Since its inception in 1936, thousands have taken the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)® to gain admission into advanced training programs. If you want to enroll in a master’s degree program without sitting for the Graduate Admission Management Test (GMAT)™ or Law School Admission Test (LSAT)®, the GRE is your best bet.

If you have questions about the GRE, this article is for you. Learn how much the exam costs and what it covers, find out what is a good GRE score and get tips on how to study.

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What Does the GRE Cover?

The GRE is a standardized test often required for admission into graduate school. Educational Testing Service (ETS) oversees and administers the exam.

According to ETS, the majority of GRE test takers plan to enter graduate programs in life sciences, physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and engineering. However, students applying to grad school in other disciplines also take the GRE, including those planning to study business, education, humanities, arts and law.

Previously, graduate-level business schools required the GMAT as the standard screening test for admission. Today, more business schools accept the GRE as an equivalent option. In 2021, the American Bar Association voted to permit accredited law schools to accept GRE test scores instead of LSAT scores, and the percentage of law schools that accept the GRE is rising.

The GRE general test covers three primary sections:

Verbal Reasoning

The verbal reasoning section evaluates a candidate’s ability to understand words, sentences and texts. The section also measures one’s ability to understand text structure, analyze reading material and determine the author’s perspective.

The verbal reasoning section contains three question categories—reading comprehension, text completion and sentence equivalence. The assessment lasts 41 minutes, including an 18-minute section with 12 questions and a 23-minute section with 15 questions.

Quantitative Reasoning

The quantitative reasoning section of the exam measures your ability to solve problems using mathematical models. The problems presented in this section touch on topics such as algebra, arithmetic, geometry and data analysis.

This section lasts 47 minutes and consists of a 21-minute section with 12 questions and a 26-minute section with 15 questions.

Analytical Writing

The GRE’s analytical writing section evaluates your ability to articulate complex ideas and construct and evaluate arguments coherently. The section includes one timed writing task lasting 30 minutes.

This “analyze an issue” task requires you to construct an argument based on an issue highlighted in the prompt. You must also provide reasons and examples to support your viewpoint.

How Is the GRE Scored?

Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning

Scores for the verbal and quantitative reasoning measures are each ranked on a scale of 130 to 170 for a combined score of 260 to 340. First, ETS grades verbal and quantitative reasoning tests on the number of correct responses to all questions in each segment.

ETS then converts the raw score into a scaled score through the equating process. The equating process accounts for variations among multiple test versions and ensures that the test’s difficulty level and required performance stay consistent, regardless of the test edition.

The scaled score is the final grade displayed for the verbal and quantitative reasoning measures.

Analytical Writing

An experienced essay rater appointed by ETS grades each essay in the analytical writing measure on a scale of 0 to 6. Afterward, the e-rater® scoring engine—software developed by ETS to evaluate students’ writing proficiency—assigns its own scores to each essay.

If the e-rater and human-assigned grades are within the same range, the average of both grades becomes the final score. However, if the trained rater’s and e-rater’s scores differ, a second human score is obtained. Then, the average of both human-assigned scores becomes the final grade for the candidate’s analytical writing test.

What Is a Good Score on the GRE?

A “good” GRE score is subjective based on the admission requirements for your preferred graduate program. However, as with all other standardized tests, there is a benchmark you should strive for.

In the following section, we analyze the average performance of GRE test takers using data obtained by ETS from 2019 to 2022.

  • Verbal Reasoning: 150.94
  • Quantitative reasoning: 155.44
  • Analytical writing: 3.56

While it’s reasonable to consider these average scores as a benchmark, some graduate institutions may select candidates based on performance relative to other test takers, such as the percentile formula.

Candidates who scored 162 in the verbal reasoning segment and 169 in quantitative reasoning fell into about the 90th percentile, according to ETS. Candidates who scored 5.0 or higher in the analytical writing section performed better than 91% of all the other test takers.

High performance significantly increases a candidate’s chances of admission into a prestigious graduate program.

What Are the GRE Subject Tests?

The GRE subject tests evaluate a candidate’s depth of knowledge in particular fields of study. These tests are for graduate candidates who have completed an undergraduate major or significant coursework in physics, mathematics or psychology.

Each GRE subject test consists of multiple-choice questions and lasts two hours.

Taking the GRE

How to Register

  • Decide when to take the test. The GRE is offered year-round at authorized centers in over 160 countries. GRE candidates can also opt to take the test remotely. Make sure to schedule your exam before the admissions deadline, as results are released eight to 10 days after your test date.
  • Create an ETS account. The next step is to create an account that matches your identification documents. An ETS account will give you access to GRE testing updates, test preparation materials and score reports.
  • Determine where to send your scores. After paying the test fee, you can select up to four graduate institutions or fellowship sponsors to receive your scores. For an additional fee, ETS can send your scores to more than four recipients when you request additional score reports.
  • Register for the GRE. You can register for the general test at an authorized test center or at home via your ETS account. Complete the registration at least two days before your test date to get your preferred test center.

Where to Take the GRE

To find a GRE test center near you, simply search on the ETS website. However, if you meet the ETS equipment and environment requirements, you can take the general tests from the comfort of your own home.

To do so, you must meet the following equipment requirements:

  • Use a desktop or laptop
  • Use an approved and licensed operating system, such as Windows® OS for PC and Apple® OS for Macbook
  • Use a Chrome™ or Firefox® browser
  • Use a single screen or monitor for the exam
  • Use an internal or external microphone and speaker to communicate with the proctor
  • Use an internal camera or external webcam that can show a 360-degree view of the room, including your desk surface

How Much Does the GRE Cost?

The cost of GRE registration varies depending on your location. The general test fee is $220, but it is $231.30 in China and about $270 in India.

Additional fees apply to special handling requests such as rescheduling the test, changing your test center and additional scoring services.

If you need assistance covering the cost of the GRE, you can request a fee reduction voucher. The voucher covers a significant portion of the test fee, reducing the general test fee to $100 and the subject test fee to 50% off the regular fee.

GRE test fees can be paid via a credit or debit card, PayPal, eCheck or an authorization voucher.

Retaking the GRE

If your GRE scores do not meet the admission requirements of your chosen graduate school, you can retake the test after 21 days. However, note that you can only take the test up to five times within 12 months. The retesting policy applies even if you cancel your previous test scores.

GRE Preparation Tips

ETS offers complimentary sample questions to help candidates prepare adequately for the exam. In addition, the organization offers free access to Powerprep® practice tests and monthly GRE virtual events where candidates can gain insights from successful test takers.

Individuals who struggle with quantitative reasoning can improve their skills through in-depth study with Khan Academy math courses and ETS’s math review.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) About the GRE

Is the GRE a hard exam?

The GRE is generally considered demanding, although how hard it is for you depends on your individual strengths and academic background, as well as how you handle high-pressure environments such as timed exams. As an adaptive test, the GRE is designed to challenge you by delivering increasingly difficult questions the better you perform.

Do you need the GRE for a master’s?

Not necessarily, but it varies based on your desired program and your overall application profile. Some master’s programs require the GRE, while others are test-optional. If your school does not require GRE scores, it may still be advantageous to submit them if you score well, as a strong performance on the GRE can offset other areas where you may be lacking. For certain programs, such as those in business or law, you can also consider other admissions exams, such as the LSAT or GMAT.

How long should you study for the GRE?

ETS reports that test takers usually spend one to three months preparing for the exam, which aligns with most expert recommendations. Your needs may vary depending on your starting baseline (try taking a practice test before you begin studying to gauge where you need the most work), goals, schedule and learning style.