practice questions can help, but quality matters. Official ETS questions are the most realistic. Use them carefully, review mistakes in a GRE error log, and save official PowerPrep tests for the later part of your prep.

How long should I study for the GRE?

Many students need 1 to 6 months, depending on their starting score, goal score, weak areas, schedule, and test date. For more detail, read my guide to how long it takes to study for the GRE.

What is the best free GRE math resource?

Start with my complete GRE math concept list if you need foundation. Then use my GRE math tips and GRE math strategies pages to learn how to approach Quant questions more efficiently.

What is the best free GRE verbal resource?

Start with my GRE vocabulary guide and GRE verbal tips page. For serious verbal improvement, spend most of your review time on official ETS verbal questions and learn how to explain why the wrong answers are wrong.