Strategic approach to retaking the GRE with focus on weak areas, timing, and preparation techniques to maximize score improvement.
GRE Retake Strategy: When and How to Improve Your Score
Deciding whether to retake the GRE is one of the most common dilemmas graduate school applicants face. This guide helps you make a data-driven decision and, if you choose to retake, gives you a concrete plan for improvement.
Understanding GRE Score Improvement Patterns
The average GRE test-taker improves by 3-5 points on the Verbal section and 2-4 points on the Quantitative section on their second attempt. These improvements are modest but meaningful, especially when you are close to a program's median score.
| Current Score vs. Target | Retake Recommendation | Expected Improvement |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 points below target | Retake with targeted study | 2-5 points per section |
| 4-8 points below target | Retake with structured prep | 3-7 points per section |
| 9+ points below target | Retake with comprehensive course | 5-10+ points per section |
| At or above target | Generally not worth retaking | Marginal improvement likely |
When to Retake the GRE
Retake If:
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You scored below your target programs' median. Most programs publish their admitted students' average GRE scores. If you are below the median, retaking can meaningfully improve your chances.
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Test-day factors affected your performance. Illness, anxiety, poor sleep, or technical issues can suppress your true score. If your practice test scores were consistently higher than your actual score, a retake is warranted.
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You did not prepare adequately the first time. If you took the GRE with minimal preparation, structured study can produce significant improvement.
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You are applying for competitive fellowships. NSF, Ford, and other major fellowships use GRE scores as screening criteria. A higher score directly improves your fellowship chances.
Do Not Retake If:
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You are already at or above your target programs' 75th percentile. The marginal benefit of going from a 165 to a 168 is minimal for most programs.
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Your score accurately reflects your preparation level and you cannot invest more study time. Without changing your preparation approach, your score is unlikely to change significantly.
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Your application has other significant weaknesses. If your GPA, research experience, or SOP need work, your time may be better spent strengthening those areas.
The Retake Study Plan
Phase 1: Diagnostic Analysis (Week 1)
Before studying, analyze your first attempt:
| Analysis Area | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Section scores | Which section needs more improvement? |
| Question types | Which question types did you miss most? |
| Time management | Did you run out of time? Rush through sections? |
| Difficulty adaptation | Did the computer-adaptive algorithm give you harder questions? |
| Test-day factors | Were there external factors that affected performance? |
Phase 2: Targeted Preparation (Weeks 2-6)
Based on your diagnostic analysis, focus your study on specific weaknesses:
For Verbal Improvement:
- Build vocabulary systematically (focus on GRE-specific word lists, not random SAT words)
- Practice reading comprehension with academic-level texts (scientific journals, literary criticism)
- Drill sentence equivalence and text completion question types
- Read challenging material daily (The Economist, academic journals in your field)
For Quantitative Improvement:
- Review fundamental concepts you missed (do not just practice problems)
- Focus on data interpretation and quantitative comparison strategies
- Practice mental math and estimation techniques
- Work through progressively harder problems
For Both Sections:
- Take timed section practice every 3-4 days
- Review every wrong answer thoroughly
- Track your accuracy by question type to identify persistent weaknesses
Phase 3: Full Practice Tests (Weeks 7-8)
| Week | Activity | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Week 7 | 2 full-length practice tests | Simulate test conditions exactly |
| Week 8 | 1 practice test + light review | Build confidence, avoid burnout |
| Test day | Light review morning of | Stay calm, trust your preparation |
Choosing the Right Prep Approach for Retaking
| Your Situation | Recommended Approach | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Missed by 1-3 points, know your weaknesses | Self-study with official materials | $0-$100 |
| Missed by 4-8 points, need structure | Self-paced online course | $150-$500 |
| Missed by 9+ points, need comprehensive help | Full prep course or tutoring | $500-$2,000 |
Top courses for GRE retakers:
- Manhattan Prep GRE - Best for students who need to strengthen fundamentals, especially quantitative reasoning.
- Magoosh GRE - Excellent value with adaptive practice that focuses on your weak areas.
- Target Test Prep GRE - Best for students who need significant quant improvement.
See our complete GRE prep course rankings for all options.
GRE Retake Policies
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| How often can you take the GRE? | Once every 21 days, up to 5 times per year |
| Do schools see all scores? | Only if you send them (ScoreSelect lets you choose) |
| How long are scores valid? | 5 years from test date |
| Can you retake just one section? | No, you must retake the entire test |
The Score Reporting Strategy
ETS offers ScoreSelect, which lets you choose which scores to send:
- Most Recent: Send only your latest scores
- All: Send all scores from the past 5 years
- Any: Send scores from specific test dates
Our recommendation: If your retake score is higher, send only the retake. If your first attempt had a higher score in one section, consider whether sending both helps (some programs take the highest section scores across attempts).
FAQ
Q: How long should I wait between GRE attempts? A: The minimum is 21 days, but we recommend 6-8 weeks to allow meaningful preparation time. Retaking without additional study rarely produces significant improvement.
Q: Will programs view multiple GRE attempts negatively? A: Generally no. Most programs either take your highest score or your most recent score. Two or three attempts are common and not viewed negatively. Five attempts might raise questions.
Q: Should I consider the GMAT instead? A: If your target programs accept both, and you have struggled with the GRE format, the GMAT might be worth exploring. Our GRE vs GMAT comparison can help you decide.
Q: Is the GRE at Home test easier than the test center version? A: No, the content and scoring are identical. Some students prefer the comfort of testing at home, while others find the test center environment helps them focus. See our GRE at Home guide for details.