The GRE is Changing—What You Need to Know

by Stacey Koprince Aug 28, 2023

This post was written by GRE Instructor Tyler Johnson. Big news in the GRE world as ETS announces the first format changes since 2011! Details are still being released; we’ll update this post whenever new information becomes available.

When will the new GRE launch?

The new test arrives September 22, 2023. The last date that the legacy GRE will be given is September 20, 2023; after this date, everyone will take the new GRE.

How is the GRE Changing?

The most notable change is that the GRE General Test will be condensed to about two hours, significantly shorter than the four-hour duration of the legacy test. Each section, including analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning, will be shorter. The unscored experimental section and mid-test break will be eliminated as well. Additionally, you and your desired schools will receive your official GRE scores within 8–10 calendar days instead of the previous 10–15 days.

Here are the format details for the new GRE General Test:

In addition to the graded quant and verbal sections, the legacy GRE also has a 30-35 minute ungraded experimental section that will be removed from the new GRE. The mid-test 10-minute break between sections 3 and 4 will be removed as well—though the shorter 1 minute breaks between each section should remain.

Can I use my existing GRE study materials for the new GRE?

Yes! Although the section lengths have changed, the average time per question has not: Quant still allots ~1:45 per question and verbal ~1:30 per question. Additionally, the quant and verbal content areas are remaining the same, so you can continue to practice with existing materials (with one exception: You no longer need to study for the Argument Essay). The breakdown of question types and formats should remain proportional to the legacy test as well, though we’re still waiting for confirmation of the exact count. Likewise, the scoring curve and the advice to graduate admissions programs on interpreting scores will remain the same.

So if you’re currently studying for the GRE, you will need to tweak your macro-timing strategies at the section level. But for the most part, you can continue to study as you have been.

Should I Take the new GRE or the legacy GRE?

When are your application deadlines? The current/legacy version of the GRE General Test will be available until September 20, 2023. From September 22, 2023 onward, all test takers will be enrolled in the new shorter GRE test. Therefore, if your application deadline is before October, plan to take the legacy version sometime prior to September 20th. However, if your application deadline allows for it, you can choose between the legacy and new test based on personal preference (or even take both).

If you find that your biggest challenges stem from fatigue/endurance issues, you will likely find more success with the new shorter exam. Most people are likely to prefer taking a shorter test.

But if you find your brain needs some warm-up time before getting into the zone, you may prefer the longer legacy test. If you fall into this latter category, though, we recommend completing a 15-minute warmup exercise before starting the test, whether it’s the long or short version. Don’t use the real test as part of your warm-up!