GRE Exam FAQs

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GRE Exam Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

 

GRE Exam Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the GRE and why is it important?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a global admissions test used to evaluate applicants for graduate programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. It assesses verbal and quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and general critical thinking skills. Many graduate schools consider GRE scores alongside GPA and recommendation letters when evaluating candidates (studentarrive.com.ng).

2. What are the different types of GRE tests?

  • GRE General Test: Evaluates Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning (studentarrive.com.ng).
  • GRE Subject Tests: Assess knowledge in specific fields like Biology, Chemistry, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology (studentarrive.com.ng).

3. What is the format and duration of the GRE General Test?

4. How does the paper-based GRE differ?

  • Analytical Writing: Same format (2 tasks, 60 minutes total).
  • Verbal Reasoning: Two sections, 50 questions, 70 minutes.
  • Quantitative Reasoning: Two sections, 50 questions, 80 minutes.
  • Includes unscored/research sections that do not count toward the final score (studentarrive.com.ng).

5. How is the GRE scored?

6. When will I receive my GRE scores and how long are they valid?

7. What is the GRE ScoreSelect option?

ScoreSelect allows you to choose which GRE test scores (from the past five years) to send to institutions—either your most recent or all scores—enhancing your application flexibility (studentarrive.com.ng).

8. How often can I retake the GRE?

You may retake the GRE General Test every 21 days, up to five times within a rolling 12-month period (studentarrive.com.ng).

9. How do I register for the GRE?

Register through the official ETS website by creating a test-taker profile. You may also register by phone. Applying early is recommended to secure your preferred date and test center (studentarrive.com.ng).

10. What is the cost of the GRE?

The GRE General Test costs approximately $205 (USD). Fees may vary by location (studentarrive.com.ng).

11. What ID and registration requirements exist?

For GRE at Home, you must meet specific system and room requirements, including a licensed OS, webcam, microphone, clear workspace, and a 360° room view for proctoring (studentarrive.com.ng).

12. Which universities accept GRE, and what are typical score expectations?

GRE scores are widely accepted by graduate schools and top business programs. Average scores for top-tier institutions often fall in the 150–165 range for both Verbal and Quantitative sections (studentarrive.com.ng).

13. What preparation strategies can help improve my GRE score?

  • Start studying 2–4 months before the test (studentarrive.com.ng).
  • Use authentic study materials and mock tests to assess readiness.
  • Consider crash courses, tutors, or structured self-study plans (studentarrive.com.ng).
  • Focus on error logs, time management, and understanding question types (studentarrive.com.ng).

14. Where can I find detailed information on GRE syllabus and pattern?

For a comprehensive breakdown of the GRE syllabus, test sections, and pattern, see:

How many times can I retake the GRE test?

Candidates can appear for the GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.

How to register for the computer-based GRE test?

The GRE exam is conducted round the year across the world, the aspirants are advised to register for the exam early in order to get their preferred location and test date. Candidates can register online or over the phone for their GRE exam. Other unconventional methods of registering for the GRE exam are via mail and through Fax.

Can I get admission to an MBA programme after giving GRE?

Worldwide business schools offering MBA programs also accept GRE scores. Students, who wish to study MBA can also give GRE and enrol in top-most programmes across the globe. However, it is always advisable to check the exact requirements and the eligibility criteria of the college/university/programme you want to enrol in.

GRE vs. GMAT: Which Exam Should You Take?

The major difference between GRE and GMAT is that GRE is widely accepted by colleges offering master’s courses worldwide, whereas, GMAT is accepted by colleges offering business courses globally. Therefore, students who wish to enrol in a graduate school opt for GRE, and those who want to attend business school take the GMAT. Both the exams include a verbal and quantitative section. In the verbal section, GRE assesses the vocabulary of the candidates and in GMAT the focus is more on grammar. Further, the quantitative sections of the GMAT and GRE are quite similar.

Do graduate schools have any preference when it comes to GRE and GMAT exams?

There is a general perception that business schools prefer GMAT and graduate schools are more inclined to accept GRE scores, however, there is no set preference when it comes to selecting between both the exams. Aspirants are advised to go through the requirements of the programme/institution where they wish to enrol before registering for the exam.

When and where is the GRE held?
The GRE is held year-round at test centers around the world. The ETS website has a full list of testing centers. The test is computer-based, and paper-based where computer testing is unavailable. Paper-based testing is held three times per year.

How much does the GRE cost?
The GRE costs $205. You can register for the exam on the ETS website.

Who accepts the GRE?
The GRE is accepted by thousands of graduate schools and business schools. You should research specific graduate programs to learn what tests they require.

What is the structure of the test?
The GRE is split into 6 sections: first an Analytical Writing section consisting of a 30-minute Argument Task and a 30-minute Issue task; then 2 sections each of Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, with a final “experimental” section that is either Verbal or Quantitative reasoning. After the Analytical Writing section, the remaining sections occur in random order. Some tests also have an optional “research” section after the conclusion of the exam.

How long is the GRE?
The GRE lasts for approximately 3 hours 45 minutes.

How long should I study for the GRE?
Ultimately, this is a question best answered by you, as it depends on your target score and your level of English and mathematics testing proficiency. We recommend that you take a practice test to evaluate your position, and then form a preparation strategy to reach your target score. Depending on your needs, Manhattan Review offers a variety of test-preparation resources and study programmes that may be useful as you plan your study schedule.

How much does my GRE score matter?
Depending on the student and graduate program, the GRE score can vary from a mere formality to a critical component of the application. Generally, graduate schools consider the GRE below undergraduate GPA, and about equally with letters of recommendation.

How is the GRE scored?
The GRE is scored on a scale of 130-170, in 1-point increments, for both the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6 in 0.5-point increments.

What changed in 2011?
Two major changes to the GRE were effected in 2011: the scoring system was revised from a scale of 200-800 in 10-point increments to 130-170 in 1-point increments, and the computer testing algorithm was changed from a question-adaptive to section-adaptive. Before 2011, students who answered a series of questions correctly would be faced with progressively more difficult questions. After 2011, the first Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are of average difficulty, and the difficulty of the second sections is determined by performance on the first sections. Students who perform well will “level up” to a more difficult second section. The difficulty level of the test is taken into account when the score is tabulated, a process known as “equating”.

How does the computer algorithm work?
The computer-based GRE has an adaptive algorithm that adjusts the difficulty level of the test based on the student’s performance. The first Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are of average difficulty, with a mixture of easy and difficult questions. The difficulty of the second sections is determined by performance on the first sections. Students who perform well will “level up” to a more difficult second section. The difficulty level of the test is taken into account when the score is tabulated, a process known as “equating”.

How does the paper-based test work?
The paper-based test is given three times per year in locations where computer-based testing is unavailable. All answers, including both Analytical Writing tasks, are written in the test booklet. A handheld calculater is provided for the Quantitative Reasoning sections.

What are the subject tests?
The General GRE evaluates Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The subject tests evaluate proficiency in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology; Biology; Chemistry; Literature in English; Mathematics; Physics; and Psychology.

Who administers the GRE?
The Electronic Testing Service (ETS) designs, administers, validates, and continuously updates the GRE.

Can I Retake the GRE?
Yes, once every 21 days up to five times per year for the computer-based test. You may retake the paper-based test whenever it is offered (3 times per year where computer-based testing is unavailable).

How do I submit my scores?
At the conclusion of your test, you will have the option to submit your most recent score or all of your scores from the past five years. After the test you will have the option to send specific sets of test scores. You may control which scores are sent out, but you may only send complete sets of scores (ie, you cannot combine section scores from different exams, you must send scores for an entire exam, but you may choose which exams to send).

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