The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) General Test is the most widely accepted graduate admissions test in the world. Developed by ETS, the GRE is used for admission to master’s and doctoral programmes, MBA programmes, and specialised graduate degrees across thousands of institutions worldwide.
Unlike English proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS), the GRE measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills — abilities that are relevant to graduate-level study regardless of your field. Most US graduate schools require or accept GRE scores, and acceptance has grown significantly in the UK, Canada, Europe, and Australia.
| Section | Number of Questions | Time | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing (Analyse an Issue) | 1 essay | 30 minutes | 0–6 (half-point increments) |
| Verbal Reasoning — Section 1 | 12 questions | 18 minutes | 130–170 (combined) |
| Verbal Reasoning — Section 2 | 15 questions | 23 minutes | |
| Quantitative Reasoning — Section 1 | 12 questions | 21 minutes | 130–170 (combined) |
| Quantitative Reasoning — Section 2 | 15 questions | 26 minutes | |
| Total | 54 questions + 1 essay | ~1 hour 58 minutes | 260–340 (V+Q total) |
Source: ETS (ets.org/gre — Test structure).
Section-level adaptive: The Verbal and Quantitative sections are each adaptive at the section level. The first section of each measure has average difficulty. If you perform well on the first section, the second section will be harder (but higher-scoring); if you struggle, the second section will be easier (but with a lower scoring ceiling). This is why your first-section performance is critical.
The Verbal Reasoning section measures your ability to understand and analyse written material, evaluate arguments, and recognise relationships among words and concepts.
| Question Type | Description | Count (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Read passages (1–5 paragraphs) and answer questions about main idea, detail, inference, author’s purpose, and structure | ~10 per section |
| Text Completion | Fill in 1–3 blanks in a passage by selecting the best word or phrase for each blank | ~6 per section |
| Sentence Equivalence | Select two answer choices that complete a sentence and produce the same meaning | ~4 per section |
Source: ETS (ets.org/gre — Verbal Reasoning).
Key skill: Vocabulary is crucial for Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions. However, the GRE tests vocabulary in context — understanding how words function in academic writing is more important than memorising definitions.
The Quantitative Reasoning section measures your ability to solve problems using mathematical concepts at the high-school level — arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. It does not test advanced mathematics.
| Question Type | Description | Count (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Comparison | Compare two quantities (A and B) and determine which is greater, if they are equal, or if the relationship cannot be determined | ~7 per section |
| Problem Solving (Multiple Choice) | Standard multiple-choice math problems (select one or more correct answers) | ~10 per section |
| Numeric Entry | Type in your answer — no answer choices provided | ~2 per section |
| Data Interpretation | Analyse data presented in graphs, tables, or charts and answer questions | ~3 per section |
Source: ETS (ets.org/gre — Quantitative Reasoning).
On-screen calculator: ETS provides a basic on-screen calculator during the Quant section. You cannot bring your own calculator. The on-screen calculator handles basic operations — plan your problem-solving approach before calculating.
The Analytical Writing section consists of one essay task: Analyse an Issue. You are given a claim or statement and asked to evaluate it, present your position, and support it with reasons and examples. You have 30 minutes to write your essay.
The “Analyse an Argument” task was removed when ETS shortened the GRE in September 2023. The Issue essay is scored by both a trained human rater and an automated scoring system; if the scores differ significantly, a second human rater evaluates the essay.
What scorers look for: clarity of position, logical development of ideas, relevant supporting examples, coherent organisation, and command of standard written English. A score of 4.0 or higher is considered competitive for most programmes.
Source: ETS (ets.org/gre — Analytical Writing).
| Score (Verbal) | Approximate Percentile | Score (Quant) | Approximate Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 170 | 99th | 170 | 96th |
| 165 | 96th | 168 | 91st |
| 160 | 86th | 165 | 85th |
| 155 | 69th | 160 | 73rd |
| 150 | 48th | 155 | 56th |
| 145 | 27th | 150 | 39th |
| 140 | 12th | 145 | 23rd |
Source: ETS (ets.org/gre — Score percentiles).
Average scores: The global average is approximately Verbal 150, Quantitative 154, and Analytical Writing 3.6, giving an average total of roughly 303. Note that Quant percentiles tend to be lower for the same score because the test-taking pool for Quant skews toward STEM applicants.
ScoreSelect: ETS offers ScoreSelect, which lets you choose which test scores to send to institutions. You can send your most recent scores, scores from all test dates, or scores from specific test dates.
| Programme Type | Competitive Total (V+Q) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Top-tier STEM (MIT, Stanford, Caltech) | 325–340 | Quant 165+ strongly preferred; Verbal 155+ |
| Top-tier MBA (Harvard, Wharton, Booth) | 325–340 | Median ~164V / 164Q at top schools |
| Top-tier Humanities/Social Sciences | 320–335 | Verbal 160+ more important than high Quant |
| Competitive programmes (top 50 US) | 315–325 | 315+ competitive for most programmes |
| Mid-tier programmes | 305–315 | Above average; sufficient for many programmes |
| UK universities (where required) | 310–330 | LSE: ~163–166 Quant; Imperial: 156V/158Q minimum |
Source: ETS (ets.org/gre); university admission pages; programme-specific published averages.
Important: Many programmes do not publish minimum GRE scores and evaluate applications holistically. However, a strong GRE score can compensate for weaknesses elsewhere in your application, such as a lower GPA.
| Feature | GRE General Test | GMAT Focus Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Graduate school (all fields) + MBA | Business school / MBA primarily |
| Duration | ~1 hr 58 min | ~2 hrs 15 min |
| Sections | Verbal, Quant, Analytical Writing | Verbal, Quant, Data Insights |
| Scoring | 130–170 per section (V+Q total: 260–340) | 205–805 (total score) |
| Math difficulty | High-school level; geometry included | No geometry; more data sufficiency |
| Vocabulary | Heavy vocabulary component | Less vocabulary-focused |
| Accepted for MBA | Yes — most top MBA programmes accept both | Yes — designed for business school |
| Fee | USD 220 | USD 275 |
| Score validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| At home | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Students applying to multiple programme types; strong vocabulary; need geometry | Students targeting business school only; prefer data-focused questions |
Source: ETS (ets.org/gre); GMAC (mba.com/gmat).
| Item | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Registration (worldwide) | USD 220 |
| Registration (China) | USD 231.30 |
| Score sends (4 included free) | Additional: USD 40 each |
| Rescheduling / centre change | USD 50 |
| Cancellation refund (4+ days before) | 50% refund (USD 110) |
| Score review | USD 50 (Analytical Writing only) |
Source: ETS (ets.org/gre — Fees).
How to register: Create an ETS account at ets.org, select your test date and centre (or Home Edition), and pay by credit/debit card or PayPal. Register at least 3–4 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date. You need a valid passport or government-issued ID.
Retake policy: You can retake the GRE once every 21 days, up to 5 times within any 12-month period. With ScoreSelect, you choose which scores institutions see.
The GRE General Test at Home lets you take the identical test from your own computer, proctored remotely via ProctorU. The content, scoring, and score validity are the same as the test-centre version.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Computer | Desktop or laptop (no tablets) |
| Internet | Stable broadband (minimum 2 Mbps) |
| Camera & microphone | Internal or external |
| Room | Private, quiet, closed door, no other people |
| Scratch work | Small erasable whiteboard (paper not allowed) |
| Availability | Global; more flexible scheduling than test centres |
Source: ETS (ets.org/gre — GRE General Test at Home).
| Starting Level | Target Total Score | Preparation Time |
|---|---|---|
| Below average (280–295) | 310–315 | 3–6 months; 15–20 hrs/week |
| Average (295–310) | 315–325 | 2–3 months; 10–15 hrs/week |
| Above average (310+) | 325+ | 4–8 weeks; 8–12 hrs/week |
Verbal Reasoning: Build vocabulary systematically using GRE word lists, but focus on understanding words in context rather than rote memorisation. For Reading Comprehension, practise identifying the passage’s main argument, the author’s tone, and the logical structure. Read academic journals, opinion editorials, and long-form articles regularly.
Quantitative Reasoning: The GRE tests mathematical reasoning, not advanced maths. Master the fundamentals: arithmetic properties, algebra, geometry (triangles, circles, coordinate geometry), data interpretation, and probability/statistics. Practise Quantitative Comparison questions specifically — they require strategic thinking rather than computation. Learn to use the on-screen calculator efficiently but rely on estimation and mental maths where possible.
Analytical Writing: Practise the Issue essay with a timer. Structure your essays clearly: introduction with thesis, 2–3 body paragraphs with specific examples, and a concise conclusion. Read the official pool of Issue topics on the ETS website — your actual test topic will come from this pool. Aim for 400–600 words with clear, logical arguments.
ETS provides two free PowerPrep practice tests that simulate the actual test experience, including the adaptive section-level design. These are the most accurate practice resources available. ETS also publishes the Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions and Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions books.
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The GRE has three sections: Analytical Writing (1 essay — Analyse an Issue, 30 min), Verbal Reasoning (2 sections, 27 questions, ~41 min), and Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections, 27 questions, ~47 min). Total test time is approximately 1 hour 58 minutes. The Verbal and Quant sections are section-level adaptive. (Source: ETS — ets.org/gre)
Verbal and Quant are each scored 130–170 in 1-point increments. Your total GRE score is V+Q (260–340). Analytical Writing is scored 0–6 in 0.5-point increments. Unofficial V+Q scores are available immediately; official scores including Writing are released in 8–10 days. (Source: ETS — ets.org/gre)
For top US universities (Harvard, Stanford, MIT), aim for 320+ total with Quant 165+ for STEM programmes. Top MBA programmes see medians around 164V/164Q. A score of 315+ is competitive for most programmes globally. UK universities that require GRE typically look for 155–165 per section. (Source: ETS — ets.org/gre; university admission data)
Registration is USD 220 worldwide (USD 231.30 in China). This includes 4 free score sends. Additional score reports cost USD 40 each. Rescheduling costs USD 50. Cancellations made 4+ days before the test receive a 50% refund. (Source: ETS — ets.org/gre — Fees)
GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date — significantly longer than TOEFL or IELTS (2 years). You can retake the GRE every 21 days, up to 5 times within a 12-month period. ScoreSelect lets you choose which scores to send. (Source: ETS — ets.org/gre)
Yes. The GRE at Home option is identical in content, scoring, and validity. You need a computer with camera, microphone, stable internet, and a private room. A small erasable whiteboard is allowed. It is available globally with flexible scheduling. (Source: ETS — ets.org/gre)
Official Sources Referenced:
ETS — GRE General Test: ets.org — Test structure
ETS — Fees: ets.org — GRE fees
ETS — Score requirements: ets.org — Score requirements
