What is the GRE Test? All You Need to Know (2024)

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Rachel Kapelke-Dale

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Student with cap planning to take the GRE exam - image by Magoosh Original image by Syda Productions

Taking the GRE test is an important decision that can greatly impact your future. Understandably, you may have many questions about the exam, so we’ve put together this complete guide to answer them all. Let’s dive right in!

Table of Contents

What is the GRE test?

The GRE—which stands for Graduate Record Examinations—is a computer-based standardized test that many graduate schools require as part of their admissions process. Furthermore, as the exam has grown in popularity, many business schools and law schools that require test scores now accept the GRE in place of other exams (such as the GMAT and LSAT).

Though these schools all use the GRE as a factor in evaluating candidates, they are not the ones offering it as an entrance exam. Instead, the Educational Testing Service (ETS)—an independent organization—creates and administers the exam.

Why is the “Examinations” in GRE plural? That scares me

For the most part, whenever you see the acronym GRE, it’s actually referring to a single examination: the GRE General Test. So, if a school merely says that they require the “GRE,” they mean the GRE General Test. Thus, there’s no need to be afraid! You most likely only need to take one exam, not multiple. Phew!

However, some programs may also require a GRE Subject Test, which is indeed a separate exam. GRE Subject Tests, as the name implies, focus on how well you know a specific subject. As of 2024, there are tests for Math, Physics, and Psychology.

If a program also requires a GRE Subject Test, they will explicitly state which one. Many programs also clarify that they do not require any Subject Tests. For schools that are silent on the matter, some candidates may choose to take a GRE Subject Test to supplement their applications.

What is this Shorter GRE test I keep hearing about?

Though the GRE name has remained the same for nearly a hundred years, the format of the test has not. The most recent overhaul happened in 2023 when the length of the exam was chopped in half (many sections were shortened and the experimental section was completely removed). And that’s why you’ll sometimes see it called the Short GRE or Shorter GRE or even New GRE or Updated GRE.

Historical fun facts aside, what’s important for you in 2024 is that you’ll be taking the 2-hour version of the test, not the 4-hour version.

Do I have to take the GRE? Is it optional nowadays?

It depends! It really comes down to the particular programs at the specific schools that you’re applying to. In some cases, the answer is indeed “No.” In other cases, the GRE is a definite requirement. There are also many programs where the GRE is optional.

Case in point, consider Duke University. Their Computer Science, Economics, and Public Policy programs all require the GRE. However, many of their other programs—such as Psychology and Neuroscience, Humanities, and Electrical and Computer Engineering—list the GRE as optional.

Additionally, the requirements even vary by the type of degree that you’re pursuing. For example, a Master’s in Computer Science at Yale requires the GRE, but their PhD program does not (they won’t even accept GRE scores).

Requirements also change from year to year. In the early 2020s, there was a trend towards test optionality. More recently, some schools have started requiring standardized test scores again.

Therefore, it’s essential that you research each individual program that you’re applying to as they all have different policies.

GRE as a choice for business schools and law schools

For most graduate programs, either you have to take the GRE or you don’t. But for business schools and law schools, often there’s an additional factor at play: deciding between two different standardized tests.

For business school—if a test score is required—you’ll need to decide between the GRE and the GMAT. The vast majority of MBA programs accept either test and view them equally. Thus, it comes down to your personal preferences—and your strengths and weaknesses—as far as which to take.

For law school, it’s a similar story. Though not as widespread, more than half of US law schools accept the GRE. Depending on which ones you’re applying to, it may be more efficient to just take the LSAT. However, if all your schools accept either exam, then you may want to consider taking the GRE instead of the LSAT.

What is on the GRE test?

The GRE measures your skills in three main areas: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.

  • Verbal Reasoning assesses how well you analyze written material, evaluate arguments, and understand the relationships between words and concepts.
  • Quantitative Reasoning tests your ability to comprehend, evaluate, and solve problems using numerical data, basic math principles, and critical thinking.
  • Analytical Writing measures your capacity to express complex ideas effectively, construct well-reasoned arguments, and present them in a clear and structured manner.

Here’s a quick look at what comprises the GRE and its sections:

Section Time Questions
Verbal Reasoning 41 minutes 27
Quantitative Reasoning 47 minutes 27
Analytical Writing 30 minutes 1 essay
TOTAL 1 hour 58 minutes 54 questions, 1 essay

We dive into all the details in our Complete Guide to the GRE eBook PDF, but here are some key highlights about the exam:

  • The Verbal and Quant portions are both split into two sections (12 questions, then 15)
  • Adapts by section: your performance on the 1st section dictates the difficulty of the 2nd
  • No breaks between sections
  • No penalties for guessing, so always answer every question!
  • Only about half of the GRE questions are standard multiple choice

Now, let’s take a brief look at each of the sections.

Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section ultimately tests how you read. You’ll need to parse dense passages to identify main ideas, inferences, and arguments. You’ll also need to pay attention to context clues while navigating tricky grammatical structures to determine which vocabulary words (or phrases) best fill in the blanks. And many of those vocabulary words are quite advanced!

Check out our Verbal Review for more information.

Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section is exactly that: a reasoning test. This means you don’t have to worry about advanced calculus, trigonometry, proofs, or really anything that you studied past the third year of high school. The test primarily focuses on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

See our Math Review for more details.

Analytical Writing

The Analytical Writing section tasks you with writing a single essay. Given a specific issue, you’ll need to stake a position and then support your argument. You’ll want to write an essay that’s well structured (with a clearly defined thesis), well reasoned (with examples that convincingly show your position), and well expressed.

Read Tips to Approaching the GRE Analytical Writing Section for more on how to best craft your essay.

Complete Guide to the GRE Test eBook PDF

Giving each of these sections a full discussion is more than we can do in this article. So, we’ve put together a comprehensive resource here:


Magoosh's Complete Guide to the GRE eBook cover

That eBook goes into great detail about each of the sections and all their question types. We discuss recommended strategies and walk through several practice questions for commonly tested concepts and question types. Also included are suggested resources to get the most out of your studies.


Button to download Complete Guide to the GRE eBook

We hope you find this PDF helpful! Print it out, or download it to your phone. Use it as an introduction to the GRE as you’re starting out, or reference it throughout your GRE journey.

What score do I need?

In large part, your choice of program and school dictates what score to aim for. Remember how all these programs have different requirements for even taking the GRE or not? Well, they all have different minimums and averages for the test results, too.

Some schools will specify a certain total (or “composite”) GRE score that’s needed. Others will break that down by section, into separate Verbal and Quant requirements. Some programs also place much more emphasis on one section over another. No surprise, Humanities programs will typically be much more interested in your Verbal score, whereas Engineering programs will be looking at your Quant score.

One thing is for certain: you don’t have to get the highest possible score on the GRE, a 340. If you achieve that, that’s absolutely fantastic! However, acing the exam is by no means necessary.

Target scores to aim for

Very generally, in terms of percentiles, getting above the 50th percentile (approximately a 310 score) is a nice minimum target to aim for. That means you’re a little above average and meet the requirements or recommendations for a lot of schools. And for a rather competitive score, getting above the 75th percentile (around a 323 score) is a good target.

Again, you’re going to want to research each of your schools’ requirements to find the best and most accurate answer. You can get some ballpark figures by looking at the GRE score ranges for top universities.

You can also look at the averages for various types of programs: What’s a Good GRE Score?

Most importantly, examine your programs’ admissions pages for the target scores that will be most applicable to you.

How hard is the GRE test?

This is another question where the answer depends a lot on you! There are all kinds of factors to consider, such as:

  • What did you study in college?
  • How long ago did you attend?
  • Is math a weakness or a strength of yours?
  • How much GRE prep have you done so far?

We look at these factors and more in our article How Hard is the GRE? We also compare sample questions from other tests you may be considering (like the GMAT or LSAT) or may have already taken (like the SAT or ACT).

How do I best study for the exam?

It really boils down to a steady diet of:

  1. Studying content and strategies (such as through lessons)
  2. Doing practice questions and taking practice tests
  3. Learning from your mistakes

Now, those are just the broad strokes. For greater detail, more nuance, and advice on how to stay on track in your studies, be sure to look at:

GRE test prep options

As for how to go about all of the above, you have a few options:

GRE books

Good if you’re a self-starter with lots of energy and motivation! While these are an inexpensive, self-paced option, they may not be the best if you need special guidance. Read our reviews of the best GRE books for recommendations.

In-person GRE prep classes

These are good if you need motivation or if you have a compressed time frame. These are also helpful if you want to have an expert explain the test to you in person. On the other hand, they can be expensive and may not fit your schedule or be easily accessible from your location. Additionally, you’ll need to do some research to find reputable classes.

GRE tutors

Tutors are an excellent option for those who need extra motivation or want personalized study plans and support. Tutors can also be especially helpful if you are looking to address particular problem areas. However, tutoring will normally be more expensive than classes because you’re paying for one-on-one time.

The biggest issue here is finding someone qualified. A good tutor isn’t just someone that scored high on the GRE. They also need strong 1-on-1 teaching skills (which are different from the 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!) in a format that matches the actual GRE test. It gives you a clear path forward with the ability to go at your own pace, along with some level of personalization.

Good online GRE prep will also be transparent. They’ll let you know what you can expect from the program and will have 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 are a must as well, and it’s even better if they offer access to experts. Furthermore, a score guarantee can instill some confidence and peace of mind.

When and how do I take the GRE test?

As for when to take the GRE in your overall timeline, aim to take the exam the season before your applications are due. For example, if you need to submit your applications by winter, take the GRE in the fall. This approach gives you ample time to adapt if, for example, you choose to retake the GRE.

As for the exact date and the necessary registration steps, take a look at our article on test dates. Ultimately, there’s a fair amount of flexibility. You do have more options if you’re taking the GRE online at home. However, as long as you sign up months in advance, there should be plenty of opportunities to take the GRE in person at a test center as well.

Lastly, to read about what the experience of taking the GRE test is like, please see:

Wrapping up: that’s all there is to know

Now you know what the GRE exam is all about! Give yourself a pat on the back for learning all the GRE basics. We hope this resource helps you in making an informed decision about the GRE.

If you decide to take the GRE, now is a great time to start prepping. For lessons covering all the content and strategies you need to know, as well as ample practice questions and practice tests, consider a Magoosh GRE Premium plan.

Wait, I have more questions about the GRE! (An FAQ)

And we have more answers!

First, an essential resource about the exam is ETS’s GRE Information Bulletin. That has all the fine and tiny print for everything related to the GRE.

However, it’s not a very exciting doc to read through. So, we’ve distilled some of the most important information from that bulletin into many of the answers below.

Are there accommodations for disabilities or health-related needs?

Yes, ETS does provide various accommodations for those who demonstrate need. It can be a lengthy process to be approved, so start early.

For more information, see:

Can I reschedule or cancel my exam?

You can reschedule your exam appointment (or location) for a fee (generally around $50).

Alternatively, you can completely cancel your appointment, but this is more costly. If you cancel several days in advance, you’ll only be refunded half of your test fee. But if you cancel at the last minute, you’ll receive no refund.

As for how to reschedule or cancel, you can do so online within your ETS account. Depending on your location, you can also do so via phone (make sure you have your appointment confirmation number handy).

How exactly do I send GRE scores to my schools?

It depends whether you’re doing this on test day right after your exam concludes or further down the road. However, either way, you’ll first want to find the code that ETS assigns to a particular school or program.

On test day at the end of your exam, you can select up to 4 programs to send your official scores to for free. As for what “scores” means here, you have a couple options:

  • Most recent: send only the scores of the test you just took
  • All: send the scores of the test you just took and any other GRE test in the past 5 years

Additionally, for whichever option you choose, you send all the scores related to a given test. In other words, the school will see your overall total GRE score, your Quant score, your Verbal score, and your Analytical Writing score from a specific test. You cannot pick and choose different scores from different tests to bundle them together.

After test day, you have to pay a fee for each program you send a score to. You also gain an additional option:

  • Any: send the scores of any GRE test that you’ve taken in the past 5 years

Can my GRE scores expire?

Yes. GRE scores are only valid for 5 years from your test date. If you’re beyond that window, you’ll need to take the exam again.

Could you tell me more about canceling my scores?

On test day at the end of your exam, you’ll be given the option to cancel your scores before seeing your unofficial test results. You may be tempted to do this if you feel you didn’t perform well. However, given the many options you have around sending (or not sending) certain scores, there is most likely no reason to ever cancel your scores. (And you may have actually done better than you were expecting!)

You should also be aware that ETS in rare cases can cancel your scores. See the end of the GRE Information Bulletin for full details, but broadly this can happen due to testing irregularities, failed identification, misconduct, plagiarism, or ETS’s discretion. If any of these happen, you’ll be notified in writing and given a chance to respond (and it can be a lengthy process).

Can I use scratch paper during the test?

It depends if you’re taking the exam at a test center or at home. At a test center, they will provide you with scratch paper to write on. At home, you cannot write on paper. Instead, you have to write with an erasable marker on a whiteboard or on a transparent sheet protector covering a piece of paper.

Can I use my own calculator?

No. Regardless of whether you take the test at home or at a test center, you are not allowed to bring your own calculator. The GRE provides an onscreen calculator during the Quant sections.

How much can I expect to spend on the GRE?

At a minimum, just taking the GRE test itself will cost you $220 (in most countries). However, various fees can quickly increase that number. See How Much Does the GRE Cost? for all the details.

And, per the earlier section on how to best study for the GRE, your choice of prep is an important factor in your overall costs as well.

Lastly, you may be able to save some money by applying for a GRE Fee Waiver.

I’ve taken the GRE before. Should I take it again?

In some cases, yes. You’ll want to reflect on your previous experience with the GRE and weigh various factors such as how much time you have left before your deadlines and how much of a score increase you’re likely to achieve.

But in other cases, retaking the GRE may not be the best use of your time and funds. Instead, it may be more impactful to focus on other aspects of your application.

We’ve put together some general advice—along with a detailed, handy flowchart—in our article Should I Take the GRE Again?

Where can I find more GRE resources?

Explore the Magoosh GRE blog for more advice, practice questions, and tips.

ETS offers two free practice tests called POWERPREP Online. Since these are Official tests, we recommend saving them until later in your studies so that you can get the most accurate score estimate for how you’ll do on your upcoming test.

And for even more resources, take a look at our Top 5 Free GRE Resources and Study Materials.

Happy studying!

Author

  • Rachel Kapelke-Dale

    Rachel has helped students around the world prepare for various standardized tests, including the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT, and she is one of the authors of our Magoosh ACT Prep Book. Rachel has a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature from Brown University, an MA in Cinematography from the Université de Paris VII, and a Ph.D. in Film Studies from University College London.

    View all posts

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