What Is the GRE and Why It Matters for Grad School

I. What does the GRE stand for?
GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination and is a standardized test used in graduate school applications, especially if your graduate school is in the United States. What is the GRE general test? The GRE general test gauges verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. If you are taking a GRE subject test, the GRE tests subject-specific skills. The GRE is run by the Educational Testing Service, a US non-profit also known as the ETS, that creates, develops, and delivers standardized test content for test takers. Since ETS is a US company, this might have you asking, what is GRE acceptance like internationally? The Graduate Record Examination is widely recognized around the world; it is accepted by graduate schools in 90 countries.

II. What is the purpose of the GRE?

When asking “What is the GRE exam?,” many people would also like to know “What is a GRE used for?” The GRE’s purpose is to test your readiness for graduate school. Many graduate programs, especially programs like graduate business and law, require test takers to take the GRE because GRE scores are important in their admissions process. The GRE assists grad schools by offering a common scoring criterion to assess test takers from a variety of educational backgrounds. The GRE tests fundamental skills required for graduate school success: analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. GRE tests are often required for individuals entering STEM fields, social sciences, humanities, education, and public policy.

III. What Are the GRE Sections?

Analytical Writing

The analytical writing section of the GRE general test is intended to measure test takers' critical thinking and analytical writing skills; this section is always what is on the GRE first. It assesses your ability to articulate, support, and develop intricate arguments and maintain focused discussions. The analytical writing assessment on the general test is designed to take 30 minutes and contains one task, in the form of an issue essay.

Verbal Reasoning

The verbal reasoning section of the GRE general test has three question types: text completion, sentence equivalence, and reading comprehension. There are two sections in this portion of the general test, designed to take test takers 41 minutes with a combined total of 27 questions. The two sections contain a mix of all three question types.

Text completion questions measure test takers' understanding of passage flow, context vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Text completion questions have a short passage with 1–3 blanks; you will be required to fill in the blanks using correct vocabulary words from the answer choices.

Sentence equivalence measures your vocabulary and ability to identify words with similar meanings in the context of a sentence. These questions appear as a single sentence with one blank. You will have six answer choices and will select the two answers that are equivalent and fit in the sentence.

Reading comprehension tests your ability to read, understand, and analyze written materials. You will be presented with a passage up to 5 paragraphs long and will answer 1–4 related questions. Questions may be multiple choice or ask you to infer the author’s tone. You may be asked to weaken or strengthen an argument, identify assumptions, or evaluate evidence.

Quantitative Reasoning

There are two question types in quantitative reasoning: quantitative comparison and problem-solving. This portion of the general test measures your quantitative skills through your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze information. This is done by solving problems using both mathematical concepts and techniques. There are two sections with 27 questions designed to take 47 minutes to complete. 
Quantitative comparison questions ask you to compare two quantities; they will be presented as multiple choice with either one correct answer or multiple correct answers. Alternatively, you may be asked to type in a numeric answer. Problem-solving questions test your quantitative skills by asking you to answer traditional math problems. You may be asked to perform calculations, solve word problems, analyze data, or apply formulas. 
Problem-solving questions will be presented as multiple choice with one correct answer, multiple choice with more than one correct answer, or will require you to type in a numeric answer.

The GRE General Test is scored using three sections: verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning are each scored on a scale of 130–170 in 1-point increments, while analytical writing is scored from 0–6 using half-point increments. Verbal and quantitative scores are based on the number of correct answers (raw score) and are adjusted using a section-level adaptive format; performance on the first section influences the difficulty and scoring weight of the second. The highest possible GRE scores are 340 points on the GRE general test. With GRE tests taken on the computer, the computer adapts the difficulty level depending on test takers' abilities. 

IV. GRE Test Formats: Computer vs. Paper

GRE tests are available in computer and paper format but GRE tests on paper are only available in regions where limited technology makes accessing computers difficult for test takers. Both versions of GRE tests contain the same sections: analytical writing, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning. GRE tests on the computer take approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes for test takers. Test time on paper may vary. Test takers using a computer for GRE tests receive their (unofficial) test scores at the close of their exam. If test takers are located where GRE tests are available on paper and computer, they will get a computer test unless a paper test is specifically requested. If you are among test takers choosing to take the GRE at home, you can only test using a computer.

V. GRE General vs. GRE Subject Tests

The GRE general test and GRE subject tests are both delivered by ETS but are intended for different groups of test takers. The general test determines general academic readiness. GRE subject tests measure test takers' knowledge about a specific subject. GRE Subject tests are primarily paper-based but a computer-based subject test has been piloted. You should take the GRE subject test if your program requires or recommends a subject test to test your academic readiness in a specific discipline or if you want to strengthen your application. Test takers should take the GRE general test if a program requires it or if you are unsure of your desired academic field and want to strengthen your applications—the GRE general test is accepted by many programs, even if not required. The subject test impacts admissions because it demonstrates your knowledge in a specific field and strengthens your application if your GPA is low. 

VI. When and Where Can You Take the GRE?

The GRE general test is available year-round. GRE tests are taken either in a test center or your home. GRE general test availability depends on a specific test center. The home GRE general test is available for test takers 24/7 and 365 days a year. But what is GRE test availability like for the subject test? If test takers are taking a GRE subject test, these are available during specific times of the year and can only be taken in a test center. 

VII. How to Register for the GRE

To register for general GRE tests, follow these steps:

1. Create an ETS account on the official ETS website.
2. Click “Sign In/Register.”
3. If you don’t have an account, click “Create an account.”
4. Fill in the information to create your account.
5. Log in to your ETS account; you will now see the “GRE home” dashboard.
6. Click “register/find test center/dates.”
7. elect if you are taking your general test at home or at a test center.
8. Search by location (if you are using a test center) or test date ranges for home testing.
9. Confirm availability. Click “register.”
10. Verify your personal information and confirm.
11. Pay the test fee and wait for your confirmation email.

Test takers can register for the general test year-round, but if your test day is popular, it may fill quickly, so GRE test takers should register 2–4 months early. You must register at least 2 days before your test day. Acceptable IDs for test day must be physical, original, government-issued, and current. If test takers need to reschedule or cancel their test day, this should be done at least four days in advance to receive available refunds.

VIII. How Much Does the GRE Cost?

The standard fee for the GRE general test is US $220 and US $150 for a subject test. These fees are usually equivalent worldwide. Four score reports are included in this fee; additional reports of your GRE scores are US $40 per school. If you swap your test center, it costs US $55. An additional US $55 is applied for rescheduling your test date. These fees are identical for a subject test. If cancelling your GRE general test a minimum of four days before your originally booked test date, you will receive 50% back of your original USD $220 fee. A refund of 50% if cancelled four days in advance of your original test date also applies to a cancelled subject test. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, low-income individuals, and members of underrepresented groups may be eligible for GRE general test or subject test fee reductions. This reduction allows you to take the GRE general test or a subject test for half of the original cost. 

IX. Who Accepts GRE Scores?

Many graduate schools worldwide accept GRE test scores. GRE scores are accepted by schools in the USA, Europe, Asia, and others. Common programs that accept GRE scores from test takers include graduate business and law schools and programs in humanities, sciences, math, education, and public policy. To answer the question “What is GRE exam acceptance like in top-tier schools?,” schools accepting test scores include MIT and Harvard the USA, and Oxford in the UK. 

X. How Long Are GRE Scores Valid?

GRE scores are valid for five years after your test day. This applies to both the subject test and the general test.

XI. How to Prepare for the GRE in 2025

Before beginning test prep, test takers should determine their target GRE scores to ascertain how much studying they need to do. An important aspect of preparing for GRE tests is creating a study schedule for test prep. If you’re wondering, “What is a GRE test study schedule that works for me?" aim for the following: For above-average test scores between 300 and 310, aim to study for 2–3 months. For competitive GRE scores of 310–320, study for 3–4 months. For top-tier GRE scores of 330 - 340 and over, study 4–6 months. Familiarize yourself with the GRE general test format and its sections. Your test prep should include multiple timed and full-length practice tests. Isolate your weak points and use extra test prep time for these. Test takers should use high-quality study materials from reputable sources for test prep, like the Educational Testing Service Official GRE Guide, latest edition. Make sure to balance your test prep with rest. Avoid test prep mistakes like cramming without doing practice tests or studying for your GRE tests by only watching videos or rereading notes.

XII. FAQ 

Q: Can I retake the GRE?

A: Yes, you can retake the GRE. GRE test takers can retake the GRE general test every 21 days and up to 5 times in 12 months. GRE subject tests can be retaken every 14 days, though the Educational Testing Service only offers GRE subject tests two weeks per month in April, September, and October. Therefore, test takers may be able to retake a subject test back-to-back in the fall, but not in the spring. The above applies to test takers testing at home and in a test center.

Q: Is the GRE required for all grad programs?

A: No, it is not required for every graduate program. It is most likely to be required for certain programs like engineering or computer science or by competitive Ivy League schools at the PhD level. To determine if your graduate program requires or will accept GRE scores, look for terms like “GRE optional,” “GRE not required,” or “GRE required” on the admission page of your graduate school.

Q: What's the difference between GRE and GMAT?

A: The GRE and the GMAT are both types of standardized test used for graduate school admissions, but with differences. The GRE is used for admission into various graduate programs, including but not limited to law schools, engineering, and humanities programs. The GMAT applies to graduate business and management programs. While the GRE tests the analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills of test takers, the GMAT measures test takers' verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and data insight skills, skills requisite for success in graduate business programs.

Q: Is the GRE hard?

A: Whether you or other GRE test takers find the GRE hard depends on different factors, including how much you prepare for the GRE, your academic background, your English proficiency, and how well you function on test day. If you are applying to an extremely competitive graduate program with many other GRE test takers, the GRE will be harder because your test scores will need to be higher.