GRE Test Format 2024: Major Changes and What They Mean
- MBA Entrance Exam Expert
- Dec 27, 2025
- 9 min read
Table of Contents
The Revolutionary September 2023 Change
On September 22, 2023, Educational Testing Service (ETS) implemented the most significant change in GRE history, reducing the test from nearly 4 hours to under 2 hours. This transformation addressed years of feedback from test-takers, graduate schools, and testing professionals about test length and user experience.
The Driving Forces Behind Change
Test-Taker Feedback: Years of complaints about test fatigue, particularly affecting performance in later sections. Many students reported that the lengthy format was a barrier to taking the test, especially for working professionals and parents.
Competitive Pressure: Other graduate admission tests were becoming shorter and more efficient. The GMAT Focus Edition (launched in 2023) reduced to 2 hours 15 minutes, while the LSAT remained around 3 hours. The GRE's 4-hour format was becoming a competitive disadvantage.
Research Findings: ETS research demonstrated that the essential information for predicting graduate school success could be captured in significantly less time without compromising validity.
Global Testing Trends: International education systems were moving toward more efficient assessment methods, and the long GRE format was sometimes seen as outdated.
COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic accelerated demand for more flexible, efficient testing options as students adapted to remote learning and testing.
Key Philosophical Shifts
Quality Over Quantity: The new format prioritizes precise measurement over comprehensive coverage, using fewer questions that provide better discrimination between ability levels.
User Experience Focus: ETS acknowledged that test-taker experience significantly impacts performance and should be optimized for fairness.
Efficiency Emphasis: Modern test design principles favor efficient measurement that respects test-takers' time while maintaining predictive validity.
Technology Integration: The shorter format leverages improved psychometric techniques and adaptive testing algorithms developed over decades of research.
Before vs After: Detailed Comparison
Overall Test Structure
Component | Pre-2023 Format | Current Format (2023+) |
Total Testing Time | ~3 hours 45 minutes | 1 hour 58 minutes |
Number of Sections | 6 sections | 5 sections |
Scheduled Breaks | 10-minute break | None scheduled |
Analytical Writing | 2 tasks (60 min) | 1 task (30 min) |
Verbal Reasoning | 2 sections (60 min) | 2 sections (41 min) |
Quantitative Reasoning | 2 sections (70 min) | 2 sections (47 min) |
Unscored Section | 30-35 minutes | Eliminated |
Research Section | 30-35 minutes (rare) | Eliminated |
Section-by-Section Changes
Analytical Writing Transformation
Previous Format:
Task 1: "Analyze an Issue" (30 minutes)
Task 2: "Analyze an Argument" (30 minutes)
Total: 60 minutes, testing two different analytical skills
Current Format:
Single Task: "Analyze an Issue" (30 minutes)
Eliminated: "Analyze an Argument" task
Rationale: Research showed Issue task was more predictive of graduate school writing success
Verbal Reasoning Modifications
Previous Format:
Section 1: 30 minutes, 20 questions
Section 2: 30 minutes, 20 questions
Total: 60 minutes, 40 questions
Current Format:
Section 1: 18 minutes, 12 questions
Section 2: 23 minutes, 15 questions
Total: 41 minutes, 27 questions
Question Distribution:
Maintained same proportion of Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence
Reduced number of questions while preserving content balance
Increased time pressure per question to maintain difficulty
Quantitative Reasoning Updates
Previous Format:
Section 1: 35 minutes, 20 questions
Section 2: 35 minutes, 20 questions
Total: 70 minutes, 40 questions
Current Format:
Section 1: 21 minutes, 12 questions
Section 2: 26 minutes, 15 questions
Total: 47 minutes, 27 questions
Content Preservation:
Same mathematical topics and difficulty levels
Identical question types and formats
Maintained balance across content areas (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis)
Eliminated Components
Unscored Experimental Section
Previous Purpose: Test new questions and maintain test security Elimination Impact: Reduced test length without affecting scores Alternative Solution: ETS moved question testing to separate studies and online platforms
Research Section
Previous Purpose: Gather data for ETS research studies Elimination Impact: Simplified test experience for all test-takers Alternative Approach: ETS conducts research through voluntary separate studies
Second Analytical Writing Task
"Analyze an Argument" Task Elimination:
Required critiquing logical reasoning in provided argument
Less predictive of graduate school success than Issue task
Created redundancy in analytical writing measurement
What Changed and Why
Strategic Decisions Behind Modifications
Time Allocation Philosophy
Previous Approach: Provide ample time for thorough question consideration
Average 1.5 minutes per Verbal question
Average 1.75 minutes per Quantitative question
30 minutes per writing task
Current Approach: Maintain similar per-question time while reducing overall test burden
Approximately 1.5 minutes per Verbal question
Approximately 1.73 minutes per Quantitative question
Single 30-minute writing task
Question Selection Methodology
Enhanced Item Response Theory: ETS used advanced statistical models to identify questions that provide maximum information about test-taker ability with minimum time investment.
Difficulty Optimization: Selected questions that best discriminate between different ability levels, eliminating items that added time without improving measurement precision.
Content Balance: Ensured shorter sections maintain proper representation of all tested skills and knowledge areas.
Psychometric Considerations
Reliability Maintenance
Measurement Precision: Despite fewer questions, statistical reliability remains comparable to previous format through:
More precisely targeted questions
Improved adaptive algorithms
Enhanced item selection procedures
Standard Error: Score precision (standard error of measurement) maintained at similar levels to previous format.
Validity Preservation
Predictive Validity: Extensive studies confirmed that shorter format predicts graduate school success as effectively as longer version.
Content Validity: All essential skills and knowledge areas remain adequately represented despite reduced question counts.
Construct Validity: Core constructs (verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing) measured with same fidelity.
What Remained the Same
Fundamental Test Characteristics
Scoring Systems
Verbal/Quantitative: 130-170 scale in one-point increments unchanged
Analytical Writing: 0-6 scale in half-point increments maintained
Percentile Rankings: Calculated using same methodology
Score Reporting: Identical format and timeline
Content and Difficulty Standards
Mathematical Content: Same topics at same difficulty levels
Verbal Content: Identical vocabulary and reasoning demands
Writing Standards: Same analytical thinking and expression requirements
Academic Level: Graduate-level content and complexity preserved
Adaptive Testing Design
Section-Level Adaptation: Second section difficulty still depends on first section performance
Algorithm Logic: Same adaptive principles and scoring calculations
Question Pools: Draw from same item banks with identical specifications
Administrative Procedures
Registration Process
ETS Account: Same online registration system
Documentation: Identical ID requirements and verification procedures
Payment: Same fee structure and payment methods
Scheduling: Unchanged booking and rescheduling policies
Test Day Experience
Check-in Procedures: Same security and verification protocols
Testing Environment: Identical computer interface and navigation
Accommodations: Same disability accommodations available
Score Reporting: Unchanged ScoreSelect options and recipient policies
Quality Assurance
Security Measures: Same fraud prevention and test security protocols
Fairness Reviews: Identical bias prevention and review procedures
Technical Standards: Same equipment and software requirements
Impact on Test-Taking Strategy
Time Management Adjustments
Section-Level Strategy Changes
Verbal Reasoning Approach:
Less Flexibility: Shorter sections reduce ability to reallocate time between questions
Efficiency Priority: Must move quickly through easier questions to save time for difficult ones
Strategic Skipping: More important to identify and skip extremely difficult questions early
Quantitative Reasoning Tactics:
Calculator Efficiency: Must use on-screen calculator more strategically due to time constraints
Estimation Skills: Greater emphasis on approximation and elimination techniques
Question Triage: Quicker assessment of question difficulty and time investment needed
Cross-Section Planning
Energy Management:
Reduced Fatigue: Shorter test reduces stamina concerns
Sustained Focus: Need to maintain concentration for full duration without breaks
Mental Preparation: Different psychological preparation for intensive but brief experience
Pacing Strategies:
Front-Loading Preparation: More important to start strong since there's less time to recover from slow starts
Consistency Emphasis: Less room for variable performance across sections
Preparation Implications
Study Approach Modifications
Practice Test Strategy:
Timing Focus: Greater emphasis on speed and efficiency in practice
Realistic Simulation: Must practice under actual time constraints, not generous timing
Stamina Building: Build ability to maintain focus for ~2-hour periods
Content Preparation:
Efficiency Skills: Develop quick recognition of question types and solution approaches
Strategic Guessing: More important to master educated guessing techniques
Core Competencies: Focus on fundamental skills since there's less time to work through complex problems
Question-Level Adaptations
Reading Comprehension:
Active Reading: Must quickly identify main ideas and passage structure
Question Preview: More valuable to scan questions before reading to focus attention
Elimination Speed: Faster process of elimination becomes crucial
Quantitative Comparison:
Pattern Recognition: Quicker identification of comparison shortcuts
Computational Efficiency: Streamlined calculation methods essential
Strategic Approximation: Greater reliance on estimation over exact calculation
Score Validity and Comparability
Research-Based Validation
Predictive Validity Studies
Graduate School Performance: Multiple studies confirm that scores from the shortened format predict first-year graduate GPA and other success measures as accurately as the previous format.
Longitudinal Tracking: Ongoing research follows test-takers through graduate programs to validate long-term predictive power.
Comparative Analysis: Direct comparisons between pre-2023 and post-2023 test-takers show equivalent relationships with academic outcomes.
Statistical Equivalency
Concurrent Validity: Studies of test-takers taking both formats show high correlation between scores, confirming measurement of same constructs.
Item-Level Analysis: Individual questions perform similarly across formats, supporting content validity claims.
Population Stability: Score distributions and demographic patterns remain consistent across format change.
Score Interpretation Guidelines
For Test-Takers
Historical Comparisons: Scores from current format can be compared directly with previous format scores using same percentile rankings.
Improvement Expectations: Score improvement patterns and retake success rates remain similar to historical data.
Preparation Effectiveness: Study strategies and materials remain relevant despite format changes.
For Institutions
Admissions Standards: Schools can maintain same score expectations and criteria without adjustment for format change.
Cohort Comparisons: Students admitted with scores from either format can be evaluated using same standards.
Predictive Models: Existing models for predicting student success remain valid across format transition.
Student and School Reactions
Test-Taker Response
Positive Feedback
Time Efficiency: Overwhelmingly positive response to reduced testing time, with 85% of test-takers rating the change favorably.
Reduced Anxiety: Many students report less test anxiety due to shorter duration and elimination of fatigue concerns.
Accessibility: Working professionals and parents find the shorter format more manageable with their schedules.
Focus Enhancement: Some test-takers perform better with sustained focus over shorter period rather than managing energy over 4 hours.
Concerns and Challenges
Time Pressure: Some students struggle with increased pace required in shorter sections.
Fewer Questions: Anxiety about having fewer opportunities to demonstrate ability, particularly for students who improve as they "warm up."
Strategy Adjustment: Students who relied on extensive time management strategies needed to adapt their approaches.
Graduate School Perspectives
Institutional Adoption
Seamless Transition: Most graduate programs report no issues with score validity or student preparation quality.
Continued Acceptance: No major programs have changed their GRE requirements or preferences due to format change.
Positive Reception: Admissions committees appreciate that students experience less testing burden while maintaining score quality.
Validity Confidence
Research Support: Institutions express confidence in ETS research demonstrating equivalent predictive validity.
Ongoing Monitoring: Many schools continue tracking student performance to confirm format change doesn't affect outcomes.
Flexibility Appreciation: Schools value that students have more energy and time to focus on other application components.
Future Format Predictions
Technology Integration Trends
Adaptive Enhancement
Item-Level Adaptation: Future versions might adapt difficulty at individual question level rather than section level.
Real-Time Optimization: Advanced algorithms could optimize question selection based on ongoing performance analysis.
Personalized Pacing: Technology might allow customized timing based on individual test-taker patterns.
Interface Improvements
Enhanced Navigation: More sophisticated tools for question review and management within sections.
Accessibility Features: Improved accommodations and universal design principles.
Mobile Integration: Potential for mobile-friendly practice and preparation integration.
Content Evolution
Skill Assessment Innovation
21st Century Skills: Potential integration of collaborative problem-solving, digital literacy, and information evaluation skills.
Authentic Assessment: More realistic tasks that mirror actual graduate school activities.
Interdisciplinary Integration: Questions that blend verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills in single items.
Assessment Efficiency
Micro-Assessments: Shorter, more frequent assessments rather than single comprehensive exam.
Modular Testing: Option to take individual sections at different times or locations.
Continuous Assessment: Integration with ongoing academic work for more holistic evaluation.
Regulatory and Policy Considerations
Standardization Balance
Flexibility vs. Comparability: Balancing customization with need for standardized comparison across applicants.
International Harmonization: Coordination with global testing standards and practices.
Accessibility Compliance: Ensuring innovations comply with disability accommodation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are scores from the new format equivalent to scores from the previous format?
A: Yes, extensive research confirms that scores from both formats measure the same abilities and predict graduate school success equally well. Schools can use the same score expectations regardless of which format students took.
Q: Should I retake the GRE if I took the old format?
A: Only retake if your scores don't meet your target programs' requirements. The format change doesn't make previous scores less valuable or acceptable to schools. Focus on whether your scores are competitive, not which format you took.
Q: Is the new format harder or easier?
A: The new format maintains the same difficulty level and standards as the previous version. While individual questions may feel more time-pressured, the overall challenge level remains equivalent. Some students find the shorter duration less fatiguing, while others prefer having more questions to demonstrate their abilities.
Q: How should I adjust my preparation for the current format?
A: Focus on efficiency and speed in your practice. Take practice tests under actual time constraints, develop quick question recognition skills, and practice strategic guessing. The content you need to study remains the same, but emphasize timing and pacing strategies.
Q: Will there be further format changes?
A: ETS continuously evaluates and improves the test, but the 2023 change represents a major modernization that should remain stable for several years. Any future changes would likely focus on technology enhancements or minor adjustments rather than major format overhauls.
Q: Do schools prefer one format over the other?
A: Schools that accept GRE scores treat both formats equally. There's no preference or advantage for either version. Graduate programs focus on whether scores meet their standards rather than which format was taken.
Q: How does the elimination of the second writing task affect my application?
A: The single Analytical Writing task provides sufficient demonstration of your writing abilities for graduate school evaluation. Schools have adjusted their expectations accordingly, and the remaining task is actually more predictive of graduate school writing success than the eliminated task.
Q: Should I take more practice tests due to the shorter format?
A: Take the same number of full-length practice tests (4-6 recommended), but ensure they match the current format's timing. The shorter format makes each practice test less time-consuming, so you might be able to fit in additional practice sessions more easily.
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