The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) General Test is a standardized exam required for admission to most graduate and business school programs in the US and globally. It is administered by ETS and measures Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing skills relevant to graduate-level academic work.

The GRE General Test contains: 2 Verbal Reasoning sections (27 questions total), 2 Quantitative Reasoning sections (27 questions total), and 1 Analytical Writing section (2 tasks). Total testing time is approximately 3 hours 45 minutes, including a 10-minute break between the Verbal and Quantitative sections.

GRE scores range from 130–170 per section for Verbal and Quantitative, and 0–6 for Analytical Writing. A score above 160 in Verbal or Quantitative is generally considered competitive for top programs. However, "good" varies by program — STEM programs prioritize Quant, humanities programs prioritize Verbal.

GRE scores are valid for 5 years from your test date. You can take the GRE up to 5 times per year, with at least 21 days between attempts. ETS allows you to send your best scores using the ScoreSelect option, so you can choose which scores to report to schools.

GRE Quantitative Reasoning covers four content areas: arithmetic (integers, fractions, percents, ratios), algebra (linear and quadratic equations, exponents, inequalities), geometry (lines, triangles, circles, coordinate geometry), and data analysis (statistics, probability, data interpretation, frequency distributions).

For effective GRE preparation: take a full-length practice test first to identify weak areas, study vocabulary for Verbal Reasoning, review algebra and geometry fundamentals for Quant, and practice timed AWA essays. Most test-takers prepare for 1–3 months. Our free GRE practice questions cover all three sections with detailed explanations.