GRE Preparation
About the GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a pivotal component of the application process for graduate and business schools worldwide, and some law schools in the US. Administered by ETS, it offers standardized assessment to gauge applicants’ readiness for advanced academic study.
GRE General Test
The GRE General Test is designed to evaluate the skills essential for success in today’s graduate programs, including business and law. It assesses your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills — competencies developed over time and crucial across various fields of study.
Test Content
- Verbal Reasoning
Assesses your ability to analyze written material, identify key points, and understand textual structures and meanings. - Quantitative Reasoning
Measures your aptitude in interpreting and analyzing quantitative data, solving mathematical problems, and applying basic mathematical concepts. - Analytical Writing
Evaluates your capacity to articulate complex ideas, support arguments with relevant evidence, and maintain coherence in writing.
Test Structure and Timing
As of September 22, 2023, the GRE General Test comprises five sections and takes approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete. The sections and their respective timings are as follows:
Total Test Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes
Number of Sections: Five sections
| Measure | Number of Questions | Allotted Time |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | One “Analyze an Issue” task | 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | Section 1: 12 questionsSection 2: 15 questions | Section 1: 18 minutesSection 2: 23 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Section 1: 12 questionsSection 2: 15 questions | Section 1: 21 minutesSection 2: 26 minutes |
Test Administration
The GRE General Test is administered year-round at Prometric® test centers globally. Additionally, it may be available on specific dates at other testing locations. Test-takers have the option to take the test at home, provided they meet certain requirements. This at-home test is identical in content and format to the center-based test and offers flexibility in scheduling, being available 24/7. However, it requires a secure testing environment and is monitored by a human proctor.
To register for the GRE test, candidates can create or log in to their ETS® Account and select their preferred test date and location.
Fees for Test and Related Services
Test Fee:
- China: $231.30
- All other areas of the world: $220
Special Handling Requests:
- Rescheduling fee – China: $53.90
- Rescheduling fee – All other areas: $50
- Changing your test center: $50
Scoring Services:
- Additional Score Reports (ASR) – Per recipient: $35
- Question-and-Answer review service – Verbal Reasoning & Quantitative Reasoning sections only (New York State residents only): $50
- Score Review for Analytical Writing measure: $60
- Score Reinstatement Fee: $50
Note: Fees are in U.S. dollars and are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are subject to change without notice. For test takers in India, please refer to the ETS India website for fee information.
GRE Subject Tests
In addition to the general GRE, there are also GRE Subject Tests designed to measure achievement in specific subject areas. These tests are available in Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. They are tailored for individuals with undergraduate majors or extensive background in those disciplines.
Test Duration
- GRE Mathematics Test: 2 hours and 50 minutes
- GRE Physics Test and Psychology Test: 2 hours
Changes in Testing
Please note that the Chemistry Test was discontinued after the April 2023 administration. Scores from discontinued tests will still be valid and reportable for five years post-administration.
Fees for Test and Related Services
Test Fee:
- GRE Subject Test Fee (worldwide): $150
Special Handling Requests:
- Rescheduling Fee: $50
- Changing Test Center: $50
Scoring Services:
- Additional Score Reports (ASR) per recipient: $35
- Score Reinstatement Fee: $50
GRE Scoring
Understanding GRE Scores
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) provides an overall score along with individual scores for each section. Your overall GRE score will fall between 260 and 340. The verbal and quantitative sections are scored from 130 to 170 in one-point increments, while analytical writing scores range from 0 to 6 in half-point increments.
Average Scores
Recent test-takers typically achieve mean scores of around 151 in Verbal, 155 in Quantitative, and 3.5 in Writing. A strong score is generally considered to be 158 or higher in Verbal, 159 or higher in Quantitative, and 4.5 or higher in Writing. An overall score of 318 or more places you in the 75th percentile or higher.
What is a good GRE score?
When setting your GRE score goal, consider the requirements or minimums of the graduate or business programs you’re applying to. Knowing the mean or average GRE scores of admitted applicants can help you gauge competitiveness. Here’s a breakdown of percentile rankings for scaled scores:
Scaled Scores and Percentiles
| Percentile | Scaled GRE Verbal Score |
| Top 10% | 162 |
| Top 25% | 157 |
| Top 50% | 152 |
| Below 50% | 151 |
| Percentile | Scaled GRE Quant Score |
| Top 10% | 169 |
| Top 25% | 165 |
| Top 50% | 157 |
| Below 50% | 156 |