What Is The Shorter GRE Exam New Format Change 2024?

In September 2023, the GRE quietly underwent a major transformation that many test-takers aren’t even aware of yet. The exam format has been revamped, changing everything from the number of questions to the test time itself. If you’re preparing for the GRE exam in 2024, you’re already facing a new version of the GRE—one that requires a fresh GRE study strategy. Ignoring these changes could leave you blindsided, making it harder to get the score you need for admissions.

But here’s the secret: those who adapt quickly to these changes have an edge. This guide will reveal what’s different, from the new test structure to tips for mastering the updated verbal and GRE analytical writing sections, so you can be ahead of the game. Whether it’s maximizing your 10-minute break or leveraging key question types, knowing this information will be crucial to your GRE success in 2024.

What Is New In The GRE Exam 2024?

The GRE exam in 2024 has seen some important changes that every test-taker should be aware of. These updates have made the test more streamlined and focus on core skills that are crucial for graduate admissions. Below is a detailed explanation of what’s new and what you need to know to ace the GRE.

• Shorter Exam Time: The overall test time has been reduced, making the GRE shorter than previous versions. This helps reduce test-taker fatigue while still evaluating key skills.
• Fewer Questions: The number of questions in each section—analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning—has been reduced. This change requires a more focused test strategy to achieve your desired GRE score.
• Analytical Writing Section: The analytical writing section still plays a critical role in assessing your writing skills, including how well you can organize an argument essay and present your ideas clearly and effectively.
• New Focus on Critical Thinking: The 2024 GRE places even more emphasis on question types that assess your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, particularly in verbal and quantitative reasoning.
• Unscored Section: The GRE still includes an unscored section that helps ETS refine future exams. This section doesn’t count toward your official GRE score, but it’s important to stay focused as it can appear anywhere during the test.
• 10-Minute Break: The exam includes a 10-minute break to help you recharge and stay sharp for the remainder of the test. Properly managing this break can improve your performance, especially in longer sections.
• Adapt Your Test Prep: With these new changes, it’s essential to adjust your test prep to match the new version of the GRE. Focus on improving your critical thinking, analytical writing, and readiness for the updated question types.

What Is Staying The Same?

Even though the GRE exam has undergone significant changes in its format starting in September 2023, several key elements have remained the same. These aspects continue to make the GRE a rigorous and valid measure of readiness for graduate and professional programs, including law schools, that rely on this test for admissions.

Test Rigor and Validity

Despite the new GRE format being shorter, the test still maintains its rigor and validity. Schools can evaluate your readiness for graduate-level work through the same core components that have always been part of the GRE. The verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections remain critical in measuring your ability to analyze and solve problems—essential skills for graduate programs.

Core Sections

The shorter GRE test still includes the same key sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. These sections continue to assess your analytical writing skills and reasoning abilities, helping institutions understand your strengths and how prepared you are for graduate and professional program admissions.

Question Types and Structure

While the number of questions has been reduced, the types of questions in each section—whether it’s the verbal or quantitative reasoning—remain consistent with the previous GRE test-taking experience. The test’s structure, which challenges your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, hasn’t changed, ensuring that the GRE still offers a robust evaluation.

Scoring

The GRE score scale is still the same, allowing institutions to easily compare scores from the current GRE to previous years. The official GRE test remains a key benchmark for schools to assess your ability and readiness for graduate and professional programs.

Test Preparation

If you’ve already started preparing using existing official GRE prep materials, don’t worry! You can still use the existing official GRE test prep online to practice. ETS has ensured that the new GRE format retains enough similarity with the previous test that your preparation will continue to be effective. Whether you’re preparing for the GRE at home or in a test centre, your GRE preparation strategies won’t need a complete overhaul.

At-Home Testing Option

For those preferring the flexibility of taking the GRE at-home, that option remains available in the new GRE format. This gives test-takers more flexibility in scheduling and allows them to complete the shorter GRE test from the comfort of their home.

What Is The Need For The GRE New Format: Reasons Behind The Changes?

The GRE’s format change, wasn’t just a random move—it was driven by the need to adapt to the evolving demands of both test-takers and institutions. Here are some of the key reasons behind the significant changes:

Reducing Test-Taker Fatigue

One of the primary motivations for shortening the GRE was to alleviate the stress and fatigue associated with the lengthy test. Previously, the exam took up to 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete, leaving many test-takers mentally exhausted by the end. By reducing the overall test time to 1 hour and 58 minutes, ETS aimed to create a better test-taking experience while maintaining the same rigour and validity of the exam.

More Efficient Test-Taking Experience

The new GRE format cuts down the number of questions, making the test-taking process more efficient. This change doesn’t compromise the exam’s ability to assess core skills like verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Instead, it offers a streamlined approach to evaluate readiness for graduate and professional programs without overwhelming students.

Meeting Modern Needs

Graduate and professional schools, including law schools, are looking for efficient ways to assess candidates without compromising on the quality of evaluation. The shorter GRE helps institutions maintain a rigorous admissions process while also speeding up the evaluation of applicants. As competition grows, schools need faster ways to compare scores, and this new format offers a quicker turnaround, allowing for faster admissions decisions.

Adapting to Test-Taker Preferences

The shorter GRE test was introduced in response to feedback from students who desired a less time-consuming exam. Many test-takers had expressed concerns about the length of the previous version, leading ETS to create a more manageable and flexible option. Whether taken at home or in a test center, the new format offers a more convenient testing experience that better fits into the busy lives of today’s students.

Conclusion

The test is now shorter, less exhausting, and more efficient. Sure, it’s still a challenging exam, but the good news is that you won’t be stuck in a test center (or at your desk at home) for nearly four hours anymore. Instead, you’ll be done in just under two. That’s a win, right?

The best part is, even though the GRE has slimmed down, it still holds the same weight when it comes to admissions. Schools will still get a clear picture of your readiness for graduate programs, and you still have the same core sections to prepare for. Remember to adapt your prep strategy to these changes, and you’ll have an edge. Keep calm, focus on the essentials, and you’ll be ready to tackle the new GRE like a pro.

Master the GRE and pave your way to academic success with Ambitio. Our expertly crafted resources and targeted preparation approach are designed to build your confidence and proficiency, helping you secure a top percentile score that opens doors to prestigious graduate programs.

FAQs