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The GRE test, which stands for the Graduate Record Examination, is a computer-based standardized exam that many global graduate, graduate business, and law programs require as part of the admissions process. The GRE exam takes 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete. Here’s the section breakdown: Two Verbal, two Quantitative, and one Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA). To learn all about what you’ll need to prepare for the exam, watch the video below and read on for Magoosh’s official guide to the GRE!
Table of Contents
- Chapter 1: What is the GRE Test?
- Chapter 2: GRE Test Sections: What does the GRE exam evaluate in 2024?
- Chapter 3: GRE Test Scores and Percentiles
- Chapter 4: How to Prepare for the GRE Test in 2024: Next Steps
What is the GRE Test?
The GRE test is an exam that master’s and doctoral programs use to evaluate candidates. However, individual universities do not offer the GRE as an entrance exam. Instead, the Educational Testing Service (ETS), an independent organization, writes and administers the test. Admissions committees then use GRE scores, along with other factors such as undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, and personal statements, to evaluate an applicant’s admissions file.
If you’re thinking about applying to a graduate program, it’s important to find out as soon as possible whether it requires applicants to submit GRE scores for admission. Not only will this give you a better idea of the school’s requirements, but it will also help you pin down the GRE score you’ll need, plan a test date based on your goal score, and finally register for the exam.
When is the GRE exam offered?
The GRE at home is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The in-person exam taken at a test center is also available seven days a week and available most days of the year. For both the at home and in-person options, seats can fill up fast so they may not be available to you every day of the year. Remember, either option requires a proctor to monitor your test-taking experience for security and integrity reasons. That’s why you should register for the exam as soon as you know you want to take it, bearing in mind deadlines for the programs to which you’re applying.
If you’re taking the paper-based GRE exam at a test center (rare, but it still happens), it’s so important to schedule your test date as soon as you know you’ll be taking the GRE. Why? Because there are only two GRE test dates a year FOR PAPER-BASED TESTS. You can take it in February or November—but that’s it. This list of GRE test dates can help you decide, whether you’re taking the at-home, computer-based, or paper-based GRE test. You can take it in college, after college—it’s really up to you, though there are a few factors to take into consideration.
Who takes the GRE test?
Future graduate students, that’s who. This applies almost across the board, from the sciences to the humanities. And yes, you have to take all the sections, no matter what program you’re applying to (although STEM programs will usually not care much about your Verbal score, while humanities programs rarely worry about your Quant score).
To sum it up:
- If you’re applying to a Master’s or Doctoral program in the Arts, Sciences, or Humanities, you probably need to take the GRE.
- If you’re applying to medical school, you definitely don’t need to take the GRE. The MCAT is the exam for you!
- If you’re applying to law or business school, you might opt take the GRE, or substitute it for the LSAT or GMAT, or neither—it all depends on what the schools require.
- And if you’re debating between the GMAT vs GRE for your MBA, the GRE is probably better if you’re very strong in verbal skills but weaker in math. Click here for a full comparison of the GMAT vs GRE.
GRE Subject Tests
GRE Subject Tests focus on how well you know a specific subject: Biology, Chemistry, Literature in English, Math, Physics, or Psychology. Candidates who plan to study one of these programs may take a Subject Test as a requirement for that program, or to supplement their application.
Grad Schools That Don’t Require the GRE
Graduate schools loosened or completely waived their GRE requirements in response to COVID-19. However, whether schools continue to do so is always subject to change. Thus, you must check the current admissions requirements for every program to which you are applying.
Is the GRE test hard?
We get this question all the time! The answer is…it depends on you! Questions to consider: What did you study in college? How long ago did you attend? What are your strengths? Your weaknesses? Have you prepared for the GRE exam?
GRE Test Sections: What does the GRE exam evaluate in 2024?
| Section | Time per section | Score range |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning (Verbal) | Two sections: First section is 18 minutes with 12 questions. Second section is 23 minutes with 15 questions. | 130–170 |
| Quantitative Reasoning (Quant) | Two sections: First section is 21 minutes with 12 questions. Second section is 26 minutes with 15 questions. | 130–170 |
| Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) | One, 30-minute evaluate an issue essay task | 0–6, in half-point increments |
Be prepared! There are no breaks given during the exam!
The GRE Verbal Section
The Verbal Reasoning section includes some text completion (fill-in-the-blank), critical reading, and sentence equivalence questions. To dig deeper into each question type, check out the links below:
- GRE Verbal: A Breakdown of Each Question Type
- Reading Comprehension: Tips and Strategies
- How to Study GRE Vocabulary
The GRE Math Section (Quant)
The Quantitative Reasoning section has three main question types: problem solving, quantitative comparison, and numeric entry. Quant is mainly set up as a reasoning test. This means you don’t have to worry about advanced calculus, trigonometry, geometric proofs, or really anything that you studied past the third year of high school. However, you may need to brush up on the basics—for most of us taking the GRE test, high school was a while ago!—such as integer properties, exponents and roots, word problems, basic geometric properties like circles or triangles. Check out the links below for a closer look at some of the skills and concepts that are essential for quant sucess:
- GRE Math Formulas Cheat Sheet and eBook
- GRE Exponents and Practice
- GRE Quantitative Comparison Questions
The GRE AWA Section
Finally, the Analytical Writing Assessment requires you to write one issue essay. This will require you take a position and make an argument for your own stance on a specific issue. Luckily, the essay is always based on real-world, straightforward examples, and ETS even has a pool of topics for you to study ahead of time. You’ll want to write an essay that’s well-structured (including a clearly defined thesis), well-reasoned (have examples and convincingly show your position), and well-expressed. Read more below:
GRE Test Sample Questions
Click here for more free GRE Verbal practice questions and explanations!
Click here for more free GRE Quant practice questions and explanations!
GRE Test Scores and Percentiles
Before you take the GRE, it’s important to familiarize yourself with GRE test scores: how you’ll be evaluated and what your score means in context.
This is all the more important because few (if any) programs will care about your composite/total score, and instead will look at your GRE test scores on the Verbal and Quant multiple-choice sections, usually giving one much more significance (depending on your field). To see how you’ll be evaluated, here’s a rundown of the GRE score range and what makes for a good GRE score.
To complete the full picture, always look at your percentile ranking. When you receive a score report, you will also receive a number indicating the percent of people you scored better than (in these GRE percentile charts, look to the right of the score for the percentile rank).
If you score in the top 90% in both Math and Verbal, then you are a competitive candidate, even at competitive schools. Less competitive schools may only require 50%. Exam score standards can vary considerably by school!
How to Study for the GRE Test in 2024: Next Steps
Now that you know all about the GRE test, what is the best way to study for the GRE?
- Use a practice test to “diagnose” your strengths and weaknesses, and gauge your current score.
Click here to learn more
Take that all-important free GRE test as a diagnostic here on our Magoosh GRE blog, or sign up for a free 7-day trial of Magoosh GRE to start practicing! Once you have your score, check it against a score-to-percentiles table to see if you’re in the percentile you need for your target school. As you go forward, plan on taking plenty of practice tests, including the official GRE guide full-length tests.
- Choose a study plan based on your diagnostic test and calendar.
Click here to learn more
The good news about taking a diagnostic test: now that you have your score, you’ll also have some idea of how much work you need to do for the GRE test.
Check out this list of free, expert-crafted study schedules and cross-reference them with your calendar. Be honest about your commitments: it’s totally fine if your five-hour Netflix Sundays are non-negotiable, but factor that into your study time. There’s nothing worse than watching Netflix feeling guilty that you should be studying for the GRE exam.
More importantly, you need to be realistic about how much time you have to know how much you’ll be able to accomplish. Magoosh’s quiz, How Long Should You Study for the GRE, can also help give you an idea of your study needs!
While you have your calendar open, start thinking about and register for your future GRE test date. When you register, keep in mind that the GRE cost starts from $205, but your total fees will vary depending on changes and the GRE test prep you choose.
- Find the best resources for you, and start prepping for test day!
Click here to learn more
When it comes to studying for the GRE test, you have a few options:
- Practice questions and practice tests: The materials you’re going to rely on most—by taking them frequently, you’ll see how to improve your score and how close you are to achieving your goals. Be sure to evaluate these early!
- GRE books: Good if you’re a self-starter with lots of energy and motivation! While these are an inexpensive option that you can follow at your own pace, they may not be the best option if you need special guidance. Read our reviews of the best GRE books for recommendations.
- GRE prep classes: Good if you need motivation, if you have a compressed timeframe, or if you want to have an expert explain the test to you in person. On the other hand, they can be expensive, may not fit your schedule or be easily accessible from your location, and you’ll need to do some research to find reputable classes.
- GRE tutors: An excellent option for those who need extra motivation, want personalized study plans and support, and/or are looking to address particular problem areas. Tutors will normally be more expensive than classes, because you’re paying for one-on-one time. The biggest issue here is finding someone qualified—not just because he or she scored well on the GRE exam, but also because of strong tutoring skills (and these are different than teaching skills needed for a large group).
- Online GRE test prep: While we’re obviously a little biased, online test prep offers the best of all worlds. You have lots of material (often more than any book can provide!); computer-based practice to match the actual GRE test; a clear path forward with the ability to go at your own pace; and some level of personalization. Good online GRE prep will also be transparent, letting you know what you can expect from the program and having the data (and testimonials) to back their claims up. Whichever program you opt for, look for ones that offer lots of practice similar to what you’ll see on test day, detailed answers and explanations, access to experts to help with your study, plus a proven track record (or even a score guarantee).
- Practice questions and practice tests: The materials you’re going to rely on most—by taking them frequently, you’ll see how to improve your score and how close you are to achieving your goals. Be sure to evaluate these early!
What is the GRE exam all about? Now you know. Congrats! You’ve reached the end of this GRE test guide! Give yourself a pat on the back for learning all the GRE basics and trying your hand at some GRE exam samples.
Still want more content? Head over to our GRE FAQ to get your burning questions answered or check out the GRE eBook to read our top blog posts on all things GRE.
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