• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is a standardized exam used by many graduate and business schools (primarily in the U.S. and Canada) to assess readiness for graduate-level work. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills and is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). (Source: Investopedia / ETS)
Key facts at a glance
– Test sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning (five sections total: one writing and two sections each for verbal and quantitative).
– Total testing time (current format): about 1 hour 58 minutes (shortened format introduced in 2023).
– Scoring: Verbal and Quantitative are each scored 130–170; combined reported score 260–340. Analytical Writing is scored separately (0–6, half-point increments).
– Delivery: Computer-delivered at test centers or at home where available; paper-based test in some locations without networks.
– Cost (typical): US $220; China ≈ $231.30; India ≈ ₹22,550 (fees can vary; check ETS for current pricing).
– Retakes: You can retake, but must wait 21 days between attempts and you may take it up to five times in a rolling 12-month period.
– Score reporting: You choose which official scores to send to schools (ScoreSelect).
(Source: Investopedia summary of ETS information)
Why the GRE matters (and why some schools drop it)
– Many graduate programs use the GRE as an objective, standardized piece of the admissions puzzle.
– Critics argue the GRE can be biased and a weak predictor of graduate success; as a result, some programs have made GRE submission optional or eliminated it. Always check each program’s requirements. (Source: Investopedia)
GRE structure and what each section measures
– Analytical Writing (separately scored): How well you articulate complex ideas, construct arguments, and support claims clearly and logically.
– Verbal Reasoning: Reading comprehension, drawing inferences, identifying major vs. minor points, and understanding sentence relationships and vocabulary in context.
– Quantitative Reasoning: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis; problem solving and interpreting quantitative information.
Note: The 2023 shorter format condensed and removed some items (e.g., the argument essay, some experimental sections) and reduced the overall number of questions. Confirm the current section layout on ETS before you register. (Source: Investopedia / ETS)
How the GRE is scored (practical notes)
– Verbal and Quantitative: 130–170 each. Schools commonly look at the combined score (260–340).
– Analytical Writing: 0–6, reported separately. Many programs pay particular attention to writing scores in disciplines that require strong written communication.
– Score reporting: After each test date you may choose which test administrations to send to programs (ScoreSelect). Unsent scores remain visible to you but are not shared with programs unless you request them. (Source: Investopedia / ETS)
Which programs require the GRE? Business schools and subject tests
– Many graduate (MA, MS, PhD) programs accept or require the GRE General Test. Some programs require GRE Subject Tests (measure knowledge in a specific field). As of 2024, Subject Tests available include physics, psychology, and mathematics; ETS disseveral subject tests previously offered.
– Business schools: Most top MBA programs accept the GMAT and GRE; many prefer the GMAT but accept the GRE as equivalent. The GMAT differs (no analytical writing section in the same way, math is often considered more difficult). Check each MBA program’s preference before applying. (Sources: Investopedia / ETS)
Practical step-by-step plan: From decision to score submission
1. Decide which programs you’ll apply to
• Check each program’s GRE policy (required, optional, or not considered). Note score ranges or percentiles programs publish.
2. Register on the ETS website
• Create an ETS account, choose a test center or at-home option, and schedule your preferred date. Register at least two calendar days prior to your intended date; payment options include credit/debit cards and various online payment systems. (Source: ETS/Investopedia)
3. Set a target score and timeline
• Choose a target based on the programs’ typical ranges. Allow 2–6 months of preparation depending on your baseline and schedule. Plan to have your final acceptable score ready before application deadlines.
4. Take a diagnostic test
• Use an official ETS practice test to establish baseline strengths and weaknesses.
5. Build a study plan with measurable milestones
• Example schedule for a 3-month plan: Weeks 1–2: diagnostic + fundamentals; Weeks 3–8: focused practice (verbal/quant/essay); Weeks 9–10: full-length practice tests every 7–10 days; Weeks 11–12: fine-tuning and test-day prep.
6. Use official and supplemental materials
• Start with ETS free resources (official practice tests, math review, sample writing topics). Consider a mix of official paid ETS materials and reputable third-party prep (books, online courses, tutors) for targeted practice. (Source: ETS/Investopedia)
7. Practice with full-length timed tests
• Simulate test-day conditions (no interruptions, same time of day). Review every practice test thoroughly—focus on question types you miss most.
8. Final registration and logistics
• Reconfirm location or at-home system requirements, acceptable ID, test rules. Arrive early to the center or prepare your testing space at home (quiet, no interruptions, proper lighting).
9. Test day
• Use time-management strategies (skip and return, mark questions), follow ETS instructions, and stay calm. After finishing, you’ll see unofficial Verbal/Quant scores at test center (if available); official scores arrive later.
10. Send scores to programs
• Use ScoreSelect to send only the test administration(s) you want programs to see. Decide whether to send preliminary/unofficial scores or wait for official reporting based on your results and application timeline. (Source: ETS/Investopedia)
Retake strategy and score-reporting tips
– Retake rules: 21-day waiting period between attempts, up to five attempts in a rolling 12-month period.
– When to retake: If your score falls short of your target and you can realistically improve with additional focused study. Compare marginal improvement vs. time and application deadlines.
– ScoreSelect: You can send only your best scores—this helps you avoid harming an application with an earlier low score. Verify whether programs superscore or evaluate multiple scores differently.
Costs, fee reductions, and refunds
– Typical test fee: US $220 (fees differ by country). ETS has a fee reduction program and other services (rescheduling, cancellation) may carry fees—check current policy on ETS. For candidates with financial need, explore ETS fee-reduction eligibility and university-based fee-waiver programs. (Source: ETS/Investopedia)
Common prep resources (official and recommended)
– ETS official GRE materials: free practice tests, PowerPrep, math review, writing prompts and scored practice options.
– Commercial prep: Kaplan, Princeton Review, Manhattan Prep, Magoosh, and private tutors. Use official ETS materials for realistic practice and supplement with a course if you need structure or targeted help. (Source: ETS / general market knowledge)
Checklist for application planning
– Confirm GRE requirement for each target program.
– Choose test date(s) that leave time for retake if needed and fit application deadlines.
– Book test center or verify at-home testing environment.
– Complete 2–3 full-length official practice exams under timed conditions.
– Decide on ScoreSelect usage and arrange score sending before application deadlines.
– Keep proof of score reporting in your application records.
Pros and cons to weigh for applicants
– Pros: Standardized measure to compare applicants from different backgrounds; widely accepted; ability to choose which scores to send.
– Cons: Time and cost to prepare and take; criticisms about bias and predictive validity in some fields; some programs have removed the requirement.
The bottom line
The GRE remains a widely used credential for graduate admission, but its format and role in admissions have evolved. To use it effectively: confirm program requirements, set realistic score targets, build a disciplined study plan that includes official ETS materials and full-length practice tests, and use ScoreSelect and retake opportunities strategically. For the latest format details, fees, and registration rules, always consult the ETS GRE web pages and each target program’s admissions site.
Sources and further reading
– Investopedia — “What Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?” (source URL provided)
– Educational Testing Service (ETS) — GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests pages (for official policies, fees, registration, and prep materials)
Editor’s note: The following topics are reserved for upcoming updates and will be expanded with detailed examples and datasets.