GRE Test

 What Specifically does the GRE General Test?

On the verbal side, the GRE tests vocabulary, primarily in context, and a whole lot of reading comprehension. The three distinct subject areas on the verbal portion are Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, and Reading Comprehension.

On the math side, the GRE tests basic math concepts up through Geometry I. The most commonly tested topics include basic algebra, geometry, averages, ratios, number properties, exponents and square roots, and numeric problem solving.

There are also two essays. One tests your ability to formulate a convincing argument based upon a topic you select from two choices. The other will give you the argument and you have to evaluate it.

Of course, ETS likes to claim that the GRE tests skills that you will need to be successful in graduate school, but really all it tests is your ability to take the GRE. Fortunately, that can be learned and mastered.

How is the GRE General Test Scored?

Test-takers will get three separate scores, one for the Quantitative (the math), one for the Verbal, and one for the Analytic (the essays). Math and Verbal scores will range between 130 and 170 in one point increments. Analytic scores range between 0 and 6 in half point increments.

The most unique feature of the Revised General Test is that it is adaptive by section. Every test-taker will see at least two math sections and two verbal sections. The difficulty level of the second section of each subject will be determined by the test-takers performance on the first section. If you get lots of questions right on the first section, you will get a harder second section, but access to higher scores. If you do poorly on the first section, you will get an easier second section and your scoring potential will be capped at a lower range.

Students will also likely see an additional math or verbal section, but it will not count. This is the experimental section. If you see three math sections, you will know that your experimental section was math, but it is impossible to tell which of the math sections counted and which did not.

Essays will be read by one human and one computer. Each will place a score on the 1-6 point scale. Final scores for both readers and both essays will be averaged and quarter points will be rounded up. A student who skips the essays or writes an essay on a different topic other than the ones that have been presented, will receive a score of 0.

Scoring is based on how you perform on each section of the GRE: Verbal 130-170 (1-point increments); Quantitative 130-170 (1-point increments); Analytical Writing Assessment (0 to 6 points).

Your GRE score remains valid for five years. If you have taken the GRE several times, ETS will report all GRE scores from the past five years.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a 3hr 45min., multiple–choice, multi-stage test required by most graduate schools. It's run by the Educational Testing Service, the same people who run the SAT.

Schools differ in how they use your GRE score. Some consider it very important, while others view it as a formality. We recommend asking your prospective programs—most will be quite willing to tell you what part the test plays in their admissions decisions.

What's the breakdown of the GRE?

Students will see six sections on every test. The first section contains two essays, one 30 minute issue essay and one 30 minute argument essay. The next five sections will cover Verbal Ability (Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence are the question types) and Quantitative Ability (Problem Solving, Quantitative Comparison, and Numeric Entry are the question types). All test-takers will see two math sections and two verbal sections. Each section has 20 questions. Math sections are 35 minutes, while verbal sections are 30 minutes. The sections could come in any order.

Test-takers will also see a fifth section that may be either math or verbal. This is the Experimental section and it will not count. It will look just like the other sections and could come in any order so it is impossible to tell which section counts and which one does not. This is where ETS uses test-takers as unpaid guinea pigs to test out new questions that they will later inflict on future test-takers. Do not let the way you perform on one section affect your performance on another section. If you think you did poorly on one section, it may not have counted. On the other hand, don't blow off a section because you think it is the experimental because there is no way to tell.

How is the GRE scored?

The GRE is a multi-stage test. The computer will use your performance on each section to determine the difficulty of the section you will be given next. You will receive separate Verbal and Quantitative Scores: Verbal 130-170 (1-point increments); Quantitative 130-170 (1-point increments). The Analytical Writing section is listed separately, and is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half–point increments.

What are the GRE Subject Tests?

The GRE Subject Tests are similar to SAT IIs in that they test your knowledge of a particular subject like chemistry or literature. Not every school requires a GRE subject test, but many of the most competitive programs do. ETS offers the tests three times a year –they are not part of the standard GRE. 

How can I Prepare for the GRE Test?



Taking the GRE for Admission to Business School

Did you know that a growing number of MBA programs are now accepting GRE General Test scores for admission? In fact, more than 250 MBA programs have signed on so far. And that translates into more options for you! So before you apply to business school, find out what admissions tests your schools will accept.


Whether you take the GMAT or GRE, we hope you'll prep with us!


What are the differences between the GMAT and GRE?

Here's a handy chart to help you compare the two tests.




Why Take It


The test is required for admission to most business schools.

Test Structure

The GRE consists of a 75-minute Analytical Writing section, a 30- minute Verbal Reasoning section, and a 45-minute Quantitative Reasoning section.

The GMAT features two 30-minute Analytical Writing Assessment sections, a 75-minute Quantitative Ability section and a 75-minute Verbal section.

Test Format

Offered in paper-based and computer-adaptive formats.

The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test.

How It's Scored

Total Composite Score 120 - 180.





Testing Time

3+ hours depending on the format

3.5 hours

How Long Are Scores Valid For?

5 years

5 years

Which schools accept the GRE?
Our goal is to help you to get into one of your top-choice business schools. We recommend you research the schools you're interested in and find out if they also accept the GRE. Click here to see the list of the 250+ schools that currently accept both the GRE and the GMAT.

Which test is right for me?

How will business schools look at my GRE score?
Check out the ETS Comparison Tool
Test names are the trademarks of their respective owners, who are not affiliated with The Princeton Review.

Not sure if you need GRE classes? At the Princeton Review GRE Test Prep Center we offer Free GRE sessions that you can attend. The main objective behind organizing these sessions is to ensure you make an informed decision. These sessions will provide you with invaluable information about the GRE test and should help clear some concerns you have regarding the GRE.
1) You can drop by at any of our locations and take a FREE GRE practice test. Give the GRE a shot and see where you stand. The test will provide you with a bird's eye view on your strengths and weaknesses. Our expert team of counsellors will guide you to set out a road-map.
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3) GRE FREE Class
Why don't you drop by for a FREE GRE class? You will get a hands on experience of the quality of our instructors and the Princeton Review strategies. 

You can prepare for the GRE on your terms. At our offices you have various options to choose from and you get to select the one that best fits your needs and requirements. The different GRE classes adapt to varying budgetary, time, and learning variances.
You can opt for the GRE course at our offices with confidence. It has never been this easy to decide whether you should take a course with the Princeton Review. All you need to do is opt for that choice of course which meets your requirements and helps you to achieve a higher score. Returns on your investment is guaranteed.
You can learn from our expert instructors. Be it with respect to knowing and understanding the nuances of the test or with the teaching style, our expert GRE instructors will be there to help you in your goal to crack the test. Our instructors keep themselves up-to-date with the latest happenings and continously improve their knowledge and delivery. 
Below is the list of the various GRE Test Preparation Options available at our offices. 

Which GRE Test Preparation Option Is Right for You?

GRE Classroom

GRE offers Classroom Sessions that delve into not only the content but also the strategies that are required to ensure you're positioned for success.

  1. 30-hour course with our expert instructors

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Small Group Instruction

The most personalized GRE coaching is now available for your benefit. You and your friends can now study together in a closed group.

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Private Tutoring

We offer you with a personalized one-one session with our expert instructors. The program can be customized based on your individual requirements.

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GRE Live Online

Can’t come in person for the classes? We have a solution for you. Take our GRE Live Online course.

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