GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
ETS
Complete guide to passing the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) exam on your first attempt.
$220
N/A (score-based)
5 years
Global (USA focused)
ETS
Graduate school admission
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Complete Overview
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is the world's most widely accepted graduate admissions test, recognized by thousands of graduate and business schools worldwide. Administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the GRE General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills developed over your educational career.
Unlike tests that assess specific subject knowledge, the GRE evaluates skills that matter for success in graduate school: the ability to analyze written material, think critically, and communicate complex ideas effectively. These are precisely the capabilities that graduate programs seek in their candidates.
The GRE is accepted by graduate programs in virtually every field, from humanities to sciences, engineering to business. Following the recent acceptance by many MBA programs, the GRE now serves as an alternative to the GMAT for business school admission, giving test-takers flexibility in their graduate school applications.
ETS redesigned the GRE in 2023, shortening it from 3 hours 45 minutes to under 2 hours while maintaining the same score scale and validity. This shorter format reduces test fatigue while preserving the comprehensive assessment that schools rely upon for admissions decisions.
The GRE uses a 130-170 score scale for Verbal and Quantitative sections (in 1-point increments) and a 0-6 scale for Analytical Writing. Scores are valid for five years, giving you flexibility in your application timeline. The ScoreSelect option allows you to send only your best scores to schools.
With test centers in over 160 countries and the option to take the test at home, the GRE is accessible to candidates worldwide. The adaptive format adjusts difficulty based on your performance, ensuring accurate measurement across all ability levels.
Why Get GRE (Graduate Record Examination) Certified?
Accepted by thousands of graduate programs worldwide across all disciplines
Valid for MBA programs as GMAT alternative at most top business schools
ScoreSelect option lets you send only your best scores
Five-year score validity provides application flexibility
Shorter 2-hour format reduces test fatigue
Available at test centers and at home globally
Well-established percentile rankings help contextualize scores
Extensive free official prep materials available
Exam Format & Structure
Duration
1 hour 58 minutes
Questions
Verbal: 27; Quantitative: 27; AWA: 1 essay
Passing Score
No pass/fail; scores range 130-170 per section
Question Types
- Reading comprehension (multi-paragraph passages)
- Text completion (fill in blanks)
- Sentence equivalence (two words, same meaning)
- Quantitative comparison (compare quantities)
- Problem solving (multiple choice and numeric entry)
- Analytical writing (Issue essay)
Delivery Method
Computer-based at test centers or at home
Exam Domains & Topics
Measures ability to analyze written material, evaluate arguments, and understand vocabulary in context.
Key Topics to Master:
- Reading comprehension of complex passages
- Understanding text structure and author intent
- Analyzing arguments and identifying assumptions
- Vocabulary in context
- Drawing inferences and conclusions
- Evaluating evidence and reasoning
Measures ability to understand and analyze quantitative information and solve problems using mathematical concepts.
Key Topics to Master:
- Arithmetic: properties of integers, percentages, ratios
- Algebra: equations, inequalities, functions
- Geometry: lines, circles, triangles, quadrilaterals, 3D figures
- Data analysis: statistics, probability, data interpretation
- Word problems and quantitative comparison
- Numeric entry and multiple-answer questions
Measures critical thinking and analytical writing through a focused essay task.
Key Topics to Master:
- Analyzing an Issue: Present and support position
- Constructing coherent arguments
- Supporting ideas with relevant evidence
- Examining claims and underlying assumptions
- Clear and effective prose
- Organization and development of ideas
Recommended Study Plan
- 1Take official PowerPrep practice test for baseline
- 2Begin vocabulary building (300-500 high-frequency words)
- 3Study text completion strategies
- 4Learn sentence equivalence approach
- 5Read challenging material daily (Economist, Atlantic)
- 6Use flashcards for vocabulary retention
- 1Practice reading comprehension passages
- 2Learn active reading strategies
- 3Review arithmetic and number properties
- 4Study algebra fundamentals
- 5Practice quantitative comparison questions
- 6Master mental math techniques
- 1Study geometry and coordinate geometry
- 2Master statistics and probability
- 3Learn data interpretation techniques
- 4Practice Issue essay writing
- 5Develop essay templates and structure
- 6Time essay writing practice
- 1Take full-length practice tests weekly
- 2Review all wrong answers thoroughly
- 3Focus on pacing and time management
- 4Continue vocabulary review
- 5Practice weak areas identified
- 6Simulate test conditions exactly
Ready to pass GRE (Graduate Record Examination)?
Get 500+ practice questions, video walkthroughs, and a pass guarantee.
Best Study Resources
ETS Official GRE Guide
BookOfficial guide from test makers with real questions. Essential starting point. Includes full practice tests and explanations.
$25
ETS PowerPrep Online
Practice TestsTwo free official practice tests that use real interface and scoring. The most accurate predictor of actual scores.
Free
Manhattan Prep GRE Books
Strategy GuidesIn-depth strategy guides for each section. Known for excellent Quant coverage. 5 lb. Book is popular for practice.
$20-30 each
Magoosh GRE Prep
Online CourseComprehensive video lessons and large question bank. Good score improvement guarantee. Mobile-friendly format.
$129-179
Gregmat+
Online CourseBudget-friendly prep with effective strategies. Popular for Verbal strategies. Active community and live classes.
$5/month
Kaplan GRE Prep
Course + BookComprehensive prep with in-person and online options. Includes practice tests and QBank. Good for structured study.
$449+
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring vocabulary development
GRE tests advanced vocabulary heavily. Start building vocabulary from day one. Learn words in context, not just definitions. Use spaced repetition.
Over-relying on memorized math formulas
GRE Quant tests reasoning, not formula recall. Focus on understanding concepts and problem-solving strategies. Many questions can be solved without complex calculations.
Spending too long on difficult questions
Each question is worth the same. Skip difficult questions and return to them. Answering 25 questions correctly beats struggling through 27.
Not practicing under timed conditions
The GRE is time-pressured. Always practice with a timer. Build pacing into your study routine from the start.
Neglecting the AWA section
While less weighted, a poor AWA score raises red flags. Practice at least 5-10 essays. Know the scoring criteria and structure.
Taking the test too early
Wait until practice test scores match your target. GRE scores are reported for 5 years. Taking when unprepared creates a permanent record.
Exam Day Tips
- 1
Bring valid ID exactly matching your ETS account name
- 2
Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in procedures
- 3
Use scratch paper strategically - organize your work
- 4
Answer every question - there's no penalty for guessing
- 5
Use the mark and review feature for uncertain questions
- 6
Stay calm during difficult questions - the test adapts
- 7
Pace yourself: ~1.5 minutes per Verbal, ~1.75 per Quant
- 8
Save 5 minutes at end of each section for review
Career Paths & Salary Ranges
Graduate Student (Masters/PhD)
GRE required by most US graduate programs. Score requirements vary by program competitiveness and field.
Stipend: $20k-$40k; Post-degree: varies
MBA Student
GRE now accepted by 90%+ of MBA programs as GMAT alternative. Score conversion available for comparison.
Post-MBA: $100k-$200k+
Law School Student
Many law schools now accept GRE as LSAT alternative. Check individual school policies.
Post-JD: $70k-$200k+
Research Professional
Strong GRE scores combined with graduate degree opens research positions in academia, industry, and government.
$50k-$120k
Prerequisites & Requirements
- ETS account with valid ID information
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- No minimum education requirement
- Test fee: $220 (varies by location)
- Computer and internet for at-home testing option
- Credit/debit card for registration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good GRE score?
Depends on your target programs. Generally, 320+ combined (V+Q) is competitive for top programs. 160+ in either section is approximately 80th percentile. Check specific program requirements.
How many times can I take the GRE?
Up to five times in any 12-month period, with at least 21 days between attempts. ScoreSelect lets you send only preferred scores.
Is GRE harder than GMAT?
Different, not necessarily harder. GRE has more vocabulary focus; GMAT has more complex math. GRE may suit those with humanities backgrounds; GMAT may suit quantitative backgrounds.
Should I take the GRE at home or at a test center?
Same test, same scoring. At-home offers convenience but requires suitable quiet space and technology. Test centers provide controlled environment. Choose based on your situation.
How long should I study for the GRE?
Most students study 1-3 months, dedicating 10-15 hours weekly. Those targeting significant score improvements may need longer. Start with a diagnostic to assess needs.
Does the Analytical Writing score matter?
Yes, but less than V and Q for most programs. A score below 4.0 may raise concerns. Most programs expect 4.0-5.0. Some programs weight AWA more heavily (writing-intensive fields).
Success Stories
“Gregmat+ was incredibly helpful for Verbal. The two-pass strategy for reading comp was game-changing. I improved from 155 to 168 in Verbal with two months of focused study.”
Jennifer Wu
PhD Student at MIT
“I chose GRE over GMAT because of my humanities background. The vocabulary-heavy Verbal section played to my strengths. Schools told me my GRE scores were equivalent to 750+ GMAT.”
Marcus Johnson
MBA Student at Wharton
“The new shorter format made a huge difference. Less fatigue meant better focus. Manhattan Prep's Quant books helped me nail the advanced topics.”
Priya Sharma
Data Science Masters Student
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