Thinking about graduate school? Whether you’re aiming for a Master’s, MBA, or PhD, there’s a good chance you’ll need to take the GRE.
And if you’ve found yourself Googling things like “what is GRE,” “what does GRE test,” or “what is GRE exam used for”- you’re not alone.
This guide explains everything about the GRE General Test- what it is, why it matters, what’s on it, and how to prepare with confidence.
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test designed to assess your readiness for graduate-level academic work. It’s accepted by thousands of graduate and business schools worldwide- especially in the U.S., Canada, and Europe- and it’s administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service).
In short, the GRE is a tool that graduate programs use to compare applicants from different academic backgrounds using a common standard.
You might be wondering:
For more details, visit the official ETS GRE overview page.
The GRE General Test underwent significant changes in 2024, making it more streamlined and efficient. Here's a snapshot of the updated structure:
The total testing time is approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes, with the 10-minute break and unscored sections removed to enhance efficiency.
For full details on test structure, visit the official ETS GRE test content page.
The GRE costs approximately $220 USD, although this can vary slightly depending on your location. You can take the GRE at home (online, proctored) or at a test center, and it’s available year-round.
You’ll receive Verbal and Quantitative scores on a 130–170 scale each, combining for a total score range of 260 to 340. Your Analytical Writing score will be reported separately on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments.
For registration and fee details, see the official ETS GRE registration fees page.
This depends on your starting point, desired score, and application deadlines. Most students take 2 to 6 months to prepare thoroughly.
Work backward from your school’s application deadline to decide when to test and how long to study.
A “good” GRE score largely depends on the target program and school you’re applying to. Different programs have varying expectations based on competitiveness, field of study, and admission standards.
Here’s a general idea based on the combined Verbal + Quantitative score (out of 340):
It’s important to research the average GRE scores of your specific target schools and aim slightly above those averages to improve your chances of admission.
You can check typical score ranges on the official ETS GRE scores page.
Sample prompts and scoring guides are available on the official ETS GRE analytical writing preparation page.
Official verbal reasoning practice and tips can be found on the ETS GRE verbal reasoning preparation page.
Quantitative reasoning resources are available on the ETS GRE quantitative reasoning preparation page.
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The GRE is a comprehensive test designed to evaluate your verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills, serving as an important benchmark for graduate school admissions.
While it can be challenging, with proper preparation and the right strategies, it is entirely conquerable. Your success depends not only on mastering the content but also on managing your time and maintaining a confident mindset on test day.
Remember, the GRE is a gateway to your future academic goals, not a barrier. By starting your preparation early, staying consistent, and leveraging effective resources like EverTutor, you can approach the exam with confidence and put yourself on the path to achieving your graduate school dreams.
The GRE costs approximately $220 USD, although the fee may vary depending on your location. Additional costs may apply for services such as rescheduling, score reports, or taking the test at home. You can find detailed pricing information on the official ETS website.
GRE preparation typically takes 2 to 6 months, depending on your starting point and target score. To prepare effectively, identify your strengths and weaknesses, learn the content, practice regularly, and simulate real test conditions with mock tests. Focus on improving vocabulary, mathematical skills, and writing abilities.
A "good" GRE score depends on the program and school you're applying to. For top-tier programs, aim for a score of 320 or higher (combined Verbal and Quantitative). Competitive programs often look for scores between 305 and 320, while a score between 290 and 300 may be acceptable for some programs.
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