GRE

GRE · Updated October 26, 2026 · Page 2 of 2

How Many Times Can You Take the GRE?

How many times can you take the GRE? Once every 21 days, up to five times in any rolling 12-month period, with no lifetime limit set by ETS.

GRE vs LSAT: the GRE tests math and is adaptive; the LSAT tests reasoning with no math. Compare format, retakes and ETS's GRE-to-LSAT tool.

How long should GRE essays be? ETS sets no word count for the 30-minute Issue essay. Aim for a clear position and a few well-developed points.

GRE scores arrive 8-10 days after your test, with unofficial Verbal and Quant scores on test day. Later score reports take about 5 business days.

How long is the GRE? About 1 hour 58 minutes: one 30-minute essay, two Verbal sections and two Quant sections, with no scheduled break.

How hard is the GRE? Its tough parts are tricky wording, about 1.5 minutes per question and adaptive sections, but steady prep makes it manageable.