Information about the GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized admissions test used around the world to help graduate programs assess an applicant’s likelihood of being successful in their program. This exam provides an objective assessment of the skills necessary to succeed in graduate, business, and law programs by testing verbal and quantitative reasoning, critical thinking skills, and analytical writing ability. The GRE presumes fluency in English, but its verbal reasoning sections emphasize efficient reading and the ability to understand words in context, rather than demanding rote memorization. The GRE is generally considered by admissions departments to be less important than undergraduate GPA, equally important to letters of recommendation, and more important than other admissions considerations.
GRE Basics
This page discusses general information about the GRE, including basic information about the content and structure of the test, details about its adaptive computer algorithm, and a description of its scoring system. Also covered are how the test is used by graduate schools, as well as a comparison with the GMAT. Some business schools have recently begun accepting the GRE as an alternative to the GMAT, and there are score comparison tools that schools can use to help them evaluate candidates who have scores from either test.
GRE Format
This page discusses general information about the format of the GRE, including what to expect on the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing sections, how long the test takes to complete, how much time you have to complete each section, the order in which sections are presented, and specific test design features you will want to be aware of before the day of your exam.
Recent Changes to the GRE
In 2023, the GRE underwent an important revision when the test was shorted from four hours to just under two hours. We discuss this and other minor changes, as well as the more significant revisions made in 2011 that changed both the structure and content of the test. Most importantly, the computer system changed from adapting after every question (like the GMAT) to only adapting between sections, making it possible for students to go back and review all their answers before submitting them for each section. This revision produced a stark contrast between the GMAT and the GRE, making both tests useful and unique evaluation tools for business and graduate schools to use. The GRE is currently generally regarded as being more difficult in terms of language, whereas the GMAT is generally considered more difficult in terms of Quantitative Reasoning.
GRE Administration
The GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which is also responsible for the composition and administration of the GRE subject tests and other graduate examinations. The ETS provides comprehensive information about the GRE on its website, including details about its history, organizational team, and ongoing research, as well as many useful resources related to the test, some of which are free. If you know that you will be taking the GRE General Test, the ETS website is the place to go to schedule your test-taking appointment and get the most updated information about the current test.
Computer Test vs. Paper Test
At one time, the GRE could be taken either as a paper test or a computer-based test, and this page provides information about the differences and similarities between the two. While the paper version of the exam is no longer available, its history chronicles the changes made to the GRE over the years as computerized testing became the preferred method of test administration worldwide. Computer-based tests are administered throughout the year, whereas paper-based tests were only administered on certain dates in specific locations. While the computer-based test is adaptive between sections, the paper test was not adaptive, so all sections were not weighted the same.
Test Center vs. Online Test
The GRE can be taken in one of two locations: at an approved testing center or remotely from the comfort of your own home. Visit this page to learn about the two test-taking options and decide which is right for you. The GRE can be taken in test centers only on specific dates in certain large cities, whereas the online version can be taken using your personal computer any day of the week, 24 hours a day, provided that testing slots are available. This page examines the advantages and potential disadvantages of taking the GRE in a testing center versus online so test-takers can make an informed decision about their test location.
GRE Scores
GRE scores vary greatly in importance depending on the applicant and the program to which they are applying. Generally, graduate schools regard GRE scores as less important than undergraduate GPA, equally important as letters of recommendation, and more important than other admissions considerations. The scoring system was changed in 2011 to a scale of 130-170 for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. Analytical Writing is scored on a scale of 0-6 in half-point increments by a combination of human and computer grading. Official test scores are available in your ETS account approximately eight to ten days after testing. ETS has a score comparison tool that makes it easy to compare GRE and GMAT scores, although the tests are designed to evaluate different things.
GRE History
A history of the development of the GRE including its most recent revision in 2023, its significant revision in 2011, important ETS claims about the test, and a description of the use of research and experimental sections to continuously update the test content.
GRE vs. GMAT
A detailed comparison of the GRE with the GMAT, the standardized test required at many business schools. Some business schools also accept the GRE, so some students may need to choose the test that is more appropriate for them. While the GRE is considered to be more difficult in its language and Verbal Reasoning sections, the GMAT is reputed to have more challenging Quantitative Reasoning sections. The GRE adapts between test sections, whereas the GMAT adapts after every question and does not allow you to review your answers.
GRE Subject Tests
GRE Subject Tests are achievement tests that measure a test-taker’s knowledge of a particular field of study. There are currently three Subject Tests that can be taken: Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. In the past, subject tests were offered in the areas of Computer Science, Economics, Revised Education, Engineering, English Literature, French, Geography, Geology, German, History, Music, Political Science, Sociology, Spanish, and Biochemistry. This page provides information on the discontinuation of specific Subject Tests, as well as what you need to know to excel on current Subject Tests.
GRE General Test vs. Subject Tests
Visit this page for a comparison of the GRE General Test with the GRE Subject tests. While the GRE General Test measures Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing abilities, the GRE Subject tests measure knowledge and aptitude in specific undergraduate courses of study: Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. If you know the type of graduate program you want to pursue, check with specific departments to see whether they require any GRE Subject Tests.