What Is The GRE Exam (Graduate Record Examination): Everything You Need To Know About GRE Test

“GRE: 4 hours that can shape your future.” That’s what grad school hopefuls face. But here’s the kicker – 68% of test-takers feel unprepared on exam day. Why? Because they’re drowning in a sea of outdated advice and confusing prep materials.

You’re smarter than that. You know the GRE isn’t just another hurdle – it’s your springboard to top graduate programs. But time’s ticking, and you need answers. Fast. How do you crack the GRE code? What separates high scorers from the rest? Stick around. We’re about to spill the secrets that could land you in your dream school.

This guide is the go-to GRE exam guide for all test takers, seeking what this exam is all about:

What Exactly Is The GRE Test? And Should You Take The GRE?

In a nutshell, the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test for grad school hopefuls. It measures your verbal reasoning, math skills, and GRE analytical writing. The test has three main parts:

• Verbal (word problems and reading)
• Quantitative (math)
• Analytical Writing (essays)

Scores range from 130 to 170 for Verbal and Math, and 0 to 6 for Writing. Most top universities in the USA and around the world use your GRE score to decide if you’re a good fit for their program(s).

Should you take it? If you’re aiming for grad school in fields like science, engineering, or humanities, the GRE is often your go-to. But hold on – if business school is your target, you’ve got options (GMAT). Many B-schools accept both the GRE and GMAT, but mostly they prefer the GMAT exam. The GRE is a solid choice if you’re keeping your options open or prefer a more versatile test. It’s also great if you shine in verbal skills. But if you are looking for an MBA or any other business-related program, I would suggest you go for the GMAT to improve your chances.

And, What Is The GRE Subject Test? What’s The Difference?

The GRE Subject Test is a whole different beast from the General Test. While the General GRE tests broad skills, Subject Tests get deep into specific fields. They’re like academic Olympic events for your chosen subject.

ETS, the people behind the GRE, offer these tests in six areas: GRE Biotechnology, Chemistry, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. Each test is a tough, two-hour and fifty-minute marathon of multiple-choice questions. They’re designed to show off your in-depth knowledge and critical thinking in your field.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main differences:

GRE General Test	GRE Subject Test
Tests broad academic skills	Tests deep knowledge in a specific field
Required by most graduate programs	Only required by some specialized programs
Offered year-round	Offered three times a year (September, October, April)
Computer-based (mostly)	Paper-based only
Scores valid for 5 years	Scores valid for 5 years
Scored 130-170 for Verbal and Quant, 0-6 for Writing	Scored on a 200-990 scale, with sub-scores for some subjects

How To Register For The GRE Exam On ETS Account?

You need to take the following steps to register for the GRE exam – It is not that hard, trust me: 

1. Create an ETS Account

Go to the ETS website and set up an account with your personal details, including your full name and email address. This account is necessary for registering for any GRE exam and accessing your scores for admission. Ensure the name matches your ID for GRE exam day.

2. Log into Your ETS Account

Once your account is created, log in to manage your GRE application. Here, you can view available test dates, access test content, and use GRE prep resources like Kaplan Test Prep. This will help you prepare effectively for the exam.

3. Select Your Test Type

Choose between the GRE General Test or a GRE Subject Test, depending on the GRE requirement of the programs you’re applying to. The GRE General Test, often accepted in lieu of the GMAT, is widely used for admission to many graduate programs.

4. Choose Your Testing Location or Home Option

ETS allows flexibility in choosing where to take the exam. You can opt to take the test at a center or at home. The shorter GRE exam format is available for both options, and the GRE consists of sections on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.

5. Select Your Test Date

Pick a test date that aligns with your study schedule. The GRE General Test can be taken once every 21 days, up to five times within a continuous rolling 12-month period. Ensure your selected date gives you ample time for preparation, as your scores will be used for admission to graduate programs.

6. Pay the Registration Fee

The GRE registration fee is generally around $220, though this can vary by country. ETS offers a fee reduction program for eligible test takers. This fee covers your test registration and sending your scores to selected schools. After this, all you need to do is take care of your GRE documentations, until the exam day.

5 Things You Should Consider Before Taking The GRE

I have, a lot, speaking on why you can take the GRE exam but have I given you the heads up on what you need to know before taking this graduate management admission test?

Here’s what you need to know:

1. GRE Exam Dates and Test Time

The GRE General Test is offered year-round. You can take the test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period. The test time is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, covering the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing sections. Plan your GRE exam date carefully to allow enough time for preparation and practice tests.

2. GRE Exam Fee

The standard GRE fee is about $220, with potential additional costs for rescheduling or extra score reports. ETS offers a fee reduction program for those who qualify. Make sure you budget for both the test and any possible retakes within a continuous 12-month period.

3. Eligibility and Program Requirements

Check that your target programs accept GRE scores for admission. Many graduate schools accept the GRE, and some programs may accept the GRE in lieu of other standardized exam. Make sure the GRE exam fits your program’s requirements before you schedule your test date.

4. Test Format: In-Center or At Home

You can choose to take the GRE at a test center or at home. Both formats have the same test content, including the verbal reasoning section, quantitative reasoning, and the analytical writing assessment. Ensure you are comfortable with the format before you take the test.

5. Benefits of the GRE for Graduate Programs

The GRE® test is widely accepted by graduate programs, and your scores, which range from 130 to 170 for most sections, will be used in admission decisions. Scoring well can strengthen your application to competitive programs. Consider how your scores on a test taken previously or a planned test will help you achieve your goals.

What Is The Exam Pattern Of Graduate Record Examination?

One of the biggest challenges that test takers face when preparing for the GRE is managing time effectively during the exam. With the pressure of completing multiple sections, all while maintaining accuracy, it can be brutal for many test takers. The time crunch often leads to rushed answers, especially in sections like verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning.

This is why test preparation is crucial—using resources like the best GRE books can help applicants train to manage time while keeping a clear focus on the test content. The GRE is a standardized test that evaluates your readiness for graduate programs, so mastering the time limits and format is key to success.

The GRE General Test is offered year-round and consists of multiple sections designed to assess various skills that are critical for graduate-level work. Here’s the breakdown of the GRE pattern:

• Verbal Reasoning: This section tests your ability to understand and analyze written material, assess relationships between parts of sentences, and recognize relationships among words and concepts. It includes reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. Scores for this section range from 130 to 170 in one-point increments.
• Quantitative Reasoning: This section measures your problem-solving ability using basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Like the verbal section, your score ranges from 130 to 170, based on performance in questions related to quantitative comparison, problem-solving, and data interpretation.
• Analytical Writing Assessment: This section assesses your critical thinking and analytical writing skills. You’ll be required to complete two writing tasks: analyzing an issue and analyzing an argument. Your score for this section ranges from 0 to 6, measured in half-point increments.
• Unscored Section: In addition to the scored sections, the GRE consists of an unscored section, which could be verbal or quantitative. It is used for research purposes by ETS and does not affect your final score, though you won’t know which section it is during the exam.

10 Top Universities Across The World That Accept GRE Scores For Admission

The GRE is a widely recognized and accepted exam for graduate school admissions across the globe. Many top universities, from business schools to engineering programs, accept GRE scores for admission. Whether you’re aiming for a master’s degree in a specialized field, the GRE opens doors to some of the best institutions in the world. 

Below is a list of 10 top universities that accept the GRE for admission:

University	QS World Ranking (2024)	Average Annual Tuition Fees (USD)	Average Graduate Salary (USD)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	$55,000	$100,000
Stanford University	3	$56,000	$110,000
Harvard University	4	$54,000	$120,000
University of Oxford	5	$40,000	$90,000
University of Cambridge	7	$38,000	$85,000
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	10	$45,000	$95,000
University of Chicago	11	$58,000	$105,000
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	6	$54,000	$115,000
University College London (UCL)	9	$32,000	$80,000
National University of Singapore (NUS)	8	$30,000	$75,000

Conclusion

The GRE can be a bit of a beast. It’s not just about what you know—it’s about how you manage your time and tackle the questions. You’re sitting there for almost four hours, balancing between math, reading comprehension, and writing, all while keeping your energy up. That’s tough, but it’s doable.

The reality is, whether you’re aiming for top-tier schools or programs that accept GRE scores, this test is a common hurdle. But if you go in prepared, use solid test prep resources, and take practice tests, you’ll give yourself a real shot. It’s not just about cramming information. It’s about showing that you can think critically and handle the pressure—something that matters to the schools you’re applying to.

So, don’t overthink it. Put in the work, stay focused, and use the GRE as an opportunity to open some doors

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