GRE Test Practice 2025
Graduate Record Examination
What is GRE Test?
The Graduate Record Examination or also called as GRE is a standardized test that is often used by graduate schools and business schools as a form of admission. It is part of their application process which measures whether or not the applicant/candidate is academically ready for the graduate programs or graduate business programs.
The Graduate Record Exam is administered by the Educational Testing Services (ETS). There are also two types of GRE tests: GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test.
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The GRE General Test measures general knowledge while the GRE Subject Test measures your expertise in your preferred field. Most schools usually require the general test, but sometimes some require applicants to take the subject test that is most related to their graduate programs.
There are a lot of differences between the two. Their content differs since the general test has 3 main sections, and it can be taken in two ways. It can either be a computer-based or paper-based test. For the subject test, it only has one section, and it can only be taken as a paper-based test.
Who takes the GRE Test?
According to Learning Express’ Acing the GRE Exam, those who take the test are those who want to apply in doctoral or master’s programs. Although they are only a part of the admission process, they still play a crucial role. Most universities make use of this standardized test because it is an indication for them of the student’s capabilities.
Format and Content Outline
What is covered on the GRE?
The most common and often required test is the GRE general test. The GRE exam has multiple-choice questions, a writing portion, and some numeric entry questions. It also consists of 3 main sections. The exam takes almost 4 hours to complete. It has 2 formats. You can take the CAT or the Computer Adaptive test, or you can take the paper-delivered version.
What is the GRE test pattern?
Computer-delivered or CAT GRE General Test
The overall allowed time to take the computer version of the GRE general test is at least 3 hours and 45 minutes.
| Measure | Number of Questions | Time Allowed |
| Analytical Writing – It has 1 section, but it contains 2 tasks that are separately timed. | The 2 tasks:
| 30 minutes per task |
| Verbal Reasoning – It has 2 sections. | 20 questions per section | 30 minutes per section |
| Quantitative Reasoning – It has 2 sections. | 20 questions per section | 35 minutes per section |
| Unscored – In this section, unscored items may appear after the Analytical Writing Section. These items are used for future tests. | Varies | Varies |
| Research – It may be included in the unscored section, and it will appear at the end of the test. It is used for ETS research purposes. | Varies | Varies |
Paper-delivered GRE General Test Content and Structure
The overall allowed time to take the written or paper version of the GRE general test is at least 3 hours and 30 minutes. The Analytical Writing section will always come first, and the other sections may appear in any order.
Moreover, the answers are written into the test book and not in a separate answer sheet. You cannot also bring your own calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning because it will be provided for you.
| Measure | Number of Questions | Time Allowed |
| Analytical Writing – It has 2 sections. | The 2 sections:
| 30 minutes per section |
| Verbal Reasoning – It has 2 sections. | 25 questions per section | 35 minutes per section |
| Quantitative Reasoning – It has 2 sections. | 25 questions per section | 40 minutes per section |
What is the syllabus for the GRE general knowledge test?
The syllabus for the GRE exam is divided into 3 main sections: Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.
1. Analytical Writing determines the applicant’s critical and analytical skills through its writing portion. The applicants are required to write two essays. It will test their abilities in articulation and construction of arguments. It must also show cohesion. This section is further divided into 2 tasks: “Analyze an Issue” and “Analyze an Argument.”
- “Analyze an Issue” – In this task, you must evaluate and give your opinion on an issue of general interest. You will be given instructions on how to respond to it. You must also state your argument, along with your reasons and examples to support your opinions.
- “Analyze an Argument:- In this task, you must evaluate a given argument. You will be given instructions on how to respond to it. You have to think about the logical soundness of the argument rather than agreeing or disagreeing to it.
2. Verbal Reasoning determines the applicant’s skills in evaluating and analyzing written material and consolidating information. It also analyzes relationships of sentence structure, words, and concepts. This section also has three types of questions: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence.
a. Reading Comprehension – This question type tests the applicant’s abilities to read and understand prose that is usually seen in graduate school. Some of these skills are:
- You must understand the meaning of paragraphs, individual words, and sentences.
- You must differentiate the major and minor points.
- You must know how to summarize a passage.
- You must know how to identify the author’s perspective.
- You must analyze a text and reach conclusions.
b. Text Completion – This question type tests the ability of the applicants to use the remaining information in a passage that contains omitted crucial words. They have to fill in the blanks with the right selection of words.
c. Sentence Equivalence – This question type tests the ability of the applicant to reach a conclusion. They must be able to complete and make a coherent sentence.
3. Quantitative Reasoning determines the applicant’s knowledge and mastery of basic mathematical skills and mathematical concepts. It also tests the ability to solve quantitative methods using quantitative reasoning. It has 4 content areas: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis. This section also contains 4 types of questions:
- Quantitative Comparison Questions – these are questions that will ask the applicant to compare two quantities: Quantity A and Quantity B.
- Multiple-choice Questions — Select One Answer Choice – these are multiple-choice questions that ask the applicant’s to choose only 1 answer from a list of 5 choices.
- Multiple-choice Questions — Select One or More Answer Choices – these are multiple-choice questions that ask the applicant’s to choose only 1 or more from a list of choices. The question may not indicate the number of choices to select.
- Numeric Entry Questions – these are questions that will ask the applicant to answer an integer, a decimal or a fraction.
Here are the main updates to the new GRE format:
Reduced Test Duration: The test now lasts only 1 hour and 58 minutes, down from nearly 4 hours. This adjustment involved removing the unscored “experimental” section, which previously added around 30-35 minutes to the exam but didn’t contribute to the test-taker’s score.
Updated Analytical Writing: The new GRE only requires one essay, the “Analyze an Issue” task, eliminating the “Analyze an Argument” essay. This change shortens the Analytical Writing section to just 30 minutes.
Changes in Quantitative and Verbal Sections: Both the Quantitative and Verbal sections have been streamlined. Each section now consists of 27 questions (reduced from 40), with a total of two sections for each. These sections are slightly different in question distribution: the first part contains 12 questions, and the second has 15, allowing for slightly different pacing within each section.
Faster Score Reporting: Test scores are now available within 8-10 days after testing, compared to the previous 10-15 days. This quicker turnaround helps candidates meet application deadlines more efficiently.
Same Content and Scoring: Importantly, the GRE’s content—such as question types within each section—remains the same. The scoring scale also hasn’t changed, so admissions committees can assess scores on a consistent basis.
How is the GRE test score calculated?
The GRE scores have different ranges depending on the section they are under. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning both have a score range of 130 to 170 in 1 point increments. The applicant’s score on the two sections will determine the difficulty level of the subsequent sections when it is taken as a computer-based exam. This is because they are section-level adaptive. Also, the raw score, which is the number of questions answered correctly, is converted into a scale score. The process is called “equating.”
On the other hand, the section for Analytical Writing is scored using a human rater and an ETS program called an e-rater. These raters use a six-point holistic scale for each of the essays. The written portion is graded in half-point increments from scale 0 to 6. If the human and the e-rater scores do not agree, then a second human score is obtained. So, the final score is the mean of the 2 human scores.
| Measure | GRE Score Range |
| Analytical Writing. | 0 to 6, in half-point increments |
| Verbal Reasoning | 130 to 170, in 1 point increments |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130 to 170, in 1 point increments |
What is a good GRE score?
The first thing you should do is to check the minimum score requirements of the graduate or business graduate programs you want to apply in. It will help you know what the score baseline is. You have to find the mean GRE score of applicants who were already admitted. According to ETS, based on the performance of the applicants who took the test between 2025, July 1 and 2025, June 20, here are the mean or average GRE scores:
| Measure | Number of Test Takers | Mean | Standard Deviation |
| Analytical Writing. | 1, 692, 334 | 150.24 | 8.44 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 1, 695, 463 | 153.07 | 9.24 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 1, 687, 411 | 3.55 | 0.86 |
What is the GRE ScoreSelect?
It is a feature that gives the applicant the choice to send only the GRE test scores that they want the school to see. You can send your scores from the Most Recent test administration or from All of the tests you have taken in the last 5 years. You can also Any specific test for a charge when you order additional score reports.
GRE Registration, Costs and Policies
There are three ways that you can register for the GRE: Online, Mail registration, and Phone. Here are some of the steps you can follow:
- You must have a “My GRE Account.” Through it, you can apply for the GRE test and check your scores.
- After creating an ETS account, you can select the type of GRE exam you are going to take. It can either be the GRE general test or the GRE subject test.
- When you have chosen your test type, you can now schedule when you are going to take the exam. You have to select the location and set the date and time.
- You must fill in the required background information.
- You should pay the appropriate fees for registration.
How much does it cost to take the GRE?
The usual GRE cost for the general test in most parts of the world is $205, while for the subject test it is always $150. According to the ETS, here are some of the costs:
| Standard Test Administration for the General Test | Registration Fee |
| Australia | $230 |
| China | $231.30 |
| Nigeria | $220 |
| Turkey | $255 |
| All other areas of the world | $205 |
| Special Handling Requests | Fees |
| Late registration fee for paper-delivered test online registration only | $25 |
| Standby testing for paper-delivered test only | $50 |
| Rescheduling fee for China | $53.90 |
| Rescheduling fee for all other areas of the world | $50 |
| Changing your test center | $50 |
| Changing your Subject Test | $50 |
How much does it cost to retake the GRE test?
Every time that you take the GRE test, you have to pay the full fees. You can retake it every 21 days and within 12 months for 5 times within any continuous rolling. For the paper-delivered test, you can retake it as many times that it is offered.
What are the GRE test dates?
The computer-based exam is offered throughout the year and is available in more than a thousand testing centers in different countries. In places such as Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Korea, it is offered up to three times per month. In other areas of the world where the computer-based exam is not offered, the paper-delivered test is available in November and February up to two times a year.
How to best prepare for the GRE?
According to the GRE Tales Study Guide: Best GRE Strategies, there are four strategies to remember to prepare for the exam:
Strategy 1:
You should be able to pace yourself. You must keep track of the time as you go along the exam. You must know that with each question, you must be answering it within the average time allowed, which is one minute or a half-minute per question. If you notice that you might be lagging, then you have to speed up. You must answer as accurately as you can. For computer-delivered tests, you won’t be able to go back to the questions again. But, with the paper-delivered test, you can return to them if you have a hard time answering.
Strategy 2:
You should make use of the process of elimination. There might be times when you don’t know, or you are unsure of the answer for certain questions. This is where the process of elimination comes in handy. You are making an educated guess. You have to bet on the right answers.
Strategy 3:
You must invest and find the right sources for GRE practice tests, GRE preps, GRE sample tests, and GRE study guides. Before you take the test, you must know what you are up against. With the help of these resources, you ‘ll be able to figure out how you can strategize your study schedule and the topics you will cover.
Strategy 4:
Don’t make light of the exam. Although you can choose the ScoreSelect option, it is best to have good scores. If you are going to take the test for the first time, you should be prepared and ready. As mentioned in the previous strategy, you should take sample tests or practice tests so you’ll know the content and format inside and out.
GRE Practice Test PDF
The Analytical Writing test assesses your ability to think critically and write analytically. It evaluates your ability to express and defend complicated ideas, build and analyze arguments, and maintain a focused and cohesive dialogue. It does not test knowledge of certain topics. If you’re looking for GRE reading comprehension & essays PDF, GRE practice test PDF with answer, or GRE prep questions PDF, you’ve come to the right place. We invite you to take a GRE practice test free to see if you are prepared for the exam.
There are certain strategies you can take to improve your critical math skills. Some of the Quantitative Reasoning questions are situated in real-life situations, while others are strictly mathematical. The greatest strategy to improve your arithmetic skills is to practice them with as many new sample questions as possible. If you’re seeking GRE quant PDF, GRE quant practice questions PDF, or GRE math exam PDF, you’ve come to the right place. We recommend taking a GRE quant mock test to determine your current quantitative scores.
The Verbal Test will challenge you to assess and evaluate textual content and synthesize data. The GRE Verbal test’s reading comprehension portion assesses a test taker’s ability to comprehend, analyze, and evaluate textual texts. If you’re looking for GRE practice test PDF 2025, GRE study guide PDF, or GRE reading comprehension manhattan prep PDF, you’ve come to the right place. We propose that you take GRE verbal practice to understand the exam better.
GRE Questions and Answers
What is a good GRE score?
A good GRE score varies depending on the programs you’re considering. If the averages of your programs are around 320, this is a good score for you because it will likely make you a competitive applicant.
How long is the GRE?
The GRE General Test takes about three hours and 45 minutes to complete, including a 10-minute break.
How much does the GRE cost?
The GRE costs around $205 in most locations.
What does GRE stand for?
GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination.
How hard is the GRE?
The GRE is generally considered to be more difficult than the ACT or SAT. The GRE’s trick is that it includes more difficult vocabulary and reading sections.
How long are GRE scores valid?
GRE scores are valid for five years from the date of the test.
How long does it take to get GRE scores?
Your official GRE Test scores will be available 10–15 days following your test date in your ETS account.
How long to study for GRE?
Most people study for the GRE for one to three months, spending in a few hours per week. If you want to increase your GRE score, you’ll need plenty of practice time.
How to prepare for GRE?
The most important thing is to create and commit to a planned study schedule. Determine what content you need to learn and concentrate on it. While completing practice tests, focus on how you approach each question. Examine your performance on practice tests and develop a strategy for achieving your GRE score target. Work on the subject areas and question types with which you are actually having difficulty. Build up your vocabulary for the GRE. Chart your progress; it will provide you an overview of your progress and allow you to properly assess the effectiveness of your study methods.
How to take the GRE?
To take the GRE, you must register online ahead of schedule; walk-in GRE registration at test centers is not allowed.
When to take the GRE?
Checking the application deadline for your prospective graduate school is the most important factor in determining when to take the test. Because you may only take the GRE test once per calendar month, build some additional time into your preparation process to allow for possible delays.
Can you use a calculator on the GRE?
Yes. On GRE tests, students can use a calculator, but they cannot bring their own to the testing center. For the Quantitative Reasoning sections, you’ll be able to use the simple on-screen GRE calculator; if you take the paper exam, you’ll be given a similar calculator.
What is the GRE out of?
On the GRE, a 340 is the highest possible total score.
What is GRE score?
On the GRE General Test, three scores are reported. A Verbal Reasoning score is given on a range of 130–170, with 1 point increments. A Quantitative Reasoning score is given on a range of 130–170, with 1 point increments. Analytical Writing is graded on a scale of 0–6, with half-point increments.
Which is easier GMAT or GRE?
The quantitative section of the GRE is easier than the quantitative section of the GMAT. Furthermore, the GRE test format is less difficult than the GMAT.
How many times can you take the GRE?
The computer-based test can be taken once every 21 days. Within a year, you can take the GRE up to five times.
What is the average GRE score?
The average (mean) GRE score for the Verbal and Quantitative sections, according to the ETS, is 150 and 153, respectively. The median (or 50th percentile) Verbal Reasoning score is 151, while the median Quantitative Reasoning score is 154.
What to bring to GRE?
On the day of your test and every time you report to a test center, you must provide valid and approved identification. You must carry your own mask to the test center or you will not be accepted. Must have Email confirmation or a voucher for authorization. Bring a carbs snack and a drink.
How many questions are on the GRE?
On the computer-based GRE, there are a total of 82 scored questions. On the paper-based test, you can find yourself completing 102 questions.
Is the GRE required for grad school?
No. Despite the fact that the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required by the Graduate School, many graduate programs do.
Where to take the GRE?
Students may now take the GRE at home as well as at testing centers, according to ETS. The official website of ETS lists available test locations and dates.
What is the highest GRE score?
Each GRE test section has a highest score of 170.
What does the GRE consist of?
The Analytical Writing Assessment, the Quantitative Section, and the Verbal Section are the three parts of the GRE test.
Should I take the GMAT or GRE?
Both test scores serve the same purpose. Knowing the differences between the quantitative, verbal, computer adaptive, and writing sections of each test, as well as the cost of each test, might help you select which exam you can do best on and which test to take.
How long to prepare for GRE?
It will take between 50 and 200 hours, depending on how well you prepare for the GRE test.
How many sections in GRE?
The GRE test has 6 sections, one of which is unidentified and unscored.
How to calculate GRE score?
The Verbal and Quantitative parts have total scores ranging from 130 to 170. The Analytical Writing section’s total score goes from 0 to 6. The GRE consists of three components, each of which is graded separately. The GRE test has three scores for Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing.
Is the GRE harder than the SAT?
The GRE is often considered to be more difficult than the SAT. The GRE’s trick is that it contains more challenging vocabulary and reading sections.
What is a bad GRE score?
What defines a bad GRE score depends on the requirements of your institution. A poor GRE score, on the other hand, is considered to be in the 25th percentile or below.
Can you take the GRE online?
Yes. For test takers who want to take their test at home rather than at a testing center, the GRE General Test at Home is a safe and convenient choice. Except for Iran, it’s available anywhere, based on the country of your account address.
How to send GRE scores?
To begin, go to your ETS account and log in. Then, under Scores, on the My GRE Home page, click “Send Additional Score Reports.” On-screen, you’ll see the words “Test Registration.” Finally, you can Send Additional Score Reports. You can also send your score on the day of the test. After you’ve finished the test, you’ll be asked to pick four colleges to send your scores to. It’s best to plan ahead of time the schools you’d like to attend in order to take advantage of this service.
When is the GRE offered?
The GRE Tests are given three times a year, in September, October, and April, in paper-delivered testing locations across the world.
Is GRE required for Masters?
The GRE is required to pursue a master’s degree program in the United States. GRE is optional in certain countries, such as Australia, Canada, and Europe.
What is the GRE test used for?
GRE tests are used to assess candidates’ readiness for graduate-level studies in a variety of subject areas.
Who takes the GRE?
The GRE General Test is taken by applicants from all around the world who want to pursue a master’s, specialized master’s in business, MBA, JD, or Doctoral degree.
How to do well on the GRE?
Using a personalized study schedule, you may study more often and successfully. Consider the programs you’re applying to while deciding on a target score. You should prepare for the exam two to three months ahead of time. Take practice exams to get a feel for the GRE format and to keep track of your progress. Make the most of your free time by studying with flashcards or reading. Even if you have to guess, answer every question.
What GRE score do I need for grad school?
The GRE score range required for top universities varies depending on the program. However, typical GRE scores might range from 147 to 170.
What is GRE General Test?
The GRE General Test is the most widely used graduate admissions examination in the world.
What kind of Math is on the GRE?
The GRE Quantitative section of the exam covers four key areas of mathematics. Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis are some of the subjects covered.
Can you retake the GRE?
Yes, you may take the GRE again.
Do I need to take the GRE?
If you want to go to graduate school, you’ll almost definitely have to take the GRE test, as it’s the most commonly needed admissions test.
How to start studying for the GRE?
When you start your GRE preparation, one of the first things you should do is pick a test date and register for the test. You should perform some initial study to determine the minimum requirements for admission to the programs that interest you. Make a study schedule. Take a full-length practice GRE in test-like conditions to see where you need to improve.
How to study GRE vocab?
Determine your GRE vocabulary baseline and the number of words you should expect to study. Every day, read from GRE vocabulary-rich sites. Make the dictionary your best friend. To study for the GRE, get the best vocabulary flashcards. Use a GRE practice test to help you prepare for the exam.
Is 300 a good GRE score?
A GRE score of 300 is enough. You should also be aware of the GRE requirements for your specific programs.
Is the GRE easier than the LSAT?
It all depends on how skilled you are at math. The GRE differs from the LSAT in that it includes a math section, whereas the LSAT is completely verbal.
Is the GRE multiple choice?
Yes. GRE questions are multiple-choice questions in which you must choose one answer from a list of five.
What law schools accept the GRE?
- Brigham Young University Law School
- Brooklyn Law School
- Columbia Law School
- Cornell Law School
- Florida International University
- Florida State University College of Law
- George Washington Law School
- Georgetown Law
- Harvard Law School
- Illinois Institute of Technology College of Law
- John Marshall Law School
- New York University Law
- Northwestern University School of Law
- Pace University School of Law
- Penn State University
- St. John’s University School of Law
- State University of New York
- Texas A&M School of Law
- University of Arizona College of Law
- University of California
- University of Hawaii School of Law
- University of Pennsylvania Law School
- University of Southern California Law School
- Wake Forest School of Law
- Washington University School of Law
- Yeshiva University Cardozo School of Law
Can I take GRE in December?
Many important deadlines fall in November or December. The GRE should be taken in October or possibly September.
Does GRE matter?
Yes. The GRE is used by the most of universities as a measuring instrument for basic screening factors.
Does HEC Paris accept GRE?
Yes. For a few years, the GRE has been accepted by the HEC Paris MBA program.
Does SP Jain accept GRE?
Yes. Candidates must take one of the following aptitude exams to be considered for SP Jain: GMAT, GRE, CAT, or SPJAT.
Does Visa officer know your GRE score?
No. In Visa, your GRE score has no impact.
Do you need to take the GRE for Chiropractic school?
No. Most chiropractic schools do not require MCAT, GRE, or other standardized tests to be admitted to their programs.
How long is Kaplan GRE diagnostic test?
The Kaplan free online GRE practice test will take you around 4 hours to complete.
How to book GRE slot online?
Create an ETS GRE account at www.ets.org to schedule a gre slot online. Choose a test day and location, then pay your GRE fees and register. Candidates should keep in mind that the information they provide must match their identification, such as their passport or Aadhar card. Before proceeding with the GRE registration process, they should always check the exam regulations.