GRE Math Subject Test study plan
GRE Math Subject Test · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Mathematics
Diagnose current ability by completing one full-length timed practice test under exam conditions and logging every miss by topic
Build a personal formula and theorem sheet covering single-variable calculus (limits, continuity, differentiation, integration techniques, sequences and series)
Solve 40 calculus problems without notes, then rework every miss until each is reproducible from scratch
Establish a weekly error-log format that records problem type, failure mode, and the fix for each miss
Your checkpoint
A scored diagnostic report with per-topic miss counts plus a first-draft calculus formula sheet
Mathematics
Master convergence tests for series and improper integrals, including comparison, ratio, root, and alternating series tests
Compute Taylor and Maclaurin expansions and apply them to limit and approximation problems
Drill multivariable calculus basics: partial derivatives, gradients, multiple integrals, and change of variables
Explain aloud, without notes, why each convergence test applies and when it fails
Your checkpoint
A 30-problem calculus set solved under a 45-minute timer with at least 85 percent accuracy
Mathematics
Solve first-order and second-order linear differential equations, including separable, exact, and constant-coefficient cases
Apply vector calculus operators (gradient, divergence, curl) and line and surface integral theorems
Work through 25 mixed calculus problems mixing single and multivariable content to build topic-switching stamina
Identify and patch the three weakest calculus subtopics flagged in the week 1 diagnostic
Your checkpoint
A completed calculus unit test of 25 problems with a written correction for every miss
Mathematics
Consolidate calculus by re-solving all previously missed problems cold, with no hints
Practice pacing by completing 20 problems in 30 minutes to match exam speed
Review the formula sheet for gaps and add any theorem used incorrectly during practice
Your checkpoint
A timed midterm checkpoint: 30 mixed calculus problems in 45 minutes, scored and fully reviewed
Mathematics
Master discrete math and combinatorics: counting principles, permutations, combinations, and inclusion-exclusion
Solve recurrence relations and analyze algorithms for time complexity using summations
Practice elementary number theory: divisibility, modular arithmetic, primes, and the Euclidean algorithm
Apply graph theory basics: trees, connectivity, Euler and Hamiltonian paths, and planarity
Your checkpoint
A 25-problem discrete math and combinatorics set with a one-page summary of counting and recurrence techniques
Mathematics
Review linear algebra: matrix operations, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, rank, and linear independence
Solve systems of linear equations and interpret solution spaces geometrically
Practice probability: conditional probability, Bayes theorem, distributions, expectation, and variance
Drill set theory, logic, and elementary real analysis definitions such as limits, continuity, and compactness
Your checkpoint
A 30-problem mixed algebra and probability set with all errors corrected and annotated
Mathematics
Take a second full-length timed practice test and compare per-topic accuracy against the week 1 diagnostic
Target the two lowest-scoring topics with focused 20-problem drills each
Rehearse calculator-free arithmetic and estimation strategies to save time on the exam
Build a one-page quick-reference of the most frequently tested formulas and theorems
Your checkpoint
A second scored full-length test with a side-by-side comparison table against the baseline
Mathematics
Take two full-length timed practice tests on separate days and review every miss the same day
Re-solve the entire accumulated error log to confirm each mistake is fixed
Simulate exam-day conditions: timing, breaks, and test order, to lock in pacing
Finalize and memorize the quick-reference sheet and formula summary
Your checkpoint
A final readiness report showing both practice test scores, remaining weak areas, and a memorized formula sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Achieve at least 80 percent on a 30-problem calculus set under timed conditions and show a complete error log
Week 4: Score at least 75 percent on the 30-problem midterm checkpoint and demonstrate that every week 1 miss has been re-solved correctly
Week 6: Score at least 80 percent on the mixed algebra and probability set and confirm all discrete math subtopics have been practiced at least once
Week 8: Improve the full-length practice score by at least 15 percent over the week 1 baseline and clear the error log with no repeated mistake types