GRE Overview and Structure
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test provides graduate schools with common measures to evaluate the qualifications of applicants. The exam measures quantitative, verbal and analytical writing skills that have been developed over a long period of time. Research shows that scores on the GRE General Test consistently predict graduate school students' performance and grades.
Explore each GRE exam section further by testing yourself with Kaplan's GRE practice questions.
The GRE is not only a criterion for admission into graduate school. Often GRE scores will be used to ascertain eligibility for merit-based fellowships and grants, in addition to teaching and research assistantships. To limit the application pool, cut off points are established for GRE scores by numerous programs, particularly those at large state schools, while others use GRE scores to directly establish the amount of financial support you receive. Investing effort and time in your GRE preparation today can help you achieve entry into the grad school of your choice and enhance your chances of receiving financial aid.
The GRE at a Glance
GRE Verbal Section
Time: 30 minutes
Format: 30 questions
Topics Tested: Reading, Analytical Reasoning, Vocabulary
Question Types: Sentence Completions, Analogies, Reading Comprehension, Antonyms
GRE Quantitative Section
Time: 45 minutes
Format: 28 questions
Topics Tested: Basic Math, Mathematical Concepts, Quantitative Reasoning
Question Types: Problem Solving, Quantitative Comparisons
GRE Writing Assessment
Time: 75 minutes
Format: One 45-minute essay, One 30-minute essay
Topics Tested: Analysis of an Argument, Analysis of an Issue
The GRE revised General Test - Launching in 2011
The new GRE revised test will launch 1 August, 2011. Changes have been made to the content, design, score scales, and content and length. Below is a brief summary of what changes to expect. For up-to-date information and tips, visit www.ets.org.
- Changes to content: the Verbal Reasoning section will place a higher importance on higher cognitive skills; the Quantitative Reasoning section will still test basic math skills, but will focus on real-life scenarios and data interpretation; the Analytical Writing section will ask test takers to provide more focused responses to answers.
- Changes to test design: test takers will be able to change their answers, skip questions, use an on-screen calculator, and more to provide a more flexible experience while utillizing personal test-taking strategies.
- Changes to score scales: the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning will be measured on a 130-170 score scale, in 1-point increments.
- Changes to structure and length: the test will be 3 hours and 45 minutes and will be divided into 6 sections. The Analytical Writing section will always come first, while the remaining sections may follow in any order.
Important: Test takers that require their GRE scores before November 2011 should take the GRE before 1 August, 2011. View the GRE Important Dates Timeline for more information.