Determine your goal score. The level of preparation is directly related to the score you hope to achieve. The best way to find your goal score is to research schools you hope to attend, find out their base scores and take a practice test. Based on the results of that test, you'll be able to determine the amount of planning you'll need.
Allot a certain amount of time. It's best to have between four to 12 weeks to study for the GRE. Any less and you will not learn the test-taking basics needed; any more and you may forget principles and strategies learned earlier in your schedule. Many students take between eight to 10 weeks to study.
Buy preparation materials. There are several books and institutions that offer study guides, and these are extremely helpful. Experts compile information from past tests, and glean strategies and best practices for their consumers. Also, these books and preparation materials often offer sample study schedules.
Allot certain chunks of time to be devoted to verbal, quantitative and writing. Focus on your weaknesses, but shore up your strengths as well; these will help you meet or exceed your target score. For verbal, spend a huge amount of time increasing your vocabulary, and for quantitative, review the basics of algebra and geometry before tackling sample tests.
Break down your schedule day by day and week by week. Make to-do lists and chart your progress with a calendar. Set up a reward system for adhering to your schedule. If possible, find another prospective student and study together to motivate one another.