Complete GRE Guide 2025-2026: Everything You Need to Know
- MBA Entrance Exam Expert
- Sep 3
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 6
Table of Contents
What is the GRE?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is a standardized test designed to measure skills essential for success in graduate, business, and law school programs. Created by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE has been helping graduate schools evaluate applicants for nearly 90 years.
Unlike tests that focus on specific subject knowledge, the GRE measures broad academic skills developed over years of education: analytical thinking, critical reasoning, vocabulary, and quantitative literacy. This approach allows the test to serve students from diverse academic backgrounds who are pursuing various graduate fields.
Key GRE Statistics
Annual test takers: Over 500,000 worldwide
Accepting institutions: 3,000+ graduate schools globally
Test duration: 1 hour 58 minutes (current format)
Score validity: 5 years from test date
Available locations: 190+ countries and territories
The GRE has evolved significantly since its inception, with the most recent major change occurring in September 2023 when ETS reduced the test length from nearly 4 hours to under 2 hours while maintaining the same academic rigor and predictive validity.
Who Should Take the GRE?
Graduate School Applicants
The primary audience for the GRE includes students applying to:
Master's Programs:
Traditional academic master's (MA, MS)
Professional master's (MBA, MEd, MPH, MSW)
Specialized programs (MFA, MPA, etc.)
Doctoral Programs:
Research-focused PhD programs
Professional doctorates (EdD, PsyD)
Combined programs (MD/PhD, JD/PhD)
Professional Programs:
1,200+ MBA programs now accept GRE scores
200+ law schools accept GRE as LSAT alternative
Some medical school post-baccalaureate programs
Career Changers and Non-Traditional Students
The GRE serves various non-traditional populations:
Working Professionals: Those seeking career advancement through graduate education often prefer the GRE's flexibility and comprehensive skill assessment.
Career Switchers: Individuals changing fields appreciate that the GRE doesn't require specialized knowledge in their target field.
International Students: The GRE's global recognition makes it valuable for students seeking education opportunities worldwide.
GRE Test Format and Structure
Current Format (September 2023 - Present)
The streamlined GRE format includes:
Section | Duration | Questions | Description |
Analytical Writing | 30 minutes | 1 task | "Analyze an Issue" essay |
Verbal Reasoning 1 | 18 minutes | 12 questions | Reading, vocabulary, reasoning |
Verbal Reasoning 2 | 23 minutes | 15 questions | Adaptive difficulty |
Quantitative Reasoning 1 | 21 minutes | 12 questions | Math problem-solving |
Quantitative Reasoning 2 | 26 minutes | 15 questions | Adaptive difficulty |
Total Testing Time: 1 hour 58 minutes
Adaptive Design
The GRE uses section-level adaptation:
First sections are medium difficulty
Second section difficulty depends on first section performance
Better performance leads to harder questions worth more points
This system provides more precise score measurement
Interface Features
The GRE offers several navigation tools:
Move forward and backward within sections
Mark questions for later review
On-screen calculator for math sections
Scratch paper provided (test centers) or approved materials (at-home)
GRE Sections Overview
Analytical Writing Assessment
Purpose: Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills
Task Format: Present and support your perspective on a general issue
Key Skills Tested:
Articulating complex ideas clearly
Supporting arguments with reasons and examples
Maintaining focused, coherent discussion
Controlling elements of standard written English
Scoring: 0-6 scale in half-point increments
Verbal Reasoning
Purpose: Assesses ability to analyze written material and relationships between words/concepts
Question Types:
Reading Comprehension (50%): Passages with accompanying questions
Text Completion (25%): Fill-in-the-blank passages
Sentence Equivalence (25%): Choose two words creating equivalent meanings
Key Skills Tested:
Understanding written material
Evaluating arguments and evidence
Recognizing word relationships
Drawing inferences and conclusions
Scoring: 130-170 scale in one-point increments
Quantitative Reasoning
Purpose: Measures mathematical problem-solving ability and quantitative literacy
Content Areas:
Arithmetic (20%): Basic operations, percentages, ratios
Algebra (30%): Equations, functions, coordinate geometry
Geometry (25%): Plane geometry, 3D figures, measurements
Data Analysis (25%): Statistics, probability, data interpretation
Question Types:
Quantitative Comparison: Compare two quantities
Multiple-Choice (Select One): Traditional format
Multiple-Choice (Select All): Multiple correct answers
Numeric Entry: Type numerical answer
Scoring: 130-170 scale in one-point increments
GRE Scoring System
Score Ranges and Averages
Section | Score Range | Average Score (2023) | 90th Percentile |
Verbal Reasoning | 130-170 | 150.9 | 162 |
Quantitative Reasoning | 130-170 | 154.3 | 168 |
Analytical Writing | 0-6 | 3.6 | 5.0 |
Understanding Percentiles
Percentiles compare your performance to other test-takers in a recent three-year period:
90th percentile: Scored higher than 90% of test-takers
75th percentile: Scored higher than 75% of test-takers
50th percentile: Scored higher than 50% of test-takers (median)
Score Reliability
The GRE demonstrates strong reliability:
Standard Error of Measurement: ±2-3 points for Verbal/Quantitative
Test-retest reliability: 0.88-0.94 correlation across sections
Score differences: Differences smaller than 5-6 points may not be meaningful
Test Administration Options
Test Center Experience
Advantages:
Controlled environment
Provided materials and equipment
Immediate technical support
Traditional testing setup
Procedures:
Arrive 30 minutes early
ID verification and security screening
Assigned seating in monitored room
Scratch paper and pencils provided
At-Home Testing
Advantages:
24/7 scheduling availability
No travel required
Familiar environment
Weather-independent
Requirements:
Compatible computer with webcam/microphone
Reliable internet connection
Private, quiet room
Approved note-taking materials
Technical Specifications:
Windows 10/11 or macOS 10.13+
Chrome or Firefox browser
1 Mbps internet minimum
Administrative access for software installation
Registration Process
Account Creation
Register through ETS.org/gre:
Create ETS Account with personal information
Verify identity documents match registration exactly
Select test date and location/format
Choose score recipients (up to 4 free)
Complete payment
Important Timing
Registration deadline: 2 days before test date
Peak season: August-December (register 6-8 weeks early)
Rescheduling: $50 fee, must be 4+ days before test
Cancellation: 50% refund if cancelled 4+ days early
Fees (2024-2025)
United States: $220
Most other countries: $220-$255
Additional services: $35-$60 each
Online service fee: 4% of transaction
Preparation Timeline
Recommended Preparation Periods
High Achievers (Target 160+):
Strong academic background: 6-8 weeks
Standardized test experience: 8-12 weeks
International students: 12-16 weeks
Average Test-Takers (Target 150-159):
Recent graduates: 8-12 weeks
Working professionals: 12-16 weeks
Career changers: 16-20 weeks
Intensive Preparation (Target 140-149):
Math/English skill gaps: 16-24 weeks
Limited recent academic experience: 20+ weeks
Study Schedule Framework
Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-4)
Diagnostic testing and goal setting
Content review in weak areas
Establish study routine
Begin vocabulary building
Phase 2: Skill Development (Weeks 5-8)
Timed section practice
Strategy implementation
Regular practice testing
Error analysis and improvement
Phase 3: Test Simulation (Final 2-4 weeks)
Weekly full-length practice tests
Final strategy refinement
Test day preparation
Confidence building
Common Misconceptions
"The GRE Tests Specialized Knowledge"
Reality: The GRE measures broad reasoning skills, not field-specific content. Reading passages cover various topics, but questions focus on comprehension and analysis rather than subject expertise.
"Perfect Scores Are Required for Top Programs"
Reality: Very few test-takers achieve perfect scores. Most successful applicants to competitive programs score in the 75th-90th percentile range, not the 99th percentile.
Statistics:
Perfect Verbal (170): <1% of test-takers
Perfect Quantitative (170): ~3% of test-takers
Perfect AWA (6.0): ~1% of test-takers
"Vocabulary Memorization Guarantees Verbal Success"
Reality: While vocabulary is important, the Verbal section primarily tests reasoning skills. Understanding context, making inferences, and analyzing arguments are more crucial than memorizing word lists.
"You Can't Improve Significantly"
Reality: Most test-takers can improve with focused preparation:
Average improvement: 3-5 points per section
Significant improvement (10+ points): 20-25% of retakers
Success factors: Targeted practice, official materials, adequate time
Success Strategies
General Preparation Principles
Use Official Materials: ETS-created content provides the most accurate practice experience and score prediction.
Focus on Weaknesses: Allocate more time to challenging areas while maintaining strengths.
Practice Under Realistic Conditions: Simulate actual test timing, environment, and stress levels.
Regular Assessment: Take practice tests to monitor progress and adjust strategies.
Section-Specific Tips
Analytical Writing:
Study the Issue task format thoroughly
Practice with official topic pool
Develop template for consistent structure
Focus on argument development and examples
Verbal Reasoning:
Read challenging academic texts regularly
Learn high-frequency academic vocabulary
Practice active reading strategies
Master each question type's approach
Quantitative Reasoning:
Review fundamental math concepts
Practice with on-screen calculator
Learn to recognize question patterns
Master time management per question type
Test Day Strategy
Time Management:
Allocate time based on question difficulty
Don't spend too much time on any single question
Use mark-and-review features strategically
Save time for final answer checking
Stress Management:
Maintain regular sleep and eating schedules
Practice relaxation techniques
Stay positive and confident
Focus on process, not just outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How difficult is the GRE compared to other standardized tests?
A: The GRE is designed for college graduates and assumes greater academic maturity than undergraduate admission tests like the SAT. The vocabulary is more sophisticated, math concepts are more advanced, and analytical writing requires graduate-level reasoning. However, difficulty is relative to your academic background and preparation level.
Q: Should I take the GRE multiple times?
A: Many successful applicants take the GRE 2-3 times. With the ScoreSelect option, you can send only your best scores to most programs. Consider retaking if: your scores are significantly below target programs' averages, you experienced test anxiety, or you had inadequate preparation time.
Q: How long should I study for the GRE?
A: Study time varies by individual, but most test-takers benefit from 2-4 months of preparation (100-300 total hours). Factors affecting timeline include: starting skill level, target scores, available study time per week, and English proficiency for international students.
Q: Is the at-home GRE as good as the test center version?
A: Yes, both versions are identical in content, format, and scoring. Schools view them equally. Choose based on your preference: test centers offer controlled environments and provided materials, while at-home offers convenience and flexible scheduling.
Q: What's a competitive GRE score?
A: Competitive scores vary by field and program selectivity. Generally: highly competitive programs expect 75th percentile or higher (Verbal 157+, Quantitative 160+), while moderately competitive programs accept 50th-75th percentile scores (Verbal 151-156, Quantitative 154-159).
Q: Can I use my own calculator?
A: No, personal calculators aren't permitted. The GRE provides an on-screen calculator for Quantitative sections only. Practice with ETS's calculator simulator to become familiar with its functions and limitations.
Q: How important are GRE scores compared to other application components?
A: GRE importance varies by program. Generally, scores are one factor among many, including GPA, research experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. STEM programs often weigh Quantitative scores heavily, while humanities programs emphasize Verbal and Writing scores.
Q: What happens if I have technical problems during the test?
A: For test center issues, notify the administrator immediately. For at-home testing, use the chat feature to contact your proctor. Technical problems may qualify you for a free retake or score cancellation without penalty, depending on the situation's severity and cause.
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