The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is the world's most widely accepted graduate admissions test, used by thousands of graduate and business school programs across the globe. Administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the GRE measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills that graduate schools consider essential for advanced academic work.
In September 2023, ETS introduced the shorter GRE General Test, reducing test time from approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to about 1 hour 58 minutes. The revised format eliminated one Verbal Reasoning and one Quantitative Reasoning section (reducing from 6 to 5 sections), making the GRE more accessible without sacrificing predictive validity.
The GRE is offered year-round at Prometric test centers worldwide and as an at-home test. Scores are valid for 5 years from the test date, and you can take the GRE up to 5 times per year, with at least 21 days between attempts.
The current GRE General Test (shorter format) consists of five sections: one Analytical Writing section, two Verbal Reasoning sections, and two Quantitative Reasoning sections. The order of sections may vary, but the Analytical Writing section always appears first.
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): One 30-minute task — Analyze an Issue. You are presented with a brief statement on a topic of general interest and asked to write a response presenting your own perspective, supporting it with reasons and examples. The AWA is scored on a 0–6 scale in half-point increments by a combination of trained human raters and an automated scoring engine (e-rater). Business programs often weigh AWA heavily.
Verbal Reasoning: Two 18-question sections, 18 minutes each. Question types include Reading Comprehension (understanding and interpreting passages), Text Completion (filling blanks in sentences or paragraphs), and Sentence Equivalence (choosing two words that produce sentences with the same meaning). Verbal scores range from 130–170.
Quantitative Reasoning: Two 27-question sections, 21 minutes each. Question types include Quantitative Comparison (comparing two quantities), Multiple Choice (single and multiple correct answers), and Numeric Entry (typing in the answer). Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis at a high school mathematics level. Quantitative scores range from 130–170.
GRE scores for Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning each range from 130 to 170, in 1-point increments. The Analytical Writing score ranges from 0 to 6 in 0.5-point increments. ETS reports scores for each section separately rather than providing a combined total score.
Average GRE scores (2022–2024 data):
What is a competitive GRE score? This depends entirely on your target programs. For highly selective PhD programs in the sciences or engineering, scores of 160+ in Quantitative Reasoning may be expected. For top business schools, Verbal 155+ and Quantitative 160+ are common among admitted students. For humanities programs, Verbal 158+ is competitive. Always research the GRE score ranges for specific programs on your list.
ScoreSelect: ETS's ScoreSelect option allows you to choose which GRE scores to send to schools. You can send your Most Recent, All, or Any scores. This gives you control over your GRE record and allows you to take the test multiple times strategically. Note that some programs require all scores to be sent — check each program's policy.
Verbal Reasoning is the section where vocabulary and reading strategy are most critical. Here is how to approach each question type:
GRE Quantitative Reasoning tests high school math concepts, but the questions require careful reasoning rather than rote calculation. Key strategies:
The Analyze an Issue task requires you to take a clear position and support it with specific reasons and examples. High-scoring essays (5–6) typically:
Common mistakes: Generic examples, unclear thesis, sentence-level grammar errors, and failure to take a clear position. Practice writing timed essays (30 minutes) and reviewing them against high-scoring sample essays available from ETS.
ETS publishes the complete pool of Issue topics on its website — read through the list and practice outlining multiple topics to become comfortable with the task.
The right study timeline depends on your starting point and target score. Here is a general framework:
1-month intensive plan (20–25 hours/week): This approach is best if you scored 150+ on both sections in a diagnostic test and need modest improvements. Focus on timed practice, error analysis, and targeted vocabulary work. Take a full-length practice test every 5–7 days.
2-month balanced plan (10–15 hours/week): The most common approach. Spend the first 3–4 weeks building content knowledge (vocabulary, math concepts) and the second 3–4 weeks on timed practice and test strategy. Take 4–6 full-length practice tests total.
3-month comprehensive plan (8–10 hours/week): Best for test-takers starting from a lower baseline or targeting very competitive programs. The extra time allows thorough vocabulary building, complete content review, and extensive practice with error analysis between sessions.
Regardless of timeline: take an official ETS diagnostic test first to establish a baseline, use official GRE materials (ETS POWERPREP), and analyze every wrong answer to understand the underlying concept rather than just noting the correct answer.
GRE Quantitative Reasoning covers four main content areas. Understanding which areas you struggle with allows you to target your study time effectively:
The GRE does not allow a physical calculator for most sections, but an on-screen calculator is available for Quantitative sections. Practice using it efficiently — it can slow you down if you rely on it for simple calculations you should be able to do mentally.
GRE Verbal Reasoning is challenging largely because of its advanced vocabulary demands. Unlike standardized tests you may have taken previously, the GRE features college-level words that are uncommon in everyday writing but appear frequently in academic contexts.
Effective vocabulary strategies for GRE preparation include learning words in word families (knowing that 'prolix' means wordy helps you understand 'prolixity'), using context clues to practice inference rather than rote memorization, and reviewing high-frequency GRE word lists daily. Many test prep resources publish lists of the most commonly appearing GRE vocabulary words — these lists are worth studying systematically.
Reading challenging non-fiction — essays, academic journals, quality newspapers — also builds vocabulary organically and improves reading comprehension skills simultaneously. Aim to read actively, looking up unfamiliar words and noting how they are used in context.
If you are applying to business schools, you may be deciding between the GRE and the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). Both are accepted by most MBA programs, but there are important differences to consider when choosing which to take.
Test structure differences: The GMAT emphasizes integrated reasoning, data sufficiency, and verbal reasoning in ways specifically designed for business school admissions. The GRE, by contrast, is a general academic aptitude test used by a much wider range of graduate programs. The GRE Quantitative section focuses on standard math concepts, while the GMAT Quantitative section includes data sufficiency questions — a unique format that requires different preparation.
Score reporting: The GRE uses ScoreSelect, allowing you to choose which scores to send. The GMAT requires disclosure of all scores from the past 5 years (though schools typically focus on the highest). If you want maximum control over your score record, the GRE has an advantage.
Acceptance: Virtually all MBA programs that accept the GMAT also accept the GRE. However, some highly specialized business programs — particularly executive MBA programs — may prefer or require the GMAT. Always confirm acceptance policies for each program on your list.
Which is easier? This depends on your personal strengths. Students who are stronger in verbal skills and less comfortable with the GMAT's data sufficiency format often prefer the GRE. Students with strong analytical reasoning and comfort with business-focused problem types may perform better on the GMAT. Take free official practice tests for both and compare your scores before deciding.
For non-business graduate programs (law, medicine, social sciences, sciences, humanities), the GRE is the standard — the GMAT is not typically accepted outside of business schools. If you are applying to a mix of business and non-business programs, the GRE gives you the broadest flexibility.