What Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?

What Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?

Let me tell you about the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE—it's a standardized exam that tests your aptitude for abstract thinking in analytical writing, mathematics, and vocabulary. Many graduate schools in the U.S. and Canada use it to decide if you're eligible for their programs.

These days, you'll mostly take the GRE on a computer, but if you're in an area without the right computer setup, a paper-based version might be available.

Key Takeaways

The GRE serves as a standardized test for graduate program aptitude, focusing on abstract thinking in reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics. Scores run from 130 to 170, and top programs often want scores in the mid-to-high 160s. You can take it at online testing centers in most countries, including the U.S. In most places, it costs $220, but in China, it's $231.30.

Understanding the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The GRE has three main sections that check your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. In the verbal reasoning part, it tests how well you draw conclusions, spot key points, and understand words and sentences. It's all about analyzing and evaluating written material, processing information from it, and seeing relationships between sentence parts.

For the quantitative section, you're measured on solving problems with geometry, data analysis, and algebra concepts. You'll handle mathematical problems and interpret quantitative data. The analytical writing section looks at your critical thinking and how effectively you articulate complex ideas with solid support.

History of the GRE

The GRE started in 1936, created by four universities and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. By 1938, the University of Wisconsin was the first public university requiring it. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) took over in 1947 and still runs it today.

Originally, it only had verbal and quantitative sections. They added an analytics and logic section later, but replaced it with analytical writing after 2002. In 2007, new questions came in, including fill-in-the-blanks for math, and 2008 changed reading comprehension styles.

The major overhaul was in 2011, introducing the 130-170 scale, dropping some question types, and making the computer version adaptive by section, not by question. Even though it's widely used, some schools are dropping GRE requirements due to criticisms of bias and poor prediction of success.

In 2023, ETS shortened the GRE from four hours to under two hours. This version cuts the argument essay, the unscored experimental section, and reduces questions in quantitative and verbal parts.

How the GRE Is Scored

The GRE has three sections scored in different ways. Verbal Reasoning scores from 130 to 170 in one-point increments. Quantitative Reasoning does the same, 130 to 170 in one-point increments. Analytical Writing scores each task from 0 to 6 in half-points, then averages them for a 0 to 6 score.

Your final score combines Verbal and Quantitative for a 260 to 340 range in one-point increments. Analytical Writing is reported separately.

How Admissions Use the GRE

Graduate and business schools use the GRE General Test to screen applicants. Some require GRE Subject Tests for specific fields—as of 2024, only physics, psychology, and mathematics are available. Subject tests have changed over time; many like chemistry, English literature, and biology are discontinued.

Business School Admissions

Most business schools prefer the GMAT for MBA applicants, but many accept GRE scores instead. The GRE has a writing section that the GMAT lacks, though the GMAT's math is tougher. Top U.S. business schools take the GRE for MBAs. To give you an idea, here are average 2023 GRE scores for top business schools.

How to Take the GRE and the Costs

You can take the GRE at testing centers or at home, and it lasts one hour and 58 minutes. There are five sections: one writing, and two each for verbal and quantitative. No limit on retakes, but wait 21 days between attempts, and no more than five times in a year.

Retake it if you want better scores to boost your chances at schools. You choose which scores to send, unlike other tests. It costs $220 in the U.S. and most countries, $231.30 in China, and 22,550 Indian rupees in India.

Signing Up and Preparing for the GRE

Sign up on the ETS website. For the computer test, create a free account, pick a date and center—at least two days in advance. At-home testing is available too. Pay with credit/debit card, PayPal, or AliPay+.

For prep, ETS offers free resources like practice tests, math reviews, and videos. Paid options include more tests, section-specific questions, and online writing practice with scores and feedback.

How Long Is the GRE?

The GRE takes 1 hour and 58 minutes total. Writing is 30 minutes, verbal reasoning has parts of 18 and 23 minutes, and quantitative reasoning has 21 and 26 minutes.

Can You Retake the GRE?

Yes, you can retake it with a 21-day wait between attempts, up to five times in a 12-month period.

Can I Send Only My Best GRE Score to Schools?

Yes, ScoreSelect lets you choose which scores to send, so schools see only your best.

Do All Schools Require GRE Scores?

No, not all schools require them; more are dropping the requirement.

The Bottom Line

The GRE is a standardized test for graduate and business school admissions, assessing your readiness through verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Scores are 130-170 for verbal and quantitative, and 0-6 for writing.