We’ve got some exciting news to share with you about upcoming enhancements to the GRE. In September 2023, the GRE will undergo a major change that will make your test-taking experience less exhausting and anxiety-ridden.
The big picture is simple enough: the GRE will shorten from its current 3 hours and 45 minutes to less than 2 hours. This new “Short GRE General Test” is will provide test takers with many benefits.
Let’s dive in and explore the latest improvements to the GRE. Here some changes you’ll notice in the test itself:
- Analytical writing: 2 essays in 60 minutes shortens to 1 essay in 30 minutes
- Quantitative reasoning: 40 questions in 70 minutes shortens to 27 questions in 47 minutes
- Verbal Reasoning: 40 questions in 60 minutes shortens to 27 questions in 41 minutes
- Overall test time: 3 hours, 45 minutes shortens to 1 hour, 58 minutes
The enhancements don’t stop there! Some other, more general enhancements you’ll notice are:
- Faster score reporting: Your official scores will now be available in your ETS account within 10-15 days after your test date, instead of the previous 15-day window.
- Increased test center availability: ETS has expanded its network of test centers, providing more options for you to choose from when scheduling your exam.
- Improved test-taker experience: Several improvements have been made to the testing interface, making it more user-friendly and easier to navigate.
- Enhanced security measures: ETS has implemented new security features to protect the integrity of the GRE and ensure a fair testing environment for all candidates.
With faster score reporting, you’ll have your results sooner, allowing you to make well-informed decisions about your graduate school applications. And who doesn’t love having more test center options? Now you can find a location that’s more convenient for you, saving time and reducing stress on test day.
The improved test-taker experience is especially notable since a more user-friendly interface means you can focus on showcasing your skills and knowledge with fewer unnecessary distractions. Plus, the enhanced security measures ensure that your hard work and dedication are recognized fairly.
These enhancements reflect the GRE’s continuing importance to the admissions process, but remember it isn’t everything. Other parts of your application such as essays or letters of recommendation may be just as important in determining your acceptance into a competitive graduate program. Don’t let test anxiety overwhelm you and don’t forget to take time to relax before test day!
What will be score in new syste.
The GRE scores are not changing! You can read more details here: https://www.ets.org/pdfs/gre/general-test-enhancement-faqs-for-test-takers.pdf
Best of luck to you!
Hi! If I sign up for the GRE at a testing center after Sept 22, will it use the new, shorter GRE to test me? Or is this something that differs between testing centers?
Hi Julia,
After Sept. 22, the new GRE will be given at both test centers and at home. The old test will no longer be given. You can read more FAQs here: https://www.ets.org/pdfs/gre/general-test-enhancement-faqs-for-test-takers.pdf
Happy studying! 😀
Will colleges accept newer version GRE mark for fall 2024?
Hi Vicky!
Colleges will accept either GRE score for up to 5 years after the test is taken. The new GRE will begin being administered on Sept. 22nd, 2023. It will take 8-10 calendar days for ETS to send out Official scores. So, it all depends on your application due dates!
Best of luck to you! 😀
Very exciting change! I’m currently doing the 6 month Magoosh prep course, and I’m nearing the end of it. I’m wondering what the best strategy is to approach the mock tests at this time, given the new GRE is much shorter. Does it make sense to emulate the new GRE and skip sections I know won’t exist (like one of the essays?) or is it better at this point in time to just do as many practice questions as possible and maybe focus on pacing per section rather than stamina throughout four hours?
Hi Courtney!
It seems you’re definitely going to wait until Sept. 22 or afterwards to take the new version of the test, is that right? If so, note that the Official practice tests are being released in September. As for Magoosh, we’re working on ours but don’t have a date set for release yet. Depending on when you’re taking your test, you may be able to wait to take new practice test versions that will resemble the new test more closely. In the meantime, note that we added new ‘Short GRE’ buttons at the top of our Custom Practice page so that students like you will be able to get started with practicing pacing for each new section!
Hope this helps, and best of luck!
Hi, Thank yo very much for this information. When will be updated the information in the magoosh page so we can have mock test that are the same as this new Shorter GRE?
Hi Josefina!
We don’t have a date set yet for release of our new practice tests, but you can be assured that we’re working on it! Note that the Official practice tests for the new GRE won’t be available until September. In the meantime, we have added a new ‘quick practice’ button within the Magoosh dashboard’s Custom Practice page, so that students like you can practice the new, shorter sections within new time limits!
I hope this helps! Happy studying! 😀
Are we available to attend this Shorter GRE Test from our home?
Hi Nikhil!
Good question! Yes, the new version of the GRE will be available both at home and at test centers this September.
Happy studying! 😀
Nice to hear it.. If I register now for September, will I write GRE in new format?
Hi Nusrat,
Registration for the new version of the test is now open. If you register for a test date on or after September 22, 2023, you will take the new format of the test.
Hope this helps! 😀
Schools will still accept previous version tests right??
Hi Terisa,
That is correct! All GRE scores are valid for 5 years after the test date, and schools will still accept scores from the previous version of the test within that range.
😀
Hi!
I’m using the 7 day free trial for Magossh GRE right now and will definitely be getting the 6 month premium version in the next couple of days to prepare for my GRE General test at the end of September 2023. I had 2 questions:
1) Should I only thoroughly *only* prepare using my Magoosh premium course. Should I get different books or anything outside of Magoosh premium course and flashcard resources.
2) Is the course tailored towards the new GRE format coming out in Sept 2023?
Hi Mir,
That’s great to hear! We recommend that students study with the GRE Official Guide as well. However, that is a recommended resource, and it is optional. It’s made by the actual test maker, so it’s the closest you can get to the actual test, which is why we recommend it. That being said, many students just use Magoosh and that can work too!
Our materials will be updated to reflect the new GRE format in time. In the meantime, since the test is only being shortened and only the Analyze an Argument Task in Writing will be cut, you can still use all of the current Magoosh materials and Official prep to prepare, and we recommend you get started right away! 😀
Hope this helps!
Is this real?? Will programs be accepting it for this next cycle?
Hi Hannah!
Yes, this is definitely real! You can read all details on the ETS Official website here: https://www.ets.org/gre/test-takers/general-test/enhancements.html.
The new version of the test won’t begin until Sept. 22 2023. So, schools will begin accepting results from the new test after that. This will be the only version of the GRE general test available at that time, so if schools accept GRE scores, they will be getting scores from this new version of the test.
Hope this helps! 😃