GRE

What is the GRE test?

The GRE is open to anyone interested in pursuing a graduate or business administration program, typically aimed at college graduates or those planning to further their education internationally.

Many students opt to take the GRE to apply for master's or doctoral programs, while others do so to enhance their chances of securing scholarships or fellowships. Additionally, the GRE is often a requirement for specific professional degrees, including the Master of Business Administration (MBA).

For international students, taking the GRE may be necessary as part of their application process for studying abroad. Prestigious universities frequently mandate this test to assess applicants' qualifications.

GRE test structure and format

The GRE consists of six sections, starting with a 60-minute writing segment that includes both an argumentative and an issue-based task. Following that, there are two verbal reasoning sections, each lasting 30 minutes, and two quantitative reasoning sections, each lasting 35 minutes. Additionally, there is a 30- or 35-minute experimental or research section, which can be either verbal or quantitative.

The writing section is always administered first, while the other five sections can appear in any sequence. Test-takers have optional one-minute breaks after each section, as well as a 10-minute break after the third section. Overall, the computer-based GRE takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete, while the paper-based version lasts around 3 hours and 30 minutes.

The main components of the test are:

• Analytical Writing
• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Experimental or Research section
• Computer adaptation

Analytical Writing

The Analytical Writing section assesses your ability to think critically and communicate ideas clearly in writing. It consists of two tasks:

• Issue Task: You are given a statement or issue and asked to take a position on it. You need to develop an argument, provide reasoning, and support your viewpoint with examples.
• Argument Task: You are provided with a short argument or reasoning, and your task is to critique the logic of that argument. You don't need to agree or disagree with the argument, but rather evaluate its reasoning and identify any flaws.

Key points:

• Time: You have 30 minutes for each task.
• Evaluation: Your writing is scored on clarity, coherence, grammar, and the quality of your argument and analysis.

Focus on presenting well-organized responses with clear reasoning and proper use of language.

Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, understand relationships between words and concepts, and draw conclusions from text. It consists of three types of questions:

• Reading Comprehension: You read passages and answer questions about their meaning, details, inferences, and overall structure.
• Text Completion: You are given sentences with one or more blanks and must choose the appropriate words to complete the sentence based on context.
• Sentence Equivalence: You are presented with a sentence that has one blank, and you must choose two words that fit the context of the sentence and produce similar meanings.

Key points:

• Time: The Verbal Reasoning section has two parts, each with 20 questions and 35 minutes to complete.
• Skills tested: Vocabulary, reading comprehension, and critical thinking.

To succeed, practice identifying key points in passages, understanding word meanings from context, and developing strategies for answering different question types.

Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section tests your mathematical skills and ability to reason quantitatively. It consists of two parts, each with 20 questions and 35 minutes to complete. The questions cover a variety of topics, including basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.

Types of questions:

• Problem Solving: These questions involve mathematical problems that require you to apply mathematical concepts and operations to find the correct answer. They may involve arithmetic, algebra, or geometry.
• Quantitative Comparison: You are given two quantities and must determine their relationship. Options include: Quantity A is greater than Quantity B; Quantity A is less than Quantity B; the two quantities are equal; or the relationship cannot be determined.
• Data Interpretation: These questions involve interpreting data from tables, charts, or graphs. You'll need to extract information and apply mathematical reasoning to solve the problem.

Key points:

• Time: 35 minutes for 20 questions in each section.
• Skills tested: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis, and problem-solving.

To prepare, practice problem-solving techniques, improve your understanding of key mathematical concepts, and focus on interpreting data efficiently.

Experimental or Research section

The Experimental or Research section is an unscored section included to help ETS test new questions. It typically appears within the Verbal Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning sections.

• Purpose: It is used to gather data on new questions for future exams.
• No impact: It doesn't affect your score, so you can focus on it without worrying about the outcome.
• Unlabeled: You won't know which section is experimental, but it is usually placed randomly.
• Content: The questions are similar to the scored sections but are not part of the actual scoring process.

Just treat all sections the same way and focus on doing your best.

Computer-adaptive format

The GRE is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), which means the difficulty of the questions you receive depends on your performance as you progress through the exam.

• Verbal and Quantitative sections: The first section of each consists of 20 questions, and the difficulty of the second section is determined by your performance on the first. If you answer questions correctly, the second section will contain harder questions. If you answer incorrectly, the second section will have easier questions.
• Impact on scoring: Because the test adapts to your ability, your score is based not just on the number of correct answers, but also on the difficulty level of the questions you answered correctly.
• Why computer-adaptive: The goal of the adaptive format is to provide a more accurate measure of your ability by tailoring the test to your skill level.
• Experimental section: In addition to the adaptive sections, you may also encounter an unscored experimental section (Verbal or Quantitative), which does not affect your score.

The CAT format helps the GRE assess your abilities more efficiently, and it can make the test experience feel more personalized.

Types of GRE tests

GRE General Test

The GRE General Test is designed to measure the general abilities and skills required for graduate-level education. It assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. The test serves as a common standard for evaluating applicants in various fields of study, such as business, social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities.

GRE Subject Test

GRE Subject Tests are specialized tests that assess knowledge and understanding in specific subject areas. These tests are available for subjects such as biology, chemistry, English literature, math, physics, and psychology. Unlike the GRE General Test, the GRE Subject Test focuses on a specific discipline and is ideal for candidates who want to showcase their expertise in a particular field.

Note: Not all institutions and universities accept all tests, so you should check your university's website and the official GRE website to make sure the test is available in your country and accepted at your university.

Frequently asked questions