Learn About the Graduate Record Exam GRE

What Is the Graduate Record Exam and Who Takes It

The Graduate Record Exam, commonly known as the GRE, is a standardized test used by graduate programs across the United States and many international universities. The test measures skills and knowledge that programs believe are important for success in graduate-level coursework. Unlike tests that focus on specific subject matter, the GRE tests general reasoning abilities, verbal skills, and quantitative problem-solving. Thousands of graduate programs use GRE scores as one component of their admission process each year.

The GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service, or ETS, a private organization that develops and manages testing programs. The exam is offered year-round at testing centers worldwide, with multiple test dates available each month. Students can take the test on a computer at an official testing center, or, depending on their location and circumstances, they may be able to take it remotely from home.

Graduate programs in fields such as engineering, business, psychology, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and many others use GRE scores for admission decisions. Some fields that traditionally required specific subject tests now accept the general GRE as the primary standardized test requirement. Business programs sometimes prefer the GMAT instead, but many accept both the GMAT and GRE. Master's degree programs, doctoral programs, and some professional certificate programs may require or recommend GRE scores.

People take the GRE for various reasons. Some are required to submit a score by their graduate program of interest. Others take it because they want to strengthen their application to competitive programs. Working professionals may take the GRE while employed, sometimes studying for several months before the test date. Recent college graduates often take the test shortly after completing their undergraduate degree. International students may take the GRE as part of their preparation for studying in the United States or other English-speaking countries.

Practical Takeaway: Understanding whether a graduate program requires or recommends the GRE is your first step. Review the admission requirements on program websites directly, as requirements vary significantly between schools and fields.

Understanding the GRE Test Format and Sections

The GRE consists of three main sections that measure different skills. The Verbal Reasoning section tests reading comprehension, vocabulary usage, and logical reasoning. The Quantitative Reasoning section tests mathematical problem-solving and data interpretation. The Analytical Writing section requires test-takers to analyze arguments and develop their own written positions on topics. Each section is timed, and the entire test takes approximately three hours and forty-five minutes to complete, including breaks.

The Verbal Reasoning section contains two parts, each lasting thirty minutes. During this section, test-takers encounter reading passages on topics ranging from science and social studies to history and literature. The passages are typically between 100 and 600 words long. Test-takers must answer questions that ask them to identify main ideas, understand specific details, make inferences, and recognize how information relates logically. Questions appear in three formats: multiple choice with one correct answer, multiple choice with one or more correct answers, and sentence equivalence questions where test-takers must identify two similar words that complete a sentence logically.

The Quantitative Reasoning section also has two parts, each lasting thirty-five minutes. This section includes questions involving algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and data interpretation. Most questions involve problem-solving, where test-takers must select an answer from five choices. Some questions ask test-takers to enter a numerical answer directly. Others present data in graphs, charts, or tables and ask test-takers to interpret the information. The mathematics covered does not extend beyond high school algebra and geometry; the test does not require calculus or advanced mathematics, though it does require strong foundational math skills.

The Analytical Writing section consists of two tasks that test different skills. The Analysis of an Argument task presents a brief argument and asks test-takers to evaluate the reasoning. Test-takers must identify assumptions in the argument, consider what evidence would strengthen or weaken it, and explore alternative perspectives. The Analysis of an Issue task presents a statement or claim and asks test-takers to discuss the extent to which they agree or disagree, supporting their position with examples and reasoning. Test-takers have thirty minutes to complete each task, typing their responses on a computer.

The test is computer-adaptive for the Verbal and Quantitative sections. This means the difficulty of questions adjusts based on performance. If a test-taker answers questions correctly, the next set of questions becomes harder. If answers are incorrect, the next set becomes easier. This method aims to identify a test-taker's accurate skill level more efficiently than a fixed-difficulty test would.

Practical Takeaway: Knowing the format beforehand means you can practice with real GRE questions and become comfortable with the testing interface. The official GRE website and test prep materials provide sample questions that match the actual test format.

GRE Scoring System and What Scores Mean

Understanding how scores are calculated and reported helps you set realistic goals and understand what programs expect. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are each scored on a scale of 130 to 170, in one-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments. Your total GRE score reflects the combined Verbal and Quantitative scores, typically ranging from 260 to 340. Many programs focus primarily on these two quantitative and verbal scores rather than the writing score, though writing scores may be considered by some programs, particularly those emphasizing communication skills.

Scores have percentile rankings that indicate how your performance compares to other test-takers. For example, a Verbal score of 160 might correspond to approximately the 86th percentile, meaning your score was higher than approximately 86 percent of people who took the test. Percentile rankings fluctuate slightly from test administration to test administration, so a specific score may correspond to slightly different percentiles depending on when you test. Programs typically publish the average GRE scores of admitted students, which helps prospective students understand the typical score range for that program.

The average Verbal score for test-takers is approximately 150, and the average Quantitative score is also approximately 150. However, averages vary by field. Test-takers in engineering and physical sciences tend to score higher on the Quantitative section than on the Verbal section. Test-takers in humanities fields often show the opposite pattern. Knowing the average scores for your specific field and program helps you set appropriate targets. A score that is strong in one field may be considered average in another.

Score validity periods matter for your planning. Official GRE scores remain valid for five years from your test date. Most graduate programs will review scores from this five-year window. Some programs may accept scores older than five years but typically will not. If you took the GRE several years ago and are considering graduate programs now, you may need to retake the test. Programs rarely specify a minimum acceptable score; instead, they evaluate scores as one part of a complete application that includes work experience, academic record, letters of recommendation, and written statements about your goals.

You have the option to cancel your score immediately after taking the test, before seeing your results, if you believe you performed poorly or became ill during testing. You can also take the test multiple times if you wish to improve your score. Most programs consider only your highest score, though some may look at all scores you have submitted. Understanding your program's score consideration policy before retaking the test helps you make an informed decision.

Practical Takeaway: Research the average scores for your specific graduate program and field to understand what score range is typical for admission. This research-based target is far more useful than aiming for an arbitrary score.

Preparing for the GRE: Strategies and Resources

Effective preparation typically involves a combination of self-study, practice tests, and targeted review of challenging content areas. Most test-takers benefit from beginning preparation four to six months before their planned test date, though the timeline varies based on current skills and target score. Test-takers with strong verbal and quantitative backgrounds may need less preparation time, while those addressing skill gaps may need more. Creating a study schedule that fits your work or academic commitments makes consistent preparation more sustainable.

Official GRE preparation materials from ETS provide authentic practice questions and test conditions. The official GRE prep website offers free resources including full-length practice tests, sample questions, and video lessons explaining concepts and strategies. The practice tests provided by ETS are computer-adaptive, matching the actual test conditions you will experience. Studying with official materials first helps you