GRE Test: Introduction, Subjects, Requirements, Test Dates, GRE Scores & Benefits
What Is The GRE?
The GRE or Graduate Record Examination is a standardized test taken by people who want to attend graduate school. They are typically those who want to obtain a Master’s or Ph.D. degree. Three subject areas are tested in the GRE, and namely, they are Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Since September 22, 2023, the test takes about 1 hour and 58 minutes. The question types reflect the kind of thinking students do in graduate school.
The GRE General Test registration fee is $249 in most of the world, with a lower fee in China.
- Who Takes The GRE Test?
- GRE Test Content
- GRE Verbal Reasoning
- GRE Quantitative Reasoning
- GRE Analytical Writing
- GRE Test Scores
- [Computer-Delivered GRE General Content And Structure And Paper- Delivered General Test Content And Structure](#computer delivered)
- GRE Test Requirements
- GRE Test Dates
Who Takes The GRE Test?
People who plan to apply to a graduate, business or law program take the GRE test. Among those who tested between July 2022 and June 2025, 48% said they were female and 51% said they were male, according to ETS.
Related Topic: GRE Test Scores, Good, Average And Range Of GRE Score
GRE Test Content
The test content of the GRE features questions that are close reflections of the kind of thinking and skills that you need in order to succeed in the demanding environment of today’s graduate schools. Within any timed section, you can skip questions, go back to them and change your answers. The Verbal and Quant measures are section-level adaptive: the difficulty of your second section depends on how you did on the first.
GRE Verbal Reasoning
In the Verbal Reasoning Test of the GRE, your skills about analyzing and drawing conclusions from an argument will be tested. Your reasoning from incomplete data will be measured as well. Identifying an author’s perspective or assumptions are included in this section along with understanding literal and figurative meanings and the author’s intent. Brush up on your skills in clarifying important points, major from minor points and summarizing and understanding a given text. Be keen on understanding word, sentence and text meanings and word and concept relationships.
Related Topic: GRE Practice Tests: Fly High And Be A “Super” Test-Taker
GRE Quantitative Reasoning
This section will test your skills in understanding, interpreting and analyzing quantitative data. You should be able to use Mathematical models to solve problems. Your knowledge of basic Arithmetic, Data Analysis, Algebra and Geometry will be measured. In this section of the GRE, you can use an on-screen calculator.
GRE Analytical Writing
This section is one 30-minute "Analyze an Issue" essay. You should be able to clearly articulate complex ideas. With the use of relevant examples and reasons, you should know how to support particular ideas. Your skills in examining claims and associated evidence will be tested. How keen are you in sustaining a discussion that’s coherent and well-focused? At the same time, you should be proficient in controlling the rudiments of standard written English.
GRE Test Scores
In the Verbal Reasoning test, your score will be measured on a scale of 130 to 170 points. The Quantitative Reasoning test will have you garnering a score from 130 to 170 points while the Analytical Writing section is scored on a range of 0 to 6 points. If no questions are answered for a measure, you receive a No Score (NS) for it. You have the privilege of using the ScoreSelect option when taking the GRE. That is, you have the option to decide which scores to forward to your preferred institutions. Your registration fee includes sending scores to up to 4 programs. You can send scores from any test you took within the last 5 years.
See also our post on How Hard Is The GRE here for additional information.
Learn more: Private: GRE Practice Tests: Fly High And Be A “Super” Test-Taker
GRE General Test Structure
The GRE General Test is computer-delivered, at a test center or at home. Since September 22, 2023, it has five sections and takes about 1 hour and 58 minutes, per the ETS GRE Guide to the Use of Scores:
- Analytical Writing: one "Analyze an Issue" task, 30 minutes
- Verbal Reasoning: two sections, 12 questions in 18 minutes and 15 questions in 23 minutes
- Quantitative Reasoning: two sections, 12 questions in 21 minutes and 15 questions in 26 minutes
Before September 22, 2023, the test took about 3 hours and 45 minutes. It had two essays, 20-question Verbal and Quant sections, and an unscored section.
Related Topic: What Is A Good GRE Score? Tips To Gain Admission In Your Dream School
GRE Test Requirements
ID or identification information is required when registering for the GRE. The name indicated in your ID should exactly match your registration name. When you report to your test center, you will be responsible for bringing a valid and acceptable ID. Make sure that your document is up-to-date. Bring an original ID, not a photocopied one or that which is saved on your smartphone or any other electronic gadget. It has to be government-issued, valid and contains your first and last name. Your photograph (on the ID) should be recent and recognizable.
On test day, bring your valid ID and your confirmation email with your test time and location. If you test at home, check the ETS at-home equipment and room requirements before you register.
Related Topic: How To Study For The GRE Effectively – Here’s A Foolproof 8-Week Test Prep Plan
GRE Test Dates
To register, create an ETS account online and pick a date. In most regions, the General Test is offered year-round at ETS-authorized test centers and at home. Official scores reach you and your schools in about 8 to 10 days.
You can retake the General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any rolling 12-month period.
The GRE Subject Tests (Mathematics, Physics and Psychology) are offered only in set testing windows each fall and spring, at test centers and at home. The registration fee is $199. Check the ETS site for the current windows and deadlines.
The GRE is one of the most preferred admissions tests by the world’s top graduate and business schools. It is known to be an accurate assessment of the skills needed by students to succeed in various graduate school programs. What are the benefits of taking the GRE?
- Graduate, business and many law schools accept GRE scores. One test can support applications to many kinds of programs around the world.
- You can approach the test in a method that works to your best advantage. Within each section, the GRE lets you skip questions and return to them to review or change your answers. You’ll feel more at ease with this test and can better achieve your best score.
- Your GRE scores are valid for 5 years. Even if you take the test just now, you’ll have more time to decide on when and where you plan to pursue your graduate degree.
- You can choose which scores to send to your preferred schools. This is the ScoreSelect option: you send only the test dates you want schools to see, and each test date is reported in full.
