⚡ GRE Quick Facts
| Test Length | 1 hour 58 minutes |
|---|---|
| Sections | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing |
| Scoring | 130–170 per section |
| Cost | $220 |
| Format | Digital, section-adaptive |
| Who Takes It | Students applying to graduate school |
What is the GRE?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is used for admission to graduate and business programs worldwide. In September 2023, ETS shortened the GRE significantly — it's now under 2 hours instead of nearly 4. The test is section-level adaptive, meaning your performance on the first Verbal and Quant sections determines the difficulty of the second sections.
Test Format & Sections
Analytical Writing (30 minutes)
One essay task: Analyze an Issue. You'll present your perspective on a given topic with supporting reasoning. The old Analyze an Argument task was removed in the shorter format.
Verbal Reasoning (2 sections, 18 min each)
Reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. Heavy on vocabulary — but it's about understanding words in context, not memorizing flashcards.
Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections, 21 min each)
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The on-screen calculator is basic — know your mental math. Problems test reasoning more than computation.
Scoring
Verbal and Quant are each scored 130–170. Writing is scored 0–6. Most competitive programs look for 160+ in the relevant section. A 320+ combined (V+Q) is strong for most programs.
📖 Best GRE Prep Books 2025–2026
We reviewed the top-rated prep books and picked the ones actually worth your money. No sponsored picks.
View on Amazon →How Long Should You Study?
6–12 weeks for most students. If you're targeting 320+, plan for 3 months of serious study. Vocabulary building takes the longest — start that first.
Top Study Tips
- Vocabulary matters. Learn the 300–500 most common GRE words. Magoosh and Manhattan Prep have solid word lists.
- The shorter format means every question counts more. Fewer questions = each one has bigger score impact.
- Practice the on-screen calculator. It's clunky. Don't rely on it for everything.
- Read academic articles regularly. The reading comp passages are dense — get comfortable with that style.
Free Practice Resources
- ETS Official GRE Page — Free PowerPrep practice tests (2 full tests)
- PowerPrep Online — Free practice in the actual test interface
Best GRE Prep Books
We reviewed the top-rated GRE prep books and picked the ones that are actually worth your money. No sponsored recommendations — just honest reviews based on content quality, practice questions, and real student feedback.
📖 Best GRE Prep Books 2025–2026
We reviewed the top-rated prep books and picked the ones actually worth your money. No sponsored picks.
View on Amazon →