GRE General Test Complete Guide

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required by many graduate schools for Master's and PhD admissions.

Test Format

Analytical Writing (60 minutes)

• Analyze an Issue task (30 min)
• Analyze an Argument task (30 min)
• Score: 0-6 (0.5 increments)

Verbal Reasoning (2 sections, 30 min each)

• Reading Comprehension
• Text Completion
• Sentence Equivalence
• Score per section: 130-170

Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections, 35 min each)

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Data Analysis
• Score per section: 130-170

Total Testing Time: ~3 hours 45 minutes

Scoring

• Verbal: 130-170 (1-point increments)
• Quantitative: 130-170 (1-point increments)
• Analytical Writing: 0-6 (0.5-point increments)

Competitive Scores

STEM Programs:

• Verbal: 155-160
• Quantitative: 165-170
• Writing: 4.0-5.0

Humanities:

• Verbal: 160-170
• Quantitative: 155-165
• Writing: 4.5-6.0

Business/Social Sciences:

• Verbal: 155-165
• Quantitative: 160-165
• Writing: 4.0-5.0

Who Needs GRE?

Required

• Most PhD programs
• Many Master's programs
• STEM graduate programs
• Psychology, Economics programs

Often Waived

• MBA programs (prefer GMAT)
• Professional Master's with experience
• Some programs with high GPA

Check Requirements

• Test optional becoming more common
• Some programs don't require for funded PhDs
• Always verify with specific program

Registration

• Cost: ~$205-220
• Frequency: Can take every 21 days
• Maximum: 5 times in 12 months
• Registration: 2-3 months in advance
• Score Validity: 5 years

Preparation Timeline

3-4 Months for Target Score

Month 1: Foundation

• Diagnostic test
• Learn question types
• Basic vocabulary building
• Math concept review

Month 2: Practice

• Section-specific practice
• Vocabulary: 20 words/day
• Math problem sets
• Writing practice essays

Month 3: Improvement

• Full-length practice tests
• Review mistakes thoroughly
• Time management practice
• Advanced vocabulary

Month 4: Polish

• Weekly full tests
• Focus on weak areas
• Final review
• Build stamina

Study Resources

Official Materials

• ETS Official GRE Guide
• Official Practice Tests (free)
• PowerPrep Online

Popular Prep

• Manhattan Prep GRE books
• Magoosh GRE
• Kaplan GRE
• Gregmat (online)

Vocabulary

• Magoosh Vocabulary App
• Quizlet GRE word lists
• Word Power Made Easy

Section Strategies

Verbal Reasoning

• Build strong vocabulary (1000+ words)
• Learn root words, prefixes, suffixes
• Practice reading complex texts
• Understand question types

Quantitative Reasoning

• Review high school math
• Learn GRE-specific strategies
• Practice mental math
• Know formulas cold

Analytical Writing

• Practice writing under time pressure
• Use clear structure
• Develop arguments with examples
• Proofread for clarity

Test Day Tips

• Sleep well night before
• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Bring acceptable ID
• Use scratch paper strategically
• Take breaks when offered
• Stay focused on current section

Score Reporting

• ScoreSelect option: choose which scores to send
• 4 free score recipients on test day
• Additional reports: $27 each
• Scores available online in 10-15 days
• Official reports sent in 10-15 days

Should You Retake?

Consider retaking if:

• Score significantly below target
• Unbalanced section scores
• Poor test day conditions affected performance
• Haven't reached study potential

Don't retake if:

• Within range of target programs
• Balanced scores
• Other application materials are strong
• Limited time before deadlines

Remember: GRE is just one component. Strong GPA, research, and recommendations matter too!