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What is the GRE?

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The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test administered by testmaker ETS and used by graduate programs (including some business and law schools) to evaluate applicants. Taking the GRE is a standard step in the application process for most programs, and your score can hold considerable weight in your application. Admissions committees consider your GRE score, GPA, extracurriculars, and application materials to determine whether you qualify for graduate programs and whether you would be a good fit.

The GRE was created in 1936, and first used by Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Princeton. By 1948, over 45,000 students applying to 500 colleges took the exam.

The GRE is a multiple-choice, adaptive test: The more problems you answer correctly in one section, the harder the problems in the second section and the higher your overall scoring potential. It’s different from most other graduate school admissions exams in that you have the flexibility to answer problems within a section in the order you choose, flag problems as you go, then go back and change your answers if needed. 

The GRE General Test is the most commonly required GRE Test, but some programs may require or recommend that you take a GRE Subject Test as well. These tests are intended for students who have an extensive background in one of the six testing disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. Check with your graduate programs to learn whether they require a GRE Subject Test in addition to the GRE General Test.

What is on the GRE?

The GRE is a computer-based, adaptive test that is part of your admissions package for many graduate schools. The GRE General Test is not supposed to test any content knowledge, but rather your ability to think critically and strategically problem solve. You may have to brush up on the topics that appear, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis, reading comprehension, and college-level vocabulary, but really the GRE tries to assess how you think rather than what you know. 

GRE Sections

The GRE is made up of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each section is scored separately. You’ll have two verbal sections, two quant sections, two essays timed separately but within the same section, and either an unscored section or research section. Neither the unscored nor research section counts towards your overall score, but there’s no way to tell which section is unscored. Treat every problem like it counts!

GRE Verbal

Here’s an in depth look at What’s Tested on the GRE Verbal Section, but in essence, there are three types of problems: 

  • Text Completion: Do you know your vocab? You’ll be asked to complete the sentence by selecting vocabulary words that, in theory, any college student should know. In practice? You’re going to need to study these words. 
  • Sentence Equivalence: Still vocab, but with a twist! You’re completing sentences by filling in the blank, the same as you are in text completion. Unlike text completion, however, you have to pick TWO words that create equivalent sentences. Miss one, you get the whole problem wrong.
  • Reading Comprehension: This is the bulk of the GRE Verbal Section. You’ll see passages anywhere from a few sentences to a few paragraphs long. Some questions ask you to identify the main point or a specific detail. Others ask you to analyze the argument presented. Your ability to process a lot of information and think critically will be key here.

These sections also test your executive reasoning. Do you know which problems are worth investing time in? Which should be guessed? Which are worth going back to? Which you should bail on after the first minute? These decision making skills are a key part of the GRE Verbal Sections.

And be sure to check out our GRE Word of the Day YouTube playlists, featuring hundreds of GRE vocabulary words.

GRE Quantitative

This post will give you an in depth list of What’s Tested on GRE Math, but all the content is tested using just two problem types:

  • Quantitative Comparison: You’ll be given two quantities and asked to determine their relationship: whether they’re equal, which is greater, or whether there’s just no way to tell. If the quantities were in integer format, this would be easy (sure, 10 is greater than 7), but the GRE quantities are typically more obscure. You may be given information and have to solve for either or both quantities. Or the format of the two may be so different that you have to significantly change them before you can make a comparison. Critical reasoning skills are essential.
  • Problem Solving: These are the problems you likely think of when you imagine a math test. Given information, pick the correct multiple choice answer. Some problems will format their answer as a blank box into which you’ll type your answer. A few questions will ask you to select multiple answers, and if you miss any, the entire problem is wrong. The GRE is not kind enough for partial credit.

Executive reasoning skills are an absolute must on the GRE Quantitative sections. Without deciding which problems to focus on and which to go through quickly, it can be hard to even finish the section, much less get a top score. Time management and executive decision making are a huge factor on the GRE.

GRE Analytical Writing

The Analytical Writing section of the GRE consists of two essay assignments, each allocated 30 minutes. For the “Analyze an Issue” essay, you’ll be presented with a statement and expected to develop an argument either in support or opposition to that statement. It doesn’t matter which side you choose. What matters is how well formulated and organized your logical arguments are. In the “Analyze an Argument” essay, you’ll read a short passage containing a conclusion based on the stated facts. Without bringing in outside knowledge, you’ll analyze whether that argument is sound and pointing out any major flaws you see. Neither essay requires any content knowledge, but you will have to showcase your logical reasoning abilities.

 

GRE Scores

How long does it take to get GRE scores?

You’ll see your scores immediately, with a small catch. Once you finish the test, you can opt to Cancel your scores, in which case you won’t be told what they were. If you instead decide to Report your scores, you’ll be shown your unofficial Verbal and Quant scores on screen. You’ll receive your official score report, along with your Analytical Writing score, 10-15 days later. 

How long are GRE scores valid?

GRE scores are valid for five years following your test date. 

GRE Score Ranges and Percentiles

You’ll receive a different score for each section of the GRE. The Verbal and Quant sections are scored from 130 to 170. The Analytical Writing section is scored from 0 to 6. Even though you take two Verbal and Quant Sections, as well as writing two essays, you’ll only receive one score for each section.

Average GRE Scores

The average GRE Verbal score is 151, and the average Quant score is 153. The average Analytical Writing score is 4.

What is a good GRE score?

The most comprehensive answer is that it depends on you. Your GPA, work and research experience, personal statements, and a slew of other things will all be considered with your GRE score in assessing you as a candidate. However, we can still give you a general sense of where to target.

For a good score, meaning you’re in the top quarter of test takers, aim for a Verbal score in the high 150’s, a Quant score in the low 160’s, and a Writing score above a 4. Most good schools would consider you in this range, including some of the Ivy’s.

If you’re looking for a really great score, try to score above a 163 on Verbal and above a 165 on Quant. Push Writing to 5.0 or higher. This is tough to pull off, and will take work, but about 10% of test takers score in this range.

Good GRE Verbal scores:

  • 90th percentile Scaled GRE Verbal Score: 162
  • 75th percentile Scaled GRE Verbal Score: 157
  • 50th percentile Scaled GRE Verbal Score: 151
  • Bottom 50% Scaled GRE Verbal Score: 150

Good GRE Quantitative scores:

  • 90th percentile Scaled GRE Quant Score: 166
  • 75th percentile Scaled GRE Quant Score: 160
  • 50th percentile Scaled GRE Quant Score: 153
  • Bottom 50% Scaled GRE Quant Score: 152


Related Reading: How to Get a Perfect Score on the GRE

How long is the GRE?

The GRE takes approximately 4 hours to complete, not including check-in time. Here’s how the test will breakdown:

GRE Section Length

  • Analytical Writing: 30 minutes per task
  • Verbal Reasoning: 30 minutes per section
  • Quantitative Reasoning: 35 minutes per section
  • Experimental or Unscored: Varies (30 or 35 minutes)
  • Optional Breaks (total): Approximately 12 minutes
  • Total GRE test length: Approximately 4 hours

 

GRE Test Dates: When to take the GRE

You can take the GRE at any point. It’s offered year-round at Prometric testing centers or you can take it from home. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so register for your exam date early. Each graduate program has a unique application timeline; do your research ahead of time to ensure that you’re taking the GRE early enough to have your scores submitted before the application deadline (which usually takes 10-15 days). You may also want to give yourself enough time to retest, which means taking a 21 day break between tests.

GRE Cost: How much is the GRE?

In most countries, the GRE General Test costs $205. This fee allows you to send your score to up to four institutions. 

GRE Registration & Sign-Up

You’ll register through the GRE through your ETS account. Once you’ve made your account you’ll be able to choose your testing date and location.

How many times can I take the GRE?

You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times per 12-month period.

What programs accept the GRE?

Most Master’s and PhD programs require the GRE, along with 1,200+ business schools and many top law schools.

GRE vs. GMAT

While Master’s and Phd programs typically accept only the GRE, business schools generally accept both the GRE and GMAT. These two tests have many similarities, and which you take is often a matter of your personal strengths and weaknesses, how many different types of programs you want to apply to, and whether the programs to which you’re applying have expressed any preference for one exam over the other. 

You should take the GRE if…

  • There’s a possibility you’d apply to other graduate programs in addition to MBA programs. 
  • Your testing strengths include vocabulary in context and number-crunching. 

You should take the GMAT if…

  • One or more schools on your list have expressed a preference for the GMAT over the GRE. 
  • You’re a flexible and creative thinker who’s good at word problems and data interpretation.

 

How to prepare for the GRE

You should plan to spend 100+ hours studying for the GRE. Start by taking a diagnostic test so you know where your strengths and weaknesses lie, and then use that to develop a strategy for boosting your score. Many people find it helpful to sign up for a GRE prep class, either self-guided or instructor-led, to teach them the best strategies for GRE success and help keep them accountable as they study. Manhattan Prep has many options to help you succeed on the GRE; choose one that fits your needs best, and try the first class for free.

More GRE Prep Resources:

If you’re curious what you’d score on the GRE today, try our completely free GRE Practice Test.