Do you want to pursue graduate studies abroad? The GRE General Test is an admissions test developed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is accepted by thousands of graduate, business, and law schools worldwide. The test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills.
A strong GRE score may strengthen your application, but score expectations and admissions policies vary by program. Before taking the test, check whether your target programs require, accept, or consider GRE scores and whether they publish recommended score ranges.
Some fellowship sponsors use GRE scores when considering candidates. However, scholarship and financial aid requirements vary, so review the eligibility criteria for each opportunity carefully. This article is a comprehensive guide to the GRE General Test, covering registration, recommended scores, fees, the current test structure, and study tips. So, let’s get started!
How to Register for the GRE?
Most candidates can register for the GRE General Test online through an ETS account. ETS provides region-specific instructions, so review the registration information for GRE test takers before scheduling your test. You can use the ETS scheduling tool to find available test-center and at-home testing dates.
Online registration takes place through the ETS website. After signing in, you can review available appointments and choose the option that best fits your schedule.
For detailed registration policies and procedures, review the GRE General Test registration page and the current GRE Information Bulletin. Candidates requesting disability or health-related accommodations should follow the accommodation-specific registration procedures and submit the required forms before scheduling a test.
Recommended GRE Score
ETS reports three separate GRE General Test scores. Verbal Reasoning scores range from 130 to 170 in one-point increments, Quantitative Reasoning scores range from 130 to 170 in one-point increments, and Analytical Writing scores range from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. If you add the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores together, the combined total ranges from 260 to 340.
There is no universal GRE score required for admission to a highly selective business school or university. Each program sets its own admissions policies, and some programs do not publish a minimum score. Review the requirements and class profile for each program on your list.
For example, Harvard Business School states that there is no minimum GMAT or GRE score required to apply. For its Class of 2027, the middle 80% of GRE scores ranged from 158 to 168 in Verbal Reasoning and from 159 to 169 in Quantitative Reasoning. The median score was 164 in both sections.
Cost of Taking GRE and Related Services
According to the current ETS fee page, the GRE General Test fee is $231.30 in China and $220 in other locations covered by the global fee page. Test takers in India should consult the ETS India fee page for local pricing. On test day, the fee includes the option to send score reports to up to four graduate institutions or fellowship sponsors.
If you want to send your scores to additional institutions or send them after test day, you can order Additional Score Reports through your ETS account. The fee is $40 per score recipient.
ETS currently charges $55 to change your test center. The rescheduling fee is $55 in most locations covered by the global fee page and $53.90 in China. ETS also lists a $50 Question-and-Answer Review Service for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, but this service is available only to New York State residents. The Score Review service for the Analytical Writing measure costs $60, and the score reinstatement fee is $50.
General Overview of the GRE Test Structure
The GRE General Test measures skills in three areas: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The current computer-delivered test has five sections and takes about 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete.
To perform well on the GRE, you should understand the current test structure. Here’s an overview:
Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning measure is divided into two sections. The first section contains 12 questions and lasts 18 minutes. The second section contains 15 questions and lasts 23 minutes. The measure includes three types of questions: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence.
Pacing may vary by question type. You may spend more time on some Reading Comprehension questions than on Text Completion or Sentence Equivalence questions, so practice managing your time across each section.
According to ETS, about half of the Verbal Reasoning questions are based on passages. Each passage has between one and six associated questions. Most passages are one paragraph long, while one or two are several paragraphs long. The passages may draw on the physical sciences, biological sciences, social sciences, business, arts and humanities, and everyday topics.
Text Completion questions omit important words from short passages. You must use the remaining information to select words or short phrases that fill the blanks and create a coherent, meaningful passage. Each passage contains one to five sentences and may have one to three blanks.
Sentence Equivalence questions consist of one sentence with one blank and six answer choices. You must select two choices that complete the sentence coherently and produce sentences with similar meanings.
Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning measure is also divided into two sections. The first section contains 12 questions and lasts 21 minutes. The second section contains 15 questions and lasts 26 minutes.
The Quantitative Reasoning measure covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The tested content generally does not go beyond high school mathematics and introductory statistics. Trigonometry, calculus, and other higher-level mathematics are not tested.
The Quantitative Reasoning measure includes four question types: Quantitative Comparison, multiple-choice questions with one correct answer, multiple-choice questions with one or more correct answers, and Numeric Entry questions. Questions may appear independently or as part of a Data Interpretation set based on the same table, graph, or other data display.
In single-answer multiple-choice questions, you select one answer from five choices. In multiple-answer questions, you select one or more correct choices. Numeric Entry questions require you to enter an integer, decimal, or fraction.
Quantitative questions may include equations, word problems, graphs, tables, and geometric figures. ETS notes that geometric figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, so base your answers on mathematical reasoning rather than visual estimation.
In Quantitative Comparison questions, you compare Quantity A and Quantity B and determine whether Quantity A is greater, Quantity B is greater, the two quantities are equal, or the relationship cannot be determined from the information provided.
Some questions can be solved through calculation, while others are easier to answer by simplifying expressions, estimating, or testing possible values.
Analytical Writing
The Analytical Writing measure evaluates critical thinking and analytical writing skills. Scores range from 0 to 6 in half-point increments.
Analytical Writing responses are evaluated on a six-point holistic scale, including a score from the ETS e-rater scoring engine. ETS reports one Analytical Writing score.
The current Analytical Writing measure contains one 30-minute “Analyze an Issue” task. You must evaluate an issue, consider its complexities, and develop an argument supported by reasons and examples.
Tips on How to Prepare for the Test
Performing well on the GRE requires more than a basic understanding of mathematics and language. Here are some tips that can help improve your performance:
Tip 1. Brush up Basic Math and Language Skills
The Quantitative Reasoning measure covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis at a level generally no higher than a second course in algebra. Reviewing these concepts can help you work more efficiently during the test. You should also practice close reading, vocabulary in context, and analytical writing.
Tip 2. Practice GRE Mock Tests
Once you’ve reviewed the core concepts, practice is essential. ETS offers free and low-cost official preparation materials, including practice resources that can help you become familiar with the timing, format, and question types. Consider taking multiple practice tests during your preparation period.
Tip 3. Review Your Incorrect Answers
Completing practice tests is not enough. Reviewing the questions you answered incorrectly is crucial for improving your score. Although reviewing mistakes may be time-consuming, it can help you identify recurring weaknesses and avoid repeating the same errors on test day.
With adequate preparation, the GRE may take you closer to attending your dream graduate school. Strong analytical skills are important for Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing, while applied mathematical knowledge can help you succeed in Quantitative Reasoning. Before taking the GRE, practice each section and become familiar with the current format.
After reading this guide, we hope you will feel better prepared for the GRE General Test. Make sure also to check out the Available Courses for International Students and the Scholarships Page for information about scholarships and universities across the globe!
