How do I prepare for the GRE with a weak math background?

The most important principle: you learn math by doing math, not by reading a textbook. Most students who haven't done math in years need to rebuild their foundations through practice problems, not by reading through a reference guide.

We recommend Manhattan GMAT Foundations of Math (any edition is fine) as an excellent resource for this stage. It's designed for people who need to rebuild foundational math skills and emphasizes learning through practice rather than textbook-style reading. (Yes, it says "GMAT" in the title — the foundational math it covers is the same.)

For most people, reviewing foundational math takes about four to eight weeks, assuming it genuinely is a review of skills you once had rather than learning them for the first time. If you were always weak in math — not just rusty but never strong to begin with — expect this stage to take longer, potentially much longer.

We can also help with foundational math directly. For most students, a combination of working through a solid practice-focused book and live instruction is the most effective approach for getting back up to speed.