The Complete GRE General Test Guide (2025)

Welcome! If you’re aiming for graduate or business school, the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test is likely a key part of your application journey. Navigating the specifics of this important exam can feel overwhelming, but you’ve come to the right place. As a GRE expert, I’ve designed this guide to be your one-stop resource, covering everything from the test structure and scoring to registration and effective preparation strategies.

The GRE landscape shifted in late 2023, resulting in a significantly shorter, more streamlined test. This guide reflects all the latest changes, ensuring you have the most current information for your 2025 test date. Whether you’re just starting to think about the GRE or are deep into your preparation, this comprehensive overview will provide clarity and direction.

Table of Contents

What is the GRE General Test?

The GRE General Test is a standardized exam used by thousands of graduate schools, business schools, and fellowship sponsors worldwide to evaluate applicants’ readiness for advanced academic work. It’s developed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

Purpose: The test measures skills considered crucial for success in graduate-level studies, independent of any specific field. These include:

Verbal Reasoning: Your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, synthesize information, understand relationships between words and concepts, and recognize relationships among different parts of sentences.
Quantitative Reasoning: Your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information, solve problems using mathematical models, and apply basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
Critical Thinking & Analytical Writing: Your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively, support ideas with relevant reasons and examples, examine claims and accompanying evidence, sustain a focused and coherent discussion, and control the elements of standard written English.

Who Takes It? Primarily, prospective applicants to master’s, MBA, specialized master’s in business, J.D., and doctoral programs take the GRE General Test.

Who Accepts It? Thousands of institutions globally accept GRE scores. You can find a list on the official ETS website.

Gre General Test vs. Gre Subject Tests: It’s important to distinguish the GRE General Test from the GRE Subject Tests. The General Test assesses broad skills, while Subject Tests (available in fields like Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology) measure undergraduate achievement in specific disciplines. Check your target programs’ requirements to see if a Subject Test is needed. Learn More About GRE Subject Tests.

GRE General Test Structure and Format (Updated for 2025)

The most significant recent change is the test’s duration – it’s now much shorter, taking just under two hours to complete, compared to nearly four hours previously. The GRE General Test is primarily computer-delivered (though paper-delivered options exist in limited locations) and employs section-level adaptation for the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections. This means your performance on the first section of Verbal Reasoning determines the difficulty level of the second Verbal Reasoning section (and similarly for Quantitative Reasoning). Your final score reflects both the number of questions answered correctly and the difficulty level of the sections you received.

Here’s the breakdown of the sections:

Analytical Writing (AWA)

- Number of Tasks: 1 essay task (“Analyze an Issue”)
- Time Allotted: 30 minutes
- What it Measures: This section assesses your ability to think critically about a topic of general interest and clearly articulate your position on it, supporting your points with relevant reasons and examples. You’ll need to present a well-focused, coherent, and persuasive argument.

A related resource: Deep Dive into the GRE AWA Section.

Verbal Reasoning

Number of Sections: 2 sections
Number of Questions: Approximately 27 questions total (Section 1: 12 questions; Section 2: 15 questions)
Time Allotted: Approximately 41 minutes total (Section 1: 18 minutes; Section 2: 23 minutes)
What it Measures: This tests your ability to understand complex texts, analyze arguments, draw conclusions, and grasp the meaning of words and sentences.
Question Types:
- Reading Comprehension: Read passages and answer questions about main ideas, details, inferences, vocabulary, tone, and structure.
- Text Completion: Fill in one, two, or three blanks in short passages using provided word choices to create coherent and meaningful text.
- Sentence Equivalence: Select two different words from six choices that, when used to complete a single-blank sentence, produce sentences alike in meaning.

Quantitative Reasoning

Number of Sections: 2 sections
Number of Questions: Approximately 27 questions total (Section 1: 12 questions; Section 2: 15 questions)
Time Allotted: Approximately 47 minutes total (Section 1: 21 minutes; Section 2: 26 minutes)
What it Measures: This assesses your basic mathematical skills, understanding of elementary mathematical concepts, and ability to reason quantitatively and solve problems with quantitative methods. Covers Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis.
On-Screen Calculator: A basic calculator is provided on-screen. Practice using it, but also develop your mental math skills and estimation abilities.

A related resource: Conquering GRE Quantitative Reasoning.

Important Notes:

Section Order: The Analytical Writing section always comes first. The Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections can appear in any order after that.
Test Features: The computer-delivered test is user-friendly. You can:
- Mark & Review: Flag questions within a section to return to later if time permits.
- Navigate Freely: Move back and forth between questions within a section.
- Change Answers: Edit your answers within a section before time runs out.

Understanding GRE Scores

Understanding how the GRE is scored helps you set realistic goals and interpret your results.

Score Scales:
- Verbal Reasoning: 130–170 (in 1-point increments)
- Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170 (in 1-point increments)
- Analytical Writing: 0–6 (in half-point increments)
How Scores Are Calculated: Your Verbal and Quantitative scores are based on the number of questions you answer correctly and the difficulty level of the sections you received (due to section-level adaptation). Importantly, there is no penalty for incorrect answers, so you should attempt every question. The AWA score is based on holistic ratings by a trained human reader and the e-rater®, an ETS computerized scoring engine.
What is a “Good” Score? This is subjective and depends heavily on the programs you’re applying to. Schools often publish average or minimum scores for admitted students. Look at percentiles, which show how your score compares to other test-takers. Aim for scores at or above the average for your desired programs. What is a Good GRE Score?
Score Validity: Your GRE scores are valid for five years from your test date.
ScoreSelect® Option: This valuable feature lets you decide which GRE scores from your reportable history to send to institutions. You can choose to send only your Most Recent scores or All scores from the past five years. On test day, you can send your scores from that specific test administration for free.
Receiving Scores: You’ll see your unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores on-screen immediately after completing the test. Your official scores, including your AWA score, will be available in your ETS account approximately 10–15 days after your test date.

GRE Registration: Dates, Fees, and Process

Registering for the GRE is straightforward, but planning ahead is essential.

How to Register: The easiest and most common method is online through your ETS account. You can also register by phone or mail, though these methods are less common. Ensure the name you register with exactly matches the name on the identification documents you’ll present on test day.
When to Register: The computer-delivered GRE is offered year-round at test centers worldwide and via the At Home option. Register early (at least several weeks, preferably months, in advance) as popular dates and times fill up quickly. Choose a date that allows ample time for preparation and potential retakes before application deadlines.
Test Locations: You can choose between taking the test at an authorized test center or the GRE General Test at Home. The At Home option requires specific equipment, software, and a suitable testing environment. Check the ETS website for details and availability in your region.
Finding Dates/Centers: Use the search tool on the ETS website to find available dates and locations near you or check At Home availability.
GRE Fees (as of April 2025): The fee for the GRE General Test is currently around $220 USD. Please verify the exact fee on the official ETS website as it can change. Additional fees apply for services like rescheduling ($50 USD), changing your test center ($50 USD), or ordering additional score reports ($35 USD per recipient).
ID Requirements: For test centers in most countries, a valid, original passport with your name, photograph, and signature is the primary acceptable form of ID. Check the specific ID requirements on the ETS website before your test day. Do not bring photocopies or expired documents.

Effective GRE Preparation Strategies

Success on the GRE isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about strategy and practice.

- Start Early: Give yourself adequate time. Most successful test-takers dedicate 4 to 12 weeks to focused preparation, depending on their starting point and score goals. Avoid cramming.
- Take a Diagnostic Test: Before you begin studying, take a full-length official practice test (like the free POWERPREP® Online tests from ETS) under timed conditions. This establishes your baseline score and highlights your strengths and weaknesses. Ready to see where you stand? Take our free GRE practice test now!
- Set Realistic Goals: Research the average GRE scores for admitted students in your target graduate programs. Set specific, achievable score goals for each section.
- Create a Study Plan: Structure your preparation. Allocate specific time slots each week for reviewing concepts, working through practice questions, and taking full-length practice tests. Consistency is crucial. Checkout How to Create Your Personalized GRE Study Plan.

Use Quality Resources: Prioritize official ETS materials, as they contain real past GRE questions. The Official Guide to the GRE General Test and the Official GRE Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions volumes are invaluable. Supplement with reputable third-party prep books, online courses, or tutoring if needed. Further reading: The Best GRE Prep Resources Reviewed
Focus Areas:
- Verbal: Actively build your vocabulary (use flashcards, apps, read challenging texts). Practice identifying passage structures and argument components.
- Quant: Review fundamental math concepts (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis). Focus on problem-solving strategies, not just rote memorization.
- AWA: Practice outlining essays quickly. Familiarize yourself with the official pool of “Analyze an Issue” topics available on the ETS website. Understand the scoring criteria.
Practice Regularly: Work through practice questions consistently to reinforce concepts and improve speed and accuracy.
Simulate Test Conditions: Take full-length practice tests under realistic conditions (timed sections, using only permitted materials like scratch paper and the on-screen calculator). This builds stamina and familiarity with the testing interface.

Taking the GRE: Test Day Tips

Minimize stress and maximize performance on test day with these tips:

Before Test Day: Get good sleep. Confirm your test center location and travel time, or ensure your At Home setup meets all requirements. Gather your valid ID and ETS confirmation email/details. Avoid heavy last-minute cramming.
During the Test:
- Manage Your Time: Keep an eye on the clock. Don’t spend too much time on any single difficult question. Make an educated guess if needed and move on.
- Use Mark & Review: Flag questions you’re unsure about to revisit later if you have time remaining in that section.
- Answer Every Question: Since there’s no penalty for wrong answers, make sure you answer every question in each section, even if it’s a guess.
- Use Scratch Paper: Utilize the provided scratch paper (or whiteboard for At Home testing) for calculations, jotting down key info from passages, or outlining your essay.
Breaks: Understand the official break policy for the current shorter test format (check ETS for specifics). Avoid taking unscheduled breaks as the timer will continue running.

After the Test: Sending Your Scores

Once the test is done, here’s what happens with your scores:

Unofficial Scores: You’ll see your unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores immediately.
Sending Free Reports: At the end of the test, before leaving the center (or closing the At Home session), you’ll have the option to send your scores from that day’s test to up to four institutions for free. Have your institution codes ready.
Official Scores: Your official scores (including AWA) will be available in your ETS account in 10-15 days.
Sending Additional Reports: If you need to send scores to more than four institutions, or if you decide to send scores later, you can order Additional Score Reports through your ETS account for a fee ($35 USD per recipient as of April 2025 – verify on ETS). You can use the ScoreSelect® option here to choose which test administration scores to send (Most Recent or All from the last 5 years).

Practice Makes Perfect: Test Your GRE Skills

Reading about the GRE is essential, but putting your knowledge into practice is critical for improvement. Regularly testing yourself helps solidify concepts, improve pacing, and build confidence.

Ready to test your knowledge and sharpen your skills? Try our targeted GRE quizzes and realistic mock tests:

Key Takeaways

Let’s quickly summarize the most crucial points about the GRE General Test:

It’s a standardized test measuring verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills essential for graduate-level study.
The current test is shorter (~2 hours) with 3 main sections (AWA, Verbal, Quant).
Scores range from 130-170 for V/Q, 0-6 for AWA. Valid for 5 years.
Register early via ETS; costs ~$220 USD (check current fees).
Effective prep involves diagnostics, planning, quality resources, and practice tests.
Answer every question; use features like Mark & Review.
Use ScoreSelect® to send your best scores.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about the GRE:

Q1: How long should I study for the GRE?
- A: Most test-takers benefit from 4-12 weeks of consistent study (e.g., 10-15 hours per week). However, the ideal time depends on your starting score, target score, and learning pace.
Q2: Can I retake the GRE? How often?
- A: Yes! You can retake the computer-delivered GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.
Q3: Is the GRE harder than the GMAT?
- A: Neither test is definitively “harder”; they test different skills and have different emphases. The GRE is often considered to have a more challenging vocabulary component, while the GMAT’s Quantitative section includes Data Sufficiency questions unique to that test. Choose based on your strengths and program requirements. To understand this better, see: GRE vs. GMAT: Which Test is Right for You?
Q4: How is the GRE scored with section-level adaptation?
- A: Your performance on the first Verbal section determines the difficulty (and thus potential scoring weight) of the second Verbal section. The same applies to Quant. Your final score considers both the number of correct answers and the difficulty level of the sections you received.
Q5: Do I need to be good at advanced math for the GRE?
- A: The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section tests fundamental concepts typically covered in high school: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis. It focuses on reasoning and problem-solving rather than advanced calculus or trigonometry. A solid understanding of the basics is essential.

Conclusion

The GRE General Test is a significant step towards your graduate school aspirations. While it requires dedicated preparation, understanding the test format, scoring, and effective strategies demystifies the process. Remember that the recent changes have made the test shorter and more focused. By using this guide, leveraging quality resources, practicing diligently, and utilizing the tools available on your website, you can approach the GRE with confidence.

Your journey to graduate school is exciting, and mastering the GRE is a manageable challenge. Take that first step today!

Ready to begin your GRE preparation? Take our Free Mini GRE Mock Test (2025 Format) to assess your level or challenge yourself with our Mock GRE Practice Tests!

The Complete GRE General Test Guide (2025)

What is the GRE General Test?